Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival - SHARK NETS: WHAT'S NEXT?

OCEAN LOVERS TALKS - SHARK NETS: WHAT'S NEXT?

Join Environmental policy expert Dr Chris Neff, Marine Biologist spokesperson Lawrence Chlebeck and CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW Steven Pearce, to discuss the effectiveness of shark nets and the future direction needed to protect both the general public and our beautiful marine life.

Hosted by ABC's Natasha Mitchell, our panel of experts, campaigners and innovators will unravel the highly contested debate on shark nets, false assumptions, impacts and what are the alternatives available now. The discussion will include science, policy, alternatives and eco barriers plus some campaigner perspectives. 

Dr Chris Pepin-Neff received the first PhD on "the politics of shark attacks" from the University of Sydney in 2014. They are a Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at the University of Sydney and author of the book "Flaws: Shark Bites and Emotional Public Policymaking," which was published in 2019. Chris' research includes public perceptions of sharks and policy responses to human-shark interactions, including shark nets. Their research has been noted in the New York Times, the Economist, and the Guardian, with academic publications in the journals Biology, Human Dimensions of Wildlife, and the Australian Journal of Political Science.

As a marine ecologist specializing in conservation, research and outreach, Lawrence Chlebeck has worked to engender sustainable, ethical relationships between wildlife, the ocean and the public. He has worked as a field biologist, environmental consultant, naturalist and project coordinator. Lawrence’s work at HSI is focused on marine campaigns involving shark welfare and protection - specifically in regards to culling and control programs, as well as the over-exploitation and bycatch, and international protection of marine species and ecosystems.

Steven Pearce is the Chief Executive Officer Surf Life Saving NSW, a gazetted emergency service within NSW emergency management arrangements and is the peak body for coastal aquatic rescue in NSW. SLSNSW comprises over 76000 volunteers and 1000 full time and casual staff. Steven joined SLSNSW in 2017 and has an extensive 31-year background in emergency services, political relationships and emergency and crisis management, having worked for Fire Rescue NSW, the NSW State Emergency Service and consulting to major corporate organizations to in crisis and emergency management preparation.

Hannah Tait is the CEO of Action for Dolphins, a marine conservation organisationdedicated to protecting dolphins and their ocean home. Hannah has been working withAction for Dolphins since 2017, including spearheading campaigns, fostering communityanddonor relations, and engaging in public affairs. With a Master of Global MediaCommunications from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of International andGlobal Studies from the University of Sydney, Hannah is particularly interested in globalissues affecting marine life.

WHERE? High Tide Room, Bondi Pavilion

WHEN? 11 am - 12 pm, Sunday 24th 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 hopeful and inspiring views 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.