PINT OF SCIENCE FESTIVAL
19-21 MAY 2025
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Get ready for a big jump into the waves as these two scientists will take you on a journey from the impact of global fisheries on marine life to the conservation of coral reefs. Discover how our seafood choices affect the health of the ocean and learn about sustainable fishing practices. And, hold onto your fins, as we take a closer look at the life of Nemo's little siblings and how they can help protect coral reefs. Don't miss this chance to get up close and personal with the wonders of the sea!
Global fisheries - Virtually empty oceans in 2048?
Marc Kochzius
Professor of Marine Biology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Global seafood production has a negative impact on the ocean by overexploiting fishery resources. The European Union is overfishing its own and overseas waters by having fishing agreements with countries of the global south. The EU is also the largest player in global seafood trade, with imports of more than 50 billion euro. What we are eating has strong impacts on the ocean. What is the impact of global fisheries on the oceans? Are there no fish left in the ocean by 2048? Is sustainable fishery possible? Do we have to stop eating fish? In my presentation I will try to give some answers to these questions about the future of our oceans."
Finding Nemo’s brothers and sisters – What Disney did not tell you.
Filip Huyghe
Postdoctoral researcher of Marine Biology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Coral reefs are stunning natural wonders admired worldwide, but sadly, human and natural factors are causing their extinction. To counter this, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are established to provide safe havens and spillover for surrounding reefs. However, determining where to place MPAs for optimal effectiveness is not that simple. Clownfish, which stay on reefs as adults but disperse as larvae, are used as model species to provide an answer. This presentation will reveal the methods used to track the whereabouts of Nemo's little siblings and explain how this knowledge aids in protecting coral reefs.
