OCEAN LOVERS TALKS - SAVING OUR GIANTS OF THE SEA

Join panelists Hannah Tait, Laura Simmons and Associate Prof. Rachel Gray in this inspirational discussion. So much is impacting our much loved (megafauna) marine creatures – sharks, dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions and turtles. Come away enlightened by all the positive actions being done to help preserve their environments and numbers.

Hannah Tait is the CEO of Action for Dolphins, a marine conservation organisation dedicated to protecting dolphins and their ocean home. Hannah has been working with Action for Dolphins since 2017, including spearheading campaigns, fostering community and donor relations, and engaging in public affairs. With a Master of Global Media Communications from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of International and Global Studies from the University of Sydney, Hannah is particularly interested in global issues affecting marine life.

Laura Simmons is the Australia/New Zealand Regional Curator for SEA LIFE/WILDLIFE attractions. She has worked with aquariums and aquatics-related projects around the world for over 33 years. In her current role, Laura leads Merlin’s ANZ Curatorial teams in all things related to Conservation, Welfare and Engagement. She also works on several threatened species recovery teams, for species including zebra sharks, spotted handfish and White’s seahorse, and serves in global association working groups including IUCN Shark Specialist Group and Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Animal Management Committee.

Dr Rachel Gray has led over 40 field trips to remote islands in South Australia and Victoria, applying her training as a veterinarian to health and disease investigations, including disease surveillance. She has co-authored36peer-reviewed manuscripts and four book chapters and presented her work at more than30national and international conferences. Dr Gray is a member of the Antarctic Wildlife Health Monitoring group, a working group within the Expert Group of Birds and Marine Mammals for the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research. Among her many interests is her lifelong passion for wildlife (especially pinnipeds, penguins and Australian native fauna) and Antarctica.

WHERE? High Tide Room, Bondi Pavilion

WHEN? 3.30 pm - 4 pm Saturday 23rd March, 2024

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

The Volvo 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.