From the rugged mountain tops of Macquarie Island, down the torrent rivers of millennia to the
deep dark depths of ocean shipwrecks, the Ocean Lovers Talks will take you into the most
remarkable realms of our big blue planet over two days of free inspirational talks and panels from
adventurers, scientists and experts on March 23 and 24 at Bondi Pavilion.

The Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival will host free inspirational Ocean Lovers Talks from scientists,
ocean leaders, entrepreneurs and adventurers, sharing incredible insights with the public during the
weekend festival.

Polar adventurer and scientist Tim Jarvis shares his Jewels of the Southern Ocean expedition to save
subantarctic island habitat, shipwreck archaeologist James Hunter talks about creating VR dives to
the deep, Valerie Taylor AM and her team share their mission to save the critically endangered
Grey Nurse Shark and so much more.

Find out what whales are telling us about their health with experts Dr Vanessa Pirotta and Dr Olaf
Meynecke in conversation with Sea Shepherd’s Captain Peter Hammarstedt. Hear why algae could
actually be the new gold rush to save the sea and humanity, and what is next if there were no shark
nets? If plastic pollution bothers you as much as it hurts the ocean then hear from Lottie Dalziel and
her panel about solutions and check out the incredible lengths coral reefs are going to, to save
themselves with a little help from scientists and conservationists.

If seafood is on your menu then hear how to eat it with a clean conscience, and while you are at it
get some instruction on “surviving the beach” from some Aussie experts. If marine protection
seems important, we have a 101 guide on the 30 X 30 global goal from international guest Jason
Peers, and not to be missed will be our 10 finalists in the student Fish Tank competition on stage.
The kids have some exceptional ideas to share that make the future feel in safe hands.
Indeed our young eco-pioneers are well represented with a talk from father and son team Nik and
Harry Robinson from Good Citizen sunnies and the shark tank winning team of teenagers Myla and
Liv telling their Cinnamon Cove swimwear story.

Dr Vanessa Pirotta at Bondi beach by Daniel Kukec

Did you know Sydney is leading a world best restoration project for our Harbour with the Sydney
Institute of Marine Science who will give an insight at the talks, as well as offer the chance to
explore the Seabirds and Seascapes restoration project through an interactive display on the
Pavilion forecourt.

The inimitable Prof David Booth will discuss Sydney’s biggest issue – housing supply – by making
fish pods for new habitat harbour homes and researcher Tristan Sales will take you on a short
journey over hundreds of millions of years to understand how rivers created the living skin of our
planet – Earth’s surface.

All this and more for festivalgoers who can literally turn-up from the beach for some science in their
swimmers at the High Tide Room at Bondi Pavilion.
Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival features a jam-packed program of live music, art exhibitions,
workshops, films and market stalls for all ages. Check the website for the full program of events and
to register your attendance at the talks.

WHAT: Ocean Lovers Talks

WHO: Ocean Lovers Festival 

WHEN: 20-24 March 2024 

WHERE: Bondi

Click Here to Find Out More