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Ocean industries will gather at the Sustainable Ocean Summit - the first international, cross-sectoral business conference on ocean sustainability (Belfast, UK, 15-17 June, 2010) - to develop the leadership and collaboration needed to tackle marine environmental challenges.

The conference program targets comprehensive coverage of cross-cutting ocean issues with what is said to be an unparalleled mix of senior ocean industry speakers and panelists.

The event will kick-off with the “Roundtable of Ocean Industry Association Leaders”, a unique gathering of 20 international ocean-related industry associations.

During the summit, business representatives will work together to identify the priorities and develop the cross sectoral industry efforts needed to work on shared ocean sustainability issues in relation to:

• Ocean Industries and Ocean Science
• Climate Change and Ocean Use
• Marine Ecosystem Services and Climate Change
• International Ocean Policy and the Future of Industry
• Risk and Ocean Environmental Issues
• Environmental Education and Training for Marine Professionals
• Biosecurity and Invasive Species
• Ocean Industries and Marine Mammal Interactions
• Marine Debris
• Food from Crowded Seas
• Renewable Energy from Crowded Seas
• Vessels, Ports and Marine Environmental Quality
• Arctic Marine Ecosystem Challenges and Opportunities for Industry
• Regional Approaches to Ocean Industry Alliances

In the closing plenary on “Improving Media, Public and NGO Understanding of Ocean Industries”, participants will work with media representatives to improve communications on the role and actions of responsible ocean businesses.

A special half-day seminar on “Marine Spatial Planning - What Ocean Industries Need to Know” will bring together experts and industry representatives to focus on this rapidly emerging approach to marine governance and develop the proactive role of industry involvement.

The Sustainable Ocean Summit is organized by the World Ocean Council in partnership with Golder Associates and is open to all ocean stakeholders.

The World Ocean Council (WOC) is the international, cross-sectoral industry alliance for private sector leadership and collaboration in ocean stewardship. Companies and associations worldwide are distinguishing themselves as sustainability leaders by joining the WOC as Founding Members in 2009/2010.

WOC Members to date include: ExxonMobil, Rio Tinto, the International Chamber of Shipping, RightShip, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), Twin Dolphins, Transocean, the Ocean Education, Technology and Science Partnership, Golder Associates, TORM AS, Nautilus Minerals, Det Norske Veritas (DNV),Holman Fenwick Willan, Beveridge & Diamond, P.C., Blank Rome.