Thoughts from the 7th International Marine Conservation Conference (IMCC)

From 13 – 18 October 2024, the 7^th International Marine Conservation Conference (IMCC) was held in Cape Town.

This is the largest gathering of ocean conservationists in the world, bringing together an astounding and diverse array of ocean lovers from around the world – from scientists, policymakers, and conservationists to journalists, filmmakers, and students. The IMCC connects and collaborates with members of this vibrant community to share research, tools, and lessons that could further our understanding of marine science and policy. The theme of this year’s IMCC was “Make Marine Science Matter”.

Amongst the attendees were enthusiastic Two Oceans Aquarium and Foundation staff, including Dr Judy Mann-Lang (Executive of Strategic Projects), Helen Lockhart (Conservation and Sustainability Manager), and Dr Nathalie Viljoen (Head of Research). Let’s hear their thoughts on the conference…

Our Foundation’s Dr Judy Mann-Lang was a plenary speaker!

Dr Judy Mann-Lang, Executive of Strategic Projects at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, gave the plenary speech for the conference opening. She put forth some fascinating points about people and the ocean – what makes people want to care for the ocean, and how can marine conservationists empower audiences to create change?

Some food for thought from Judy’s speech:

• The most common barrier to successful science communication is that scientific jargon can be alienating to those who are not familiar with it. For example, when scientists say “theory”, non-scientists hear “speculation”.
• Establishing a connection between people and nature is vital – when the value of the ocean to people isn’t clear, it is harder to inspire change.
• Bad news without any suggestion of actionable steps forward fails to inspire action. Instead, creating the opportunity for the public to do something about an issue drives connection and builds support.
• Successful marine science communication takes into account the diversity of belief systems and cultural references of the people involved, to whatever degree. Working with communities, building local leadership, being aware of power dynamics, and involving the youth are all vital ways to empower audiences.

Let’s hear from Judy, Nathalie, and Helen…

What were your expectations going into the conference?

Judy:I expected to meet colleagues and learn more about conservation action on the ground around the world. I expected to connect with old friends and make new friends and colleagues for future research opportunities. I expected to share and to learn.

Nathalie:I was looking forward to hearing different countries’ perspectives and efforts in the conservation of the marine environment, but mostly to hear about the research bringing solutions to slow down biodiversity loss.

Helen: There were so many sessions to choose from, but the sessions I attended were informative and engaging. I expected to learn, meet people, and be inspired – the conference met my expectations and more!

What was our biggest takeaway?

Judy:Many people are working incredibly hard to ensure that the ocean receives the attention that it deserves. The range of challenges is diverse, requiring a myriad of approaches. While natural science has been one of the most important tools in the conservation toolbox in the past, social science is now probably more important. We know what is broken, and we know a lot about how to fix it – what we need is a greater understanding of people, what motivates their behaviour, and how we can support people to make the changes needed to ensure that the ocean continues to sustain life on our blue planet.

Nathalie:My biggest takeaway was that we, as scientists, should not underestimate the knowledge embedded in communities. Within the things that people see and observe through their daily lives lies a wealth of knowledge that can help your research and give your study some momentum. Working with communities and acknowledging their needs is a huge help to science: Community-based solutions can help restore and preserve species at risk.

I learned that kelp forests are declining everywhere else in the world except for along our South African coastline. Our kelp forests are expanding to the east and becoming denser, driven by colder upwelling systems!

Did you have a favourite session?

Nathalie:Two or three talks that stood out for me were speaking to local people in Plettenberg Bay and Mauritius who are discovering new populations of rays and enabling researchers to obtain the species they were studying by deploying state-of-the-art scientific equipment to find focal species.

Helen: The panel discussion on “Preserving Cultural Heritage, Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, and Decolonising Marine Conservation” was challenging, humbling and inspirational. The panellists were engaging, but it was the questions from the audience and the discussions that ensued that made this session worthwhile.

What was your most memorable moment?

Nathalie: My proudest moment was the presence of the Two Oceans Aquarium and its Foundation on the stage, starting with Judy and Talitha Noble-Trull (Turtle Conservation Centre Manager) doing oral presentations and with Alexandra Panagiotou (Aquatic Scientist at the Turtle Conservation Centre), who presented a poster. For Talitha and Alex, it was incredible to see our sea turtles and their wellbeing shared on an international platform, which I am sure has elevated not only our team members but also our methodologies and practices. To also see another MSc (UWC) student present our long-term plastics in sea turtle post-hatchlings data set was memorable.

How do you see potential collaborations/connections growing from this conference?

Judy:Many of the people I connected with are working in the Ocean Literacy space – so those connections will continue. I also met many bright, young scientists who are interested in more trans-disciplinary work – and I hope to involve them in our People and Ocean work in future.

Helen:There is a lot of fantastic work being done around the world, with a lot of passion and love for the ocean. The next generation of scientists, conservationists, filmmakers, policymakers, etc., have their work cut out for them, but they are a committed bunch of people. The ocean needs everyone on board, and the more work we do in understanding people and their relationship to the ocean, the better the chance we have of caring for it.

What are your hopes for the future of marine conservation following the IMCC7?

Nathalie:I am very hopeful for the future of marine conservation as the focus on people is shifting – to care for the ocean, we need to care for the people that engage with the oceans, and with that shared responsibility, we will do better. I hope to connect with fellow researchers on microplastics, ray, and kelp research, as well as focus on simplicity. Focus on what you are passionate about and collaborate with people with the same passion. I would also like to be on stage and represent the Aquarium and the Foundation at the next IMCC.

The IMCC was an incredible gathering of like-minded people from all walks of life. We are privileged not only to have had this opportunity in Cape Town but also for members of our staff to present their work to an international audience.