Ocean Industries Join Forces On Sustainability

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Ocean business leaders to tackle shared marine environmental challenges at the international Sustainable Ocean Summit

6 May 2010 –

The World Ocean Council will convene an unprecedented range of ocean industries at the Sustainable Ocean Summit - the first international, cross-sectoral business conference on “Corporate Ocean Responsibility”(Belfast, UK, 15-17 June, 2010). Ocean business leaders will work together develop the leadership, collaboration and practical programs needed to ensure private sector use of the marine environment is responsible and sustainable.

The ocean supports a wide range of uses - shipping, fisheries, oil and gas, aquaculture, renewable energy, mining, tourism, etc. While many companies are making important efforts to reduce their ocean footprint, the best efforts by a single company or sector won’t be enough in an interconnected ocean ecosystem. Sustaining ocean health requires responsible use and stewardship by all users.

A growing number and range of industries share the World Ocean Council (WOC) vision of a healthy and productive global ocean and its sustainable use and stewardship by responsible companies. They are joining this unique international business leadership alliance on ocean sustainability and are calling on others to participate in the WOC and the Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS).

The SOS is an unprecedented gathering of the diverse ocean business community around the theme of “Reducing Risk, Increasing Sustainability: Solutions through Collaboration”. It will kick-off with the inaugural “Roundtable of Ocean Industry Association Leaders”, an unparalleled gathering of nearly 20 international ocean-related industry associations.

During the SOS, senior business representatives and international experts will work together to identify the priorities and develop the cross-sectoral industry efforts needed to work on shared ocean sustainability issues in relation to:

·         Ocean Industries and Ocean Science

·         Climate Change and Ocean Use

·         Marine Ecosystem Services and Climate Change

·         International Ocean Policyand the Future of Industry

·         Risk and Ocean Environmental Issues

·         Environmental Education and Training for Marine Professionals

·         Biosecurity and Invasive Species

·         Ocean Industries and Marine Mammal Interactions

·         Marine Debris

·         Food From Crowded Seas

·         Renewable Energy From Crowded Seas

·         Vessels, Ports and Marine Environmental Quality

·         Arctic Marine Ecosystem Challenges and Opportunities for Industry

·         Regional Approaches to Ocean Industry Alliances

In the closing plenary on “Improving Media, Public and NGO Understanding of Ocean Industries”, SOS participants will work with media representatives to improve communications on the role and actions of responsible ocean businesses.

A special half-day seminar on “Marine Spatial Planning - What Ocean Industries Need to Know” will bring together experts and industry representatives to focus on this rapidly emerging approach to marine governance and develop the proactive role of industry involvement.

The Sustainable Ocean Summit isorganized in partnership with Golder Associates and is open to all ocean stakeholders. For information and registration visit www.oceancouncil.org 

The World Ocean Council is the international, cross-sectoral industry alliance for private sector leadership and collaboration in ocean stewardship. Companies and associations worldwide are distinguishing themselves as sustainability leaders by joining the WOC as Founding Members in 2009/2010.

WOC Members to date include: ExxonMobil, Rio Tinto, the International Chamber of Shipping, RightShip, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), Twin Dolphins, Transocean, the Ocean Education, Technology and Science Partnership, Golder Associates, TORM AS, Nautilus Minerals, Det Norske Veritas (DNV),Holman Fenwick Willan, Beveridge & Diamond, P.C., Blank Rome.

Contact: Paul Holthus +1 (808) 277-9008 paul.holthus@oceancouncil.org

Source: World Ocean Council