Blue Planet: Science Beneath the Ocean

From fish to fuel, the oceans are a part of our everyday lives. This talk dives beyond science, exploring the sea through a blend of art, history, social science and economics. We will look at the evolving relationship between the sea and humans starting with ancient trade routes to tomorrow’s energy, from traditional cuisines to modern superfoods, the jobs, culture and the ocean of opportunities that has and will continue to power our lives!

We live on a blue planet where our lives depend on oceans in countless ways. Most of these connections are vital, but often invisible. The air we breathe, the food we eat, and the climate that supports our daily lives are all shaped by processes happening beneath the ocean’s surface. Yet, many of these connections remain out of sight, and therefore out of our minds.
This is where public awareness becomes crucial. When scientific knowledge reaches the wider public, it changes how people think about everyday choices, from reducing plastic use to supporting sustainable seafood, to understanding why protecting coastal ecosystems matters. Some of my work sits within this space of building awareness. When science is accessible to the public, it starts shaping how we live and care for the ocean. Generating knowledge is only the first step. Creating public awareness is what turns that knowledge into collective action