Oceans are vital. Our health, well-being, future sustainability, and the future of all life on Earth, depend on oceans. They face threats from climate-change, pollution, acoustics, development and overfishing, yet despite a wealth of scientific evidence public interest is worryingly low.

Our aim is to change that, using the combined power of culture, science and charismatic marine life to grab hearts and minds and bring about a sea change in the way we relate to our oceans.

Incredible Oceans is a partnership organisation with a legion of volunteers from all arenas, we team up with scientists, creatives, community organisations, campaigners, companies and broadcast media. We devise events and education that highlight problems, showcase solutions, and help us all become more ocean literate.

Incredible Oceans Ocean Zone – Talk / Workshop timetable

Friday 19th July

11:00 Journey Into The Deep
Come on a journey into the deep with marine biologist Russell Arnott. As we descend into the depths, we stop to learn about some of the weird and wonderful animals that we encounter enroute. Russell Arnott Marine biologist, University of Bath

12:00 Shining a light into the darkness
As the granddaughter of a light-house keeper, physicist Caroline Riggs discusses how versions of our navigation and warning systems are also used by ocean creatures. Caroline Riggs Physics teacher & author

13:00 Ocean ARTefacts Workshop
Build your own recycled plastic quill and learn the art of ink drawing as Scott Luis Masson leads this still-life drawing class focussing on our ocean artefacts. Scott Luis Masson Ocean science illustrator

14:00 Sea Soup – why you should care about plankton
Plankton are the microscopic plants and animals that inhabit the world’s water. This talk will introduce you to the magnificent menagerie of minibeasts by showcasing just some of their wondrous abilities! Russell Arnott Plankton biophysicist, University of Bath

15:00 Accidentally? I did it on porpoise…
When it comes to cetaceans, whales and dolphins get all the glory while the lowly porpoise is often overlooked. Found out about the conservation efforts of the UK’s most enigmatic marine mammal! Claudia Allen Marine mammologist, Swansea University

16:00 How do sharks detect chemicals in the water?
We’ve all heard sharks can detect a drop of blood in a swimming pool but is this actually true? Using biochemistry, we demystify how sharks detect odours and see how environment changes will affect their ability to hunt. Stacy Ramkissoon Shark biologist, University of Bath

17:00 My favourite whale
Everyone has a favourite sea creature but yours is rubbish compared to Russell’s favourite whale. A fun talk for all the family, come and find out which whale is best… Russell Arnott Marine biologist, University of Bath

Saturday 20th July

10:00 Sea Soup – why you should care about plankton
Plankton are the microscopic plants and animals that inhabit the world’s water. This talk will introduce you to the magnificent menagerie of minibeasts by showcasing just some of their wondrous abilities! Russell Arnott Plankton biophysicist, University of Bath

11:00 How do sharks detect chemicals in the water?
We’ve all heard sharks can detect a drop of blood in a swimming pool but is this actually true? Using biochemistry, we demystify how sharks detect odours and see how environment changes will affect their ability to hunt. Stacy Ramkissoon Shark biologist, University of Bath

12:00 Shining a light into the darkness
As the granddaughter of a light-house keeper, physicist Caroline Riggs discusses how versions of our navigation and warning systems are also used by ocean creatures. Caroline Riggs
Physics teacher & psychology author

13:00 Ocean ARTefacts Workshop
Build your own recycled plastic quill and learn the art of ink drawing as Scott Luis Masson leads this still-life drawing class focussing on our ocean artefacts. Scott Luis Masson Ocean science illustrator

14:00 Fake plastic seas
Unless you’ve been hiding under a pile of single-use bottles, you should know that ocean plastic is a big issue. But how big an issue is it and what can you do about it? Russell Arnott
Marine biologist, University of Bath

15:00 Accidentally? I did it on porpoise…
When it comes to cetaceans, whales and dolphins get all the glory while the lowly porpoise is often overlooked. Found out about the conservation efforts of the UK’s most enigmatic marine mammal! Claudia Allen Marine mammologist, Swansea University

16:00 Face the future smiling; embrace the circular economy!
The circular economy is coming! But what is it? Can it regenerate our natural systems and redistribute the wealth? Sally May Circular economy business consultant

17:00 Exploring The Deep: Ocean vs Space
Ever wondered how over 500 people have been into space but only 4 have been to the bottom of our ocean? Here we look at the challenges involved of visiting the different environments as we see that going underwater is harder than you think… Russell Arnott
Oceanographer, University of Bath

Sunday 21th July

10:00 Exploring The Deep: Ocean vs Space
Ever wondered how over 500 people have been into space but only 4 have been to the bottom of our ocean? Here we look at the challenges involved of visiting the different environments as we see that going underwater is harder than you think… Russell Arnott
Oceanographer, University of Bath

11:00 How do sharks detect chemicals in the water?
We’ve all heard sharks can detect a drop of blood in a swimming pool but is this actually true? Using biochemistry, we demystify how sharks detect odours and see how environment changes will affect their ability to hunt. Stacy Ramkissoon Shark biologist, University of Bath

12:00 Shining a light into the darkness
As the granddaughter of a light-house keeper, physicist Caroline Riggs discusses how versions of our navigation and warning systems are also used by ocean creatures. Caroline Riggs
Physics teacher & psychology author

13:00 Ocean ARTefacts Workshop
Build your own recycled plastic quill and learn the art of ink drawing as Scott Luis Masson leads this still-life drawing class focussing on our ocean artefacts. Scott Luis Masson Ocean science illustrator

14:00 Fake plastic seas
Unless you’ve been hiding under a pile of single-use bottles, you should know that ocean plastic is a big issue. But how big an issue is it and what can you do about it? Russell Arnott
Marine biologist, University of Bath

15:00 Accidentally? I did it on porpoise…
When it comes to cetaceans, whales and dolphins get all the glory while the lowly porpoise is often overlooked. Found out about the conservation efforts of the UK’s most enigmatic marine mammal! Claudia Allen Marine mammologist, Swansea University

16:00 Face the future smiling; embrace the circular economy!
The circular economy is coming! But what is it? Can it regenerate our natural systems and redistribute the wealth? Sally May
Circular economy business consultant

17:00 My favourite whale
Everyone has a favourite sea creature but yours is rubbish compared to Russell’s favourite whale. A fun talk for all the family, come and find out which whale is best… Russell Arnott Marine biologist, University of Bath