OCEAN LOVERS TALKS - Beauty beasts of the ocean

Explore cutting-edge research and conservation efforts dedicated to safeguarding our marine mammals, with strategies that include studying their behaviours, protecting their habitats, and finding innovative ways to ensure their survival.

HOST:

Robin Mellon, CEO of Better Sydney Director

Robin Mellon has combined his love of the built environment, passion for sustainability, experience with supply chains, and qualifications in property and finance to become one of Australia’s experts on sustainable supply chains.

SPEAKERS:

Dr Jodi Edwards, Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Research Fellow University of Wollongong

Dr Jodi Edwards, a Walbanja woman of the Yuin Nation with Dharawal kinship ties, is a Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Research Fellow at UOW and an Honorary Adjunct Fellow at RMIT. A renowned Story Sharer, sculptor, and creative arts practitioner, she has 30+ years of experience in Cultural Education, Aboriginal research, and preserving Indigenous knowledge.

Dr Vanessa Pirotta, Macquarie University

Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a marine biologist, woman in STEM and science communicator. Vanessa has recently completed her PhD at Macquarie University, Sydney. Her research focuses on identifying conservation gaps for cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). Vanessa’s most well-known research involves the use of emerging technologies such as drones for whale conservation.

Dr Olaf Meynecke, Griffith University

Olaf graduated in Environmental Sciences from the University of Lueneburg, coordinated EU scientific panels, and earned a PhD in Marine Science at Griffith University. An award-winning researcher, he developed advanced marine tagging methods and led coastal ecology projects. As CEO of Humpbacks & High-Rises, he advances whale-climate research and marine mammal conservation in Queensland.

WHERE: High Tide Room, Bondi Pavilion

WHEN: 2.45pm - 3.05pm Sunday, March 23

Important note: Registration does not guarantee you a seat. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Ocean Lovers Talks are a feature program of the Ocean Lovers Festival bringing you inspirational talks by leaders and luminaries, scientists, innovators, adventurers and future-proofers focused on solutions to better protect our ocean, promoting hopeful and inspiring views for the future.

The Ocean Lovers Festival is an annual celebration of Ideas, Art+Music & Actions, showcasing some of the latest innovations, science, state-of-the-art technology and cool ideas for helping the ocean. Be inspired and entertained with art, music, food, talks, stalls, workshops and more. Visit our website for more information.