Discovering Ireland's Ocean Wealth

 

Discover Ireland’s Ocean Wealth at the Volvo Ocean Race Global Village from Saturday 30th June to Sunday 8th July 2012.

View a wide range of exciting and interesting exhibits at the Ocean Wealth Showcase highlighting the scale and value of Ireland’s ocean resources and their economic, social and environmental value to our island nation.

On Monday 2nd July, the 3rd Annual SmartOcean Conference “Getting more from our Marine Resources through Technology” takes place in the Marine Institute, Oranmore. Over 120 national and international delegates will gather to hear leaders from across the marine and ICT sectors, State Agencies and research institutes discussing the challenges and lead opportunities for translating innovative technologies into business solutions for the development of aquaculture, security & logistics and offshore energy sectors.

SmartOcean Innovation Exchange, a networking, showcasing and innovation recognition event, will take place on Tuesday 3rd July at the Ocean Wealth Showcase in the Global Village. The objective is to support companies to innovate in the marine sector and to excite the investment community and the public about the potential of new technologies and opportunities opening in this area. On the day, three nominated companies will be recognised for their innovations at the 2012 Innovator of the Year Awards Ceremony, sponsored and announced by SmartBay Ltd.

A marine careers and recruitment event will take place on the 5th and 6th of July with a wide range of companies (shipping, technology, research, energy etc.), actively recruiting at the Ocean Wealth Showcase. Experienced HR specialists will be on hand to provide advice on preparing for a career in the Marine sector. Or if you’re not ready for a job yet and you are interested in training or research opportunities there will be lots of relevant information available from the Third Level sector.  

On the 6th of July a focus on marine environment, deep sea ecosystems and climates change sees a number of distinguished and expert speakers sharing their work with us.  

Topics include: ·        

  • Mapping Ireland’s Seabed – Why & How? Koen Verbruggen, Geological Survey of Ireland         
  • How Climate Change is bringing about Amazing Changes in our Marine Life.Dr. Ken Whelan, author, international researcher and lecturer with UCD       
  • Deep Water Coral Reefs: Ireland’s Hidden Treasures. Dr Anthony Grehan, NUIG
  • The Challenges of Managing and Protecting Ireland’s Water. Micheal O’Cinneide, Director of Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Protection Agency  

Concluding the week of events on the 7th and 8th of July, ‘Staying Safe at Sea’ is an event highlighting the importance of safety at sea. Ocean Wealth Showcase exhibitors will be offering safety talks and advice to visitors including lifejacket health checks and stay safe at sea practical workshops.  

Family Fun Days taking place on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July will entice and encourage children of all ages to learn about the marine. They will get the opportunity to earn a Pirates Higher Diploma (PHD) through cartoon drawing classes, learn about BIMs Lobster V-notching conservation scheme and attend the World Premiere of the Winning Animations of the 2012 Follow the Fleet Schools Essay Competition.  

Among the exhibitors at the Marine pavilion are the Marine Institute, Commissioners of Irish Lights, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency, Bord Iascaigh Mhara – Sea Fisheries Board, The Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC), National University of Ireland Galway,  SmartBay Ireland Ltd., the Coastguard, Geological Survey of Ireland, and Galway Atlantaquaria

For details of the programme of activities visit http://www.letsdoitgalway.com/     

ENDS