Over 20 exhibitors and speakers will come together tomorrow for an evening focused on Jersey’s “essential” marine and coastal ecosystems.
The free event, organised by Jersey Marine Conservation, will mark World Wetlands Day on Sunday 2 February.
Guest speakers – including Andrew Mitchell, Environmental Advisor and Chair of the Jersey Ramsar Advisory Group – will explore the wetlands and coasts of the Channel Islands.
Mr Mitchell said: “Our wetlands are essential to Jersey’s ecological balance, and their protection is key to sustaining the island’s environmental health and biodiversity.
“These ecosystems act as natural flood defences, carbon stores, and vital breeding grounds for marine life.
“Jersey is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention that seeks to protect wetlands like ours, as priceless heritage for generations to come.”
Speakers at the event include:
- Andrew Mitchell talking about his year as Chair of the Jersey Ramsar Advisory Group
- Alex Purdie from the Alderney Wildlife Trust, discussing the pressures facing puffins and seabird colonies
- Marine biologist Beccy Macdonald-Lofts of Seahorses of the UK, who is to discuss seahorses
- Kevin McIlwee, discussing key marine conservation projects of 2024
- Amy Hall on the bats of the Écréhous & Minquiers
- Freddie Watson of the Blue Marine Foundation and Marine Protection
- Grace Bailey on the underwater photography highlights of 2024
- Paul Chambers on geology and the Aspiring Jersey Geopark
- Tamsin Raine on Ocean Culture Life and storytellers
The talk will finish with a Q&A with Professor Jamie Stevens, Dr Sean Dettman, and Bob Tompkins.
An exhibition is to highlight the work of groups like conservation charities and research institutions.
The event takes place on Sunday 2 February from 17:30 to 21:00 in the Rocco Suite of the Radisson Blu Hotel and more information is available online.