IOLN Shared Island & Ocean, Portaferry 29/4/26. 'Marine Identity: Voices from the Lough. Part 3

This is a recording of the Panel 2: Voices for Future Seas: Biodiversity and ocean stewardship discusion and the closing discussion at the Irish Ocean Literacy Network's Regional Meeting in Portaferry (29 April 2026). The panel’s theme was ‘Where we go from here - how we harness our connection to the ocean’. In exploring the global shift, this panel looked toward the future, confronting both the promise and fragility of Strangford Lough. Scientists, conservationists, and restoration specialists presented a mixed picture: examples of successful habitat management, oyster and seagrass restoration, and citizen engagement were balanced against sobering accounts of biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, and climate pressures. A recurring theme was that future restoration depends on learning from historical baselines while integrating science with local knowledge. Moderator: Dr Gavin Grant (AONB and Geopark Marine and Coastal Engagement Officer) Dr Christine Morrow (NI Biodiversity Data Portal) Dr Nick Baker Horne (Ulster Wildlife Trust) Rebekah Bajko (QUB Student) Paul Stewart (Castle Espie) 'Marine Identity: Voices from the Lough' brought together voices from across the marine and maritime sectors including arts, heritage, grassroots groups, research, NGOs, industry and tourism to strengthen ocean literacy in practice and in policy. The question 'How does knowing where we come from shape where we go next?' was used as a theme to explore marine identity in the area.