The world’s oceans are a source of wonder and transformative power. In the face of catastrophic climate change, we meet two conservationists fighting to protect the health of the sea.

The world’s oceans have never faced more challenges – from ruthless overfishing, plastic pollution and acidification. And if that wasn’t enough, overfishing is accelerating climate change. The latest scientific research shows that trawling and dredging creates more CO2 than the aviation industry, and damages vast areas of our continental shelves, stopping them soaking up carbon.

But change is achievable, and change is happening. Environmentalist Charles Clover and marine biologist Fiona Gell have both dedicated their lives to protecting the ocean for future generations. They join us to share their insights both into the spellbinding magic of ocean life and into the scientific and political action that will prove essential if we are to save the world’s life support system and protect ourselves from the worst ravages of climate change.

This event is presented in partnership with Steppes Travel.

Praise for Charles Clover’s Rewilding the Sea:

‘I doubt any more important book will be published this year’ – Stephen Fry

‘What if our seas became productive again with giant sturgeon, halibut and skate? What if we let the seas soak up carbon from the atmosphere like the peat bogs instead of battering them with trawls and dredges? It’s closer than you think. In fact, as Charles Clover explains, rewilding the sea has already begun.’ – George Monbiot

‘Two deadly problems: the climate crisis and biodiversity collapse. One elegant solution: Rewild the ocean.’ – Sylvia Earle

Praise for Fiona Gell’s Spring Tides:

‘A beautiful, briny portrait of one woman’s infatuation with the sea. Fiona Gell has been steeped in salt water her whole life, and her deep understanding, knowledge of and love for her subject shines through.’ – Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment

‘Fiona Gell writes with the understanding of a scientist and the soul of a poet. Her descriptions are so vivid that as you read you can almost feel the lick of saltwater on your skin and smell the desiccating seaweed of a summer low tide.’ – Callum Roberts, author of The Ocean of Life

‘It’s a rare treat to read a book about the sea that is as professional as it is passionate. Fiona Gell’s experience and immersion in her subject is impressive.’- Tristan Gooley, author of The Natural Navigator