OCEAN LOVERS TALKS
SAVING THE OCEAN WITH SCIENCE
WHEN: Saturday 21 March 2026 | 10.00am - 4pm
& Sunday 22 March 2026 | 11.00am - 3pm
WHERE: High Tide Room, Bondi Pavilion
The Ocean Lovers Talks are a feature event of the Ocean Lovers Festival, and dives into solutions for the ocean and how we can all play a part in protecting it. Enjoy free inspirational talks by leaders and luminaries, scientists, innovators, adventurers and ocean advocates. Festival-goers can literally turn up in their swimmers to hear from change-makers and future-proofers sharing hopeful, practical, and inspiring ideas for a better blue future.
The full program drops in late January - stay tuned and sign up to be the first to know when it’s released!
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OUR TALKS PROGRAM LAUNCH
LAST YEAR'S 2025 SATURDAY PROGRAM
The urchin invasion: turning a climate crisis into a culinary cure
10.30am - 10.50am Saturday
Hosted by actress and conservationist Tessa de Josselin, with panellists: scientist Emily McLaren, University of Sydney, Chef Johnson, Melbourne Urchin Restaurant, The Roe and Dr Sahira Bell, Co-founder and Director of the Great Southern Reef Foundation.
Unchecked sea urchin population surges are ravaging marine ecosystems along the Great Southern Reef, decimating kelp forests and pushing oceans into crisis. Experts discuss the environmental impact and an unexpected solution: turning these invaders into a sought-after delicacy. Join us for a discussion on how innovation, sustainability, and cuisine can help restore ocean balance.
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Life after shark nets: a shark-smart future
11am - 11.20am Saturday
Hosted by Robin Mellon, CEO Better Sydney, with panellists Lawrence Chlebeck, Humane World for Animals, (formerly Humane Society International), Jason Iggleden, Drone Shark and Brylee Robinson, Shark Conservationist
With shark nets set to become a thing of the past, hear from the experts about shark-smart strategies helping us enjoy our local beach swims.
Young ocean crusaders: the next generation saving our seas
11.30am - 11.50am Saturday
Hosted by Sophia Skarparis, AKA PlasticFreeSophia, with panellists Jessica Lane, Miss Earth 2024, Kal Glanznig of Blue Minds and Daisy Jeffrey, Duty of Care Campaigner
Meet the passionate young changemakers, including Miss Earth 2024, who are taking the ocean’s future into their own hands for a better tomorrow for our ocean and planet.
Supernatural seadragons
and seahorses
12pm - 12.20pm Saturday
Hosted by Mitchell Brennan, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, with panellists Peter McGee, Underwater Research Group & University of Technology Sydney Fish Ecology Lab, Jillian Chambers, Sydney Institute of Marine Science/University of Technology Sydney and David Booth, Professor of Marine Ecology, University of Technology Sydney
These magical creatures create a sense of wonder due to their unique, otherworldly appearance and behaviours. Come hear from the scientists and conservationists passionate about studying and saving them.
Valuing marine biodiversity in Waverley
12.30pm - 12.45pm Saturday
Suzanne Dunford: Manager Sustainability and Resilience, Waverley Council
Learn about local marine protected areas and challenges and threats to marine biodiversity. Find out about the Council’s water quality protection works and ways you can help protect the marine environment, including joining the upcoming Waverley Marine BioBlitz.
Are container deposit schemes turning the tide of plastics?
12.45pm - 1.00pm Saturday
James Dorney, CEO, TOMRA Cleanaway
James will dive into why businesses should take responsibility for the waste they create and how formal recycling programs, like Return and Earn, are making a real difference. He’ll explain how container deposit schemes help turn old containers into new ones, reducing waste and protecting the environment—while also showing why stronger rules and regulations are key to making these programs even more effective in the future.
Crash through the trash: solving the ocean trash crisis
1pm - 1.20pm Saturday
Hosted by James Dorney, CEO, TOMRA Cleanaway, with panellists Lottie Danziel, Banish, Rupert Saville- Manager Programs NSW EPA and Dr Scott Wilson, B.App.Sc, PhD, Australian Microplastic Assessment Project
Hear from solutions providers refusing to believe the ocean trash crisis is too big to tackle.
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Ancient wisdom, modern science: sharing solutions for the love of the ocean
1.30pm - 1.50pm Saturday
Hosted by Robin Mellon, CEO Better Sydney, with panellists Dr Mitch Gibbs, University of Sydney, Kyah Chewying, Wollongong University and Rob Cooley, Gamay Rangers
Explore the powerful synergy between traditional sea country knowledge working in tandem with the latest breakthroughs in ocean research leading to groundbreaking solutions for a healthier ocean.
Valerie Taylor’s mission critical - saving the grey nurse shark
2pm - 2.40pm Saturday
Hosted by Laura Wells, with panellists shark conservationist Valerie Taylor, Captain Gordon Scott, Assoc Prof Adam Stow, Macquarie University and youth advocate Taylor Ladd-Hudson
Join Laura Wells as she hosts Valerie Taylor and her eclectic team championing the protection of the endangered grey nurse shark along Australia’s east coast.
Don’t miss the chance to purchase a signed copy of Valerie Taylor's book, An Adventurous Life, after the event. Limited copies available.
Tooth or dare: why we fear sharks, forgive orcas, and forget polar bears
3pm - 3.15pm Saturday
With Dr Chris Pepin-Neff, Associate Professor of Public Policy, University of Sydney
Why do we fear sharks but forgive orcas? And why do polar bear attacks barely make the news? This talk dives into the surprising ways we judge animal attacks, exploring how culture, media, and emotion shape our perceptions of nature’s predators.
Sustainable seafood - what you need to know!
3.15pm - 3.35pm Saturday
Hosted by Stephen Oliver, ABC's Commissioning Editor Factual, with panellists that include Adrian Meder, Australian Marine Conservation Society (Good Fish) and Chef, Madita Kosch
Dive into the best sustainable seafood practices supporting the health of the ocean. Experts will help you navigate what’s to be avoided, what’s sustainable, and will discuss emerging practices in restorative aquaculture.
Meet seaweed and algae - the super heroes
3.45pm - 4.05pm Saturday
Hosted by Dr Aaron Eger - Kelp Forest Alliance/ University of New South Wales with panellists Associate Professor Mathieu Pernice, University of Technology Sydney and Dr Pia Winberg, PhycoHealth
Explore how ocean wonder plants are stepping up as game-changers. From carbon capture to sustainable packaging and fabrics, seaweed is proving to be a key ally in our fight to protect ocean and planet.
Coral crusaders: how to save our reefs
4.15pm - 4.35pm Saturday
Hosted by Robin Mellon, with panellists Emma Camp, Future Reefs, University of Technology Sydney and Andy Ridley, Citizens of the Reef
Join host Laura Wells as she dives into exciting innovations that are helping to restore and protect these vibrant underwater ecosystems. From lab-grown corals to reef-friendly tech, discover the creative solutions that are giving our coral reefs a fighting chance—including how you can help join the cause as citizen scientists!
Sydney's ocean guardians - protecting and restoring our unique marine ecosystems
4.45pm - 5.05pm Saturday
Hosted by Stephen Oliver, ABC's Commissioning Editor Factual, with panellists Dr Francisco Martinez-Baena, Project Restore/Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Dr Aaron Eger, Kelp Forest Alliance/ University of New South Wales, Dr Chanelle Webster, Operation Posidonia/University of New South Wales and Dr Mitch Gibbs, University of Sydney
Learn from the scientists collaborating on the many innovative ocean-positive projects targeting Sydney’s underwater treasures, from seaweed transplanting to habitat restoration efforts that breathe new life into our vital coastal areas.
LAST YEAR'S 2025 SUNDAY PROGRAM
The ocean’s oxygen crisis – and seaweed’s superpower solution
10.30am - 10.45am Sunday
With Dr Pia Winberg, PhycoHealth
In this thought-provoking talk, Dr Pia Wingberg presents one of the most urgent yet solvable issues facing the ocean: deoxygenation from nutrient overshoot. She explains how seaweeds represent the most powerful natural solution to this crisis - an extraordinary challenge of the 21st century that doubles as a massive opportunity. How often do such pivotal challenges align with scalable solutions?
Extreme sailing for science: one woman's challenge to inspire positive action
10.45am - 11.00am Sunday
With Lisa Blair OAM
Join world-record-holding solo sailor Lisa Blair as she takes you on a journey through some of the most extreme conditions on Earth—alone at sea. Through her record-breaking expeditions, Lisa not only discovered the power of human endurance but also witnessed firsthand the urgent environmental changes affecting our ocean. Her experiences sparked a deep commitment to sustainability, leading her to use her platform to advocate for ocean health and climate action. In this inspiring talk, Lisa shares how adventure and science can come together to drive positive change, proving that one person’s determination can make waves for a better future.
Don’t miss the chance to purchase a signed copy of Lisa Blair's book, Facing The Fear, after her talk.
Unbroken whispers – the ripples connecting sea-kin
11.00am - 11.30am Sunday
With Jodi Edwards, Walbanja Woman, from Yuin Nation with Dharawal Nation Kinship ties and Vice Chancellor Indigenous Research Fellow University of Wollongong
Join Natasha Mitchell, host of Radio National Big Ideas in a fireside chat with Jodi Edwards whose work inspires and educates audiences worldwide, contributing to a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture and knowledge systems.
In her latest research, Jodi documents the symbiotic relationships between Aboriginal people and Sea-Kin, with a focus on reawakening cultural practices and knowledge sharing in South Eastern Australia. This innovative research weaves together Science, Song, Dance, Language, and Story sharing, connecting Land, Sea, and Sky with Women’s Cultural and environmental practices.
GAIA: imperatives for planetary health
11.30am - 11.45am Sunday
With Mark Rowland, GAIA Imperative
Mark highlights how human activity has disrupted Earth's balance; the ocean's vital role in regulating climate and sustaining life; how current systems fail to account for environmental costs; whilst advocating for a shift toward global collaboration and long-term planetary health.
What's with the weather? Ocean driven extremes
11.45am - 12.15pm Sunday
With Scientia Professor Matthew England, Centre of Marine Science and Innovation, University of NSW, Dr Milton Speer, University of Technology Sydney & Associate Professor Kristen Splinter, University of NSW
Join Natasha Mitchell, host of Radio National Big Ideas, to hear experts in meteorology and climate modelling unpack the science behind the powerful relationship between ocean change and the rise in intensified storms, flooding, and heatwaves around Australia.
Deep Water: the world in the ocean
12.15pm - 12.30pm Sunday
Author James Bradley
Join author James Bradley for a captivating talk on Deep Water, where he blends history, science, nature writing, and environmentalism to explore the profound mysteries of the ocean. This compelling journey through the deep invites reflection on the ocean's timeless influence on life, its beauty, and its crucial role in shaping both our past and future. Don’t miss the chance to meet James Bradley and purchase a signed copy of Deep Water after his talk.
Stepping up: sustainable solutions to fashion's fail
12.30pm - 1.30pm Sunday
With fashion designer Kit Willow, Lisa Lake Director Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Fashion & Textiles, University of Technology Sydney, Christopher Hurren, Associate Professor in Textile Research, Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University and Danielle Haj-Moussa, Main Sequence
Join Natasha Mitchell, host of ABC Radio National Big Ideas as she explores how the fashion world is evolving to become a force for good. Hear from crusaders, cutting-edge scientists, and visionary investors supporting groundbreaking innovations in sustainable fashion that include ocean-friendly fabrics and eco-conscious production methods.
Octopus - the ocean’s deepest thinkers
1.45pm - 2.05pm Sunday
With host, Colette Beaudry, SeaLight Pictures and panellists, Dr Alex Schnell, National Geographic Explorer; University of Cambridge Visiting Scholar Professor Peter Godfrey-Smith, University of Sydney and Adam Geiger, SeaLight Pictures
In recent years, the mysterious and mesmerising octopus has captured the world’s imagination sparking a global conversation about intelligence and emotion. Join scientists and film-makers and scientists sharing their experiences interacting with these masters of camouflage and problem-solving.
Join the rescue: citizen
science for all
2.15pm - 2.35pm Sunday
Hosted by Duncan Heuer, with panellists Thomas Mesaglio, University of NSW, Andy Ridley, Citizens of the Reef and Sarah Han-de-Beaux, Spot A Shark
Hear how you can become a Citizen Scientist to help protect Sydney’s Coast as well as the world’s ocean. Join conservationists and scientists sharing their game-changing work that harnesses people power to drive success.
Beauty beasts of the ocean
2.45pm - 3.05pm Sunday
Hosted by Robin Mellon, CEO Better Sydney, with panellists Dr Olaf Meynecke Griffith University, Dr Vanessa Pirotta, Macquarie University and Dr Jodi Edwards, Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Research Fellow University of Wollongong
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. Don’t miss the chance to purchase a signed copy of Vanessa Pirotta's book, Humpback Highway, after this panel discussion.
Art for ocean conservation: shaping perceptions, inspiring action
3.15pm - 3.35pm Sunday
Hosted by Robin Mellon, CEO Better Sydney, with panellists Dr Leonardo Guida Australian Marine Conservation Society, artist Jenny Turpin and Lorna Parry Co-founder of Underwater Earth
Art has the power to captivate, educate, and inspire action—and in ocean conservation, creativity is a vital force for change. This dynamic panel brings together science, conservation, and storytelling to explore how art in its many forms can shift perceptions, spark curiosity, and drive marine protection efforts
Vitamin sea - how the ocean boosts our health and well-being
3.45pm - 4.05pm Sunday
Hosted by Robin Mellon, CEO Better Sydney, with panellists Kal Glanznig, Joanna (Mermaid) Kyriazakos of Salty Fit and former national gold medallist in swimming and surf lifesaving, Dean Gladstone of Oxygen Advantage
Join us as we explore the powerful connection between the ocean and our health. From boosting mental clarity to enhancing physical vitality and addressing eco-anxiety, our panel of experts will dive into how the ocean’s healing qualities deliver a profound impact.
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