From across the oceans

The World Ocean Council will convene a wide range of ocean industries at the Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS) – the first international, cross-sectoral business conference on ocean sustainability. The Summit will be held Belfast, UK, on 15-17 June 2010) with the theme of “Reducing Risk, Increasing Sustainability: Solutions through Collaboration”. Representatives from shipping, oil and gas, fisheries, aquaculture, ports, mining, insurance, law, finance, renewable energy, tourism, dredging, marine technology and other industries will gather to develop leadership and collaboration in addressing shared marine environmental challenges. “This event is an unparalleled gathering of leading ocean companies and industry associations committed to sustainable development, responsible business practices and addressing marine environmental challenges,” said Paul Holthus, Executive Director of the World Ocean Council.

International associations representing a broad range of ocean industries will meet in the inaugural Roundtable of Ocean Industry Association Leaders, to be held as the SOS opening plenary. Confirmed Roundtable participants include directors and senior managers of the following international industry bodies: International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA), BIMCO, International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC), International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), International Energy Agency: Ocean Energy Systems (IEA:OES), International Desalination Association (IDA), Nautical Institute, International Ship Managers Association (InterManager), International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI), International Salvage Union (ISU). Additional ocean industry association participants are asking to participate, and, although space is limited, a spot is being held for a representative from a leading international ports association.

During the SOS technical sessions, ocean business representatives will develop priorities for leadership and collaboration on critical cross-cutting marine environmental challenges:

• Sustainable Ports: Advancing green ports through multi-sectoral industry efforts.

• Risk and Ocean Environmental Challenges for Business: Understanding and managing uncertainty as a responsible ocean industry operator.

• Offshore Renewable Energy Interactions: Creating synergies and economies of scale in developing wind, wave and tidal energy and addressing interactions with other ocean users. • The Arctic Ocean: Coordinating cross sectoral industry leadership on responsible, sustainable development of the Arctic.

• Biosecurity and Invasive Species: Advancing international ocean industry collaboration in implementing solutions to stem the tide of marine invasive species.

• Food From Crowded Seas: Addressing fisheries and aquaculture interactions with other ocean industries.

• The Role of Ocean Industries in Advancing Ocean Science: Promoting cross-sectoral ocean industry leadership and collaboration in improving ocean science.

• Environmental Education and Training for Marine Professionals: Developing education and training of seafarers to address maritime industry environmental concerns.

• Sound and Marine Life: Expanding cross sectoral research and development of solutions to the impacts of noise on marine life.

• Ship Strikes and Marine Mammals: Catalysing international, cross-sectoral collaboration in developing solutions to vessel interactions with marine mammals.

• Climate Change: Fostering cross-sectoral ocean business community leadership, innovation and synergies in reducing sea based emissions.

• Carbon Capture and Storage: Developing and testing CCS as an important new use of the ocean.

• International Ocean Policy and the Future of Industry: Understanding developments in the Law of the Sea and Convention on Biological Diversity and how they will affect business.

•High Seas Marine Protected Areas and Ocean Users: Engaging industry understanding and involvement in deep sea conservation planning.

• Marine Mining and Dredging: Addressing the sustainability of seabed extraction and interactions with other ocean industries.

• Marine Debris: Establishing comprehensive international ocean industry efforts to prevent and control sea-based solid waste.

• Decommissioning Ships and Structures: Developing cost-effective international, responsible recycling and disposal of vessels and structures from a wide range of ocean industries.

• Marine and Coastal Tourism: Addressing tourism in relation to other ocean industries. A special half-day seminar on Marine Spatial Planning – What Ocean Industries Need to Know will focus on this rapidly emerging approach to marine governance and the role of industry. The SOS will close with a plenary on Improving Media, Public and NGO Understanding of Ocean Industries. Session chairs and speakers are being identified from among the leaders and experts in industry and other stakeholder groups. Limited chair and speaker opportunities are available. Interested potential chairs or speakers are encouraged to contact the WOC as soon as possible.

Early Registration Deadline: 28 February 2010.

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. For more information and registration, visit www.oceancouncil.org Contact: Paul Holthus +1 (808) 277- 9008 paul.holthus@oceancouncil.org