The South West Marine Fest Conference

About

Join us for a day of presentations focusing on the amazing marine environment! Perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the ocean!

SWMF Conference 2024
Guest Speakers

The Fish in Our Hands: re-imagining coastal communities and our relationship with the sea - By Kim Funnell

​Jim is a marine campaigner and writer who has worked in the visual arts, communication and education for over 25 years. He produced Sky Atlantic’s ‘Fish Town’ which featured life in Brixham over 10 x one-hour episodes. Jim is passionate about communicating practical ways for a new relationship with our sea, and one that puts coastal communities and marine ecosystems first. 

Marine Nature Recovery in North Devon - By Chloe Nunn

Chloe is a marine ecologist and social scientist whose work focuses on the contributions of coastal habitats to people, with a particular interest in seaweed and community resilience. She is currently working as the marine project coordinator for the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In her capacity as a consultant over the last five years, including for the UN Ocean Decade, she has worked to implement transformational ocean action in support of sustainable development. Her work spans coasts in the UK and in the Arctic, across projects such as the Study of Environmental Arctic Change and aquaculture in the southwest UK.

​As a 2018 National Geographic Explorer, she is an avid writer, public speaker, and photographer, with a particular interest in education outreach. She provides ongoing support to the UK Polar Network, currently as its vice president, representing over 500 early career polar scientists.

The Biodiversity Value and Carbon Storage of Seagrass Habitats in the Carrick - By Emily Sissons

Emily is a Master’s student studying marine science at the University of Exeter. She is particularly interested in conservation and rewilding, and how humans can interact more sustainably with nature. Her undergraduate dissertation looked at how a potential reintroduction of wolves to the Scottish Highlands would impact perceptions of nature. Emily has previously worked on a turtle rescue project in Kefalonia and volunteered at a seal rehabilitation sanctuary. Emily is passionate about making science and education more accessible to everyone, having been senior editor of the science section for her university’s student newspaper, and involved in lots of higher education access and outreach work.

Title to be confirmed - By Holly Baigent

​Holly Baigent is a marine biologist and passionate advocate for the fascinating world of cuttlefish. She is currently working as an International MPA Project Officer at JNCC, focusing on preserving marine ecosystems in developing nations through the effective management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

In her spare time, she volunteers at the Cuttlefish Conservation Initiative (CCI), where she holds the title of Director. As one of the founding members, she's been supporting and shaping the charity from the beginning, with a particular influence on the charity's strategy, branding, research, and outreach initiatives.

CCI has emerged as the pioneering UK non-governmental organisation solely focused on safeguarding the common cuttlefish. During her presentation, Holly will take you on a journey through the establishment of CCI, shed light on the threats faced by cuttlefish, outline ongoing conservation efforts, and provide actionable ways for you to join the cause.

Find out more: 
https://www.cuttlefishconservation.com/

https://cuttlefish-conservation-initiative.teemill.com/