EMSEA 2015 - Day 1

Image credit: EMSEA

The 3rd European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA) Conference was held in Heraklion, Crete, September 28 -  October 1. The focus was on evaluating actions and methods and their impact on diverse audiences, including schools and aquariums. Time was also dedicated to looking ahead into the future and shaping 'the way forward' for Ocean Literacy in Europe and beyond.

Our day began in the auditorium of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research. Conference organizer Martha Papathanassiou kicked off the event, followed by a welcome from the EMSEA founders and a discussion of Ocean Literacy in Greece. 

EMSEA 2015 conference organizer Martha Papathanassiou.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

EMSEA girls Evy Copejans, Geraldine Fauville,and Fiona Crouch
give a warm welcome to EMSEA 2015 conference participants.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Sigi Gruber then provided an overview of the EU Commission's Ocean Literacy intiatives.

Sigi Gruber, Head of Marine Resources Unit, DG Research and Innovation,
European Commission, talks about Ocean Literacy initiatives.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

The conference keynote speaker was Pierre-Yves Cousteau, founder of Cousteau Divers, a citizen science initiative to unite recreational divers for the study and protection of marine life. Pierre-Yves is the youngest son of Jacques-Yves Cousteau. He has multiple masters degrees in biochemistry, space science and business administration.  

Pierre-Yves works for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as a marine program officer, specifically on the Sea for Society project to foster environmental stewardship values within European cultures. He also works on the Catlin Sea View project to map coral reefs worldwide, and in developing strategies for Blue Growth, combining finance and conservation. He inspired EMSEA 2015 attendees with his knowledge ad passion for our common goals.

Following his talk he joined the EMSEA girls, NMEA Presidents, EU directorate leadership and others for pictures!

EMSEA founders and EMSEA 2015 conference chair with Cousteau!
Evy Copejans, Geraldine Fauville, Pierre-Yves Cousteau, Fiona Crouch, Martha Papathanassiou.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

NMEA Presidents with Cousteau!
Craig Strang, Susan Haynes, Pierre-Yves Cousteau, Diana Payne, Bob Rocha.
Photo credit: Ivan Conesa Alcolea

Ivan Conesa Alcolea, Piere-Yves Cousteau, Sigi Gruber.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

The evening was spent at the CretAquarium, exploring exhibits, enjoying refreshments, meeting new colleagues and catching up with friends from across the world. A great start to what will be a lively, exciting and fruitful experience!

Relaxing at the CretAquarium.
Photo credit: Tom Dyer

Sea anemone.
Photo credit: Diana Payne