REGISTRATION FOR THIRD ANNUAL OUR OCEAN WEALTH CONFERENCE NOW OPEN

Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth Conference 2016Global leaders in the maritime sphere will convene in Galway on Friday 1 July 2016 for the third Annual Our Ocean Wealth conference which will take place in the National University of Ireland, Galway.

'Into the Blue – Innovating for Our Marine Future' is the theme of the conference which will investigate how Ireland can innovate in each of the three goal areas of Ireland's Integrated Marine Plan – Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth, namely: a thriving maritime economy, healthy ecosystems and engagement with the sea.

The conference, an initiative of the inter-departmental Marine Coordination Group, will review progress to date on Ireland's Integrated Marine Plan – Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth (2012). It will delve into the Blue Economy with insights from industry and enterprise agencies on innovations in the marine economy. From the edge of the Atlantic the conference will look at recent collaboration between the EU, Canada and the US on Atlantic Ocean research and how this can increase our ability to map, observe and predict the ocean and its impact on our lives.

It will also examine our relationship with the ocean and look at new ways to engage citizens with the sea and educate future generations. As Maritime Spatial Planning is implemented in Ireland, the conference offers a unique opportunity to look at how we participate in the sustainable development of our oceans.

Delegates will hear perspectives from policy makers, industry leaders and researchers on the challenges and opportunities for Ireland in the Marine arena. A number of related industry, innovation and research events will also take place on Thursday 30 June 2016, in advance of the conference.

The Our Ocean Wealth conference is an integral part of Ireland's Maritime Festival, SeaFest 2016, an annual celebration of Ireland's abundant maritime resources which will take place in Galway City and Harbour on 2 & 3 July 2016.

A full conference agenda will be available in the coming weeks. For more information or to register today for the conference, please visit www.ouroceanwealth.ie.