Turning the tide on ocean action

A one-day conference, organised by community interest company Climate Action North, is showcasing some of the extensive work taking place to restore and conserve the seas and oceans.

Held on World Ocean Day on 8 June in Sunderland, the Ocean Action Conference saw marine and rewilding experts share stories and best practice on collaborative, meaningful and impactful ocean action.

In addition to updates from the Marine Conservation Society and Rewilding Britain, the conference highlighted Project Seagrass’s work, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Solent Seagrass project, and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s activities at Spurn Point. There were also local updates on the Wild Oysters and Estuaries projects run by Groundwork NE & Cumbria, the newly formed Stronger Shores initiative at South Tyneside Council, and seagrass restoration work by Tees Rivers Trust.

The event was hosted by marine conservation and ocean action champion Emily Cunningham, who is driving local action through her #Motion4theOcean Declaration for local authorities.

Sharon Lashley, managing director of Climate Action North, said: “It was fantastic to see so many interested and engaged people in one room to share ideas and approaches to secure a future for ocean recovery. Our speakers gave inspiring and insightful presentations on how they’re overcoming the challenges in rewilding the seas, and the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly excellent.”

The conference also hosted an #OceanAction market, attended by local charities and small businesses, including artist Louise Hobson with her ocean-inspired artwork, Drake The Bookshop, the Wildlife Trusts, North Sea Rejects and Groundwork NE & Cumbria.

The event was run in partnership with marine safety specialist Swiftwater Solutions and leading coastal project Explore Seascapes.

Climate Action North reinvests all funds raised into climate action projects across the North of England. To find out about sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch via www.climateactionnortheast.org.uk.