About this Event
"Reimagine: Beyond the World We Know, a New Relationship with our Ocean"
Welcome to The Ocean Symposium and Marine Exhibition 2026! Join us for a day filled with fascinating presentations and panel discussions about our beloved oceans. This event will take place on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 at 10:00 am to 4 pm for a day of learning, inspiration and ocean action . Connect with fellow ocean enthusiasts and experts as we discuss conservation, marine life, and the importance of protecting our oceans for future generations. We will be hearing from expert Speakers, and showcase short underwater inspirational films as well as lots of stalls. Sea, River Pollution and Citizen Science, Marine Technology will be high on the agenda during the day.
The day promises to be a fantastic opportunity to: meet Academics, Policy makers, Community leaders, Business leaders, Networking opportunites and to discuss actions to bring new solutions to our rivers and seas pollution crisis.
We will also enjoy Marine Art by Laura Callaghan (Director - Creativity Takes Courage).
Don't miss out on this incredible event!
Co-hosted by the United Nations Associaton Climate & Oceans , Sussex Dolphin Project, Sussex Underwater and Commmunity Supporters, in partnership with Sussex Marine and Coastal Forum.
Sponsored by Sussex Bay
PROGRAMME
9:30 am Registration, Networking
10: 00 am Official Welcoming and Opening Address
Robert Pearson - Chief Fisheries and Conservation Officer - Sussex Inshore and Fisheries Authority
Dr Eric Smith - Sussex Underwater / Ocean Ambassador
Short ocean film by UNESCO
Session 1
10:15 - 10:50 am
Keynote Speaker: "Coastal Communities and Ecosystem Recovery: Building Resilience through civic engagement" - Professor Robin Banerjee, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Global and Civic Engagement - University of Sussex
"Restoring the Sussex Seascape: Research, Recovery and Nature-Based Solutions" - Dr Lewis White - Seascape Research and Recovery Lead - Sussex Bay
Q&A Session - Moderated by Thea Taylor
Session 2
10:50 - 11:50 pm
"The State of the Global Ocean. Potential consequences for Kelp in the UK" - United Nations Association
"Living with a Changing Coast: Coastal Management, Flood Risk and Resilience" - Dr Tom Ziessen, Pevensey Bay to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme, Environment Agency
Short ocean film by UNESCO
"Rising Sea Levels: Challenges for Small Island States across the Commonwealth "- Dr Balasubramanyam Chandramohan - Senior Research Fellow - Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study - University of London
Q& A Sesion -Moderated by Thea Taylor
COFEE BREAK - Networking - Marine Exhibition- Marine Art 12:00 - 12:40 pm
Session 3
12:30 - 1:15 pm
"Beneath the Surface: Discovering Sussex's Underwater World" - Sussex Underwater short film -
"Marine Pollution and Ecotoxicology: Understanding the Hidden Impacts on Ocean Life" - Dr Corina Ciocan - Principal Lecturer in Marine Biology/ Ecotoxicology- University of Brighton
"Floating Stories Lab, Table of Curiosity", Angie Richard, University of Brighton, UN Decade Action citizen science initiative ReTISS
Ocean Technology - "Deep Ocean Exploration: Technology, Discovery and the Future of Ocean Science" - GOOS UNESCO
1:15 pm LUNCH BREAK (lunch is not provided) - Networking, Marine Exhibition and Marine Art
Session 4
2:00 - 4:00 pm
LIVE UNDERWATER CAMERAS - the hidden world of Marine Life LIVE !
Panel Discussion: "Climate Change, Local Government, Seas, Rivers and Lakes: Restoring Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future" - Panellists: Alistair Gould (Chairman Furnace Brook CIC), Andy Dindsdale (Founder and Director of Strandliners), Councillor Kathryn Field (Environment and Climate Resilience - Rother District Council). Moderated by Catrine Priestley
"Marine Mammals : Research, Conservation and Coexistence" - Thea Taylor, Managing Director, Sussex Dolphin Project
Youth Panel - 100 Miles School Project - Knepp Wildland Foundation, Moderated by Holly Greg Paxton and Maisie Jeffers.
Sussex Underwater short film - Marine life in Sussex!
"Youth Leadership in Coastal areas - working with Schools in Sussex" - Catrine Priestley
Marine Underwater Art - short closing film
16: 00 hrs Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Event venue & nearby stays
St. Peter’s Parish Community Centre, Church Street, Bexhill, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.