Speaker: Randi Rotjan, Director of Masters Studies, Science Lead, Blue Nature Alliance, Boston University Biology & BUMP

Topic: Balancing ocean protection and production in the Anthropocene: working to unleash ocean solutions at a global scale

With the acceleration of the global biodiversity and climate crises, the need to protect and sustainably manage ocean resources has never been greater. However, the science needed to integrate ocean protection and sustainable production in the blue economy remains underdeveloped and contested. The scientific divide and the knowledge gaps still remaining have created serious real-world challenges for practitioners seeking to reconcile protection and production approaches, and is therefore hindering progress in achieving effective global conservation targets. Via case studies and emerging ideas, this seminar will explore how science can bring together the “twin pillars” of protection and production, integrating mutually reinforcing meaningful protections at scale, while also driving management of production systems to internationally agreed sustainability standards.