#SeaFest - Businesses across Galway are saying ‘No to Plastic’ in our oceans to support SeaFest, Ireland's national maritime festival, taking place in Galway Harbour from Friday 29 June to Sunday 1 July.
This year, the festival aims to highlight the impact of plastics in our oceans, with a particular focus on reducing single-use plastics on the festival site.
The initiative is organised by the Marine Institute, in conjunction with Galway City Council’s European Green Leaf programme.
“A truck load of plastic waste finds its way into the ocean every minute of every day, and it's estimated that by 2050 there could be more plastic by weight than fish in the ocean unless behaviours change,” said Marine Institute chief executive Dr Peter Heffernan.
“I applaud the businesses of Galway that are supporting SeaFest, and have committed to reducing single-use plastics by offering alternatives for customers. These small changes can result in big impacts, which will encourage a change in behaviours long after the festival weekend.”
Arlene Finn, European Green Leaf co-ordinator with Galway City Council, added: “We can all find a way to use less ‘single use’ plastic, and I congratulate the SeaFest supporters for taking the initiative.
“CPL Recruitment have provided all staff with re-useable water bottles and water filters to minimise bottled water waste. Celestica are banning disposable cups from the site and giving free travel mugs to employees. Food For Thought and 56 Central have moved away from plastic straws, providing biodegradable options instead. Brazo Coffee Academy have signed up for ReCupán and Refill.ie to support customers who use reusable coffee cups and water bottles.
“We welcome more businesses to come on board with this initiative, and hope they will take inspiration from those already involved.”
Other supporters of this initiative include Galway City Museum, Galway Atlantaquaira, Food For Thought, Honest Kitchen, Irish Greyhound Board, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Temple Café, The Yield Lab Europe, The Heron’s Rest, Tropical Medical Bureau, Glenville Nutrition, Galway Convention Bureau, Bank of Ireland Galway and AMACH! LGBT Galway/Teach Solais Resource Centre.
A still from Cartoon Saloon’s Song of the Sea
Meanwhile, a mesmerising cinematic experience will showcase some of the best ocean-inspired films and talks at SeaFest 2018.
The Atlantic Theatre will host free talks from renowned cameraman Doug Allan, as well as screenings of the documentary Ireland’s Deep Atlantic and children’s animation Song of the Sea.
A purpose-built marquee to accommodate 500 people will be erected at Galway Docks to create the Atlantic Theatre.
“We are delighted to be able to host seven talks from the renowned Doug Allan, all completely free to SeaFest visitors,” said Caroline Bocquel, Marine Institute director of corporate services. “His shows have been known to sell-out quickly, and we believe this will be one of the popular attractions at this year's festival.”
Underwater cameraman Ken O’Sullivan will take visitors on a deep sea journey in search of whales, sharks and cold water coral reefs in the documentary Ireland’s Deep Atlantic, which captured the attention of the entire country last month when the two-part series aired on RTÉ television.
The audio visual attractions continue with the 3D Under the Sea Dome. This engaging interactive experience will take viewers below the ocean surface to view creatures of all sizes – from tiny microscopic organisms to the enormous Humpback Whale. And the film Dynamic Earth, narrated by Liam Neeson, explores the interlocking systems that shape our climate.
In addition to the Atlantic Theatre, SeaFest 2018 will also offer a host of activities on the water such as performances from world champion flyboarders and vessel tours as well as sailing and kayaking sessions. Live seafood cookery demonstrations, a Defence Forces display and kids’ activities are all part of the packed programme of free events.
Marine Institute CEO Peter Heffernan, PwC partner Yvonne Thompson and BIM chief Jim O’Toole the launch of the 2018 Our Ocean Wealth Summit
Ahead of SeaFest, enormous opportunities for Irish businesses operating in sectors such as engineering, energy, food and technology to expand their offerings to the marine sector will be discussed at the Our Ocean Wealth Summit in association with PwC at Galway Docks on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 June.
For entrepreneurs, start-ups and businesses interested in finding out more, the summit – under the theme ‘Investing in Marine Ireland’ – includes conference and panel sessions with thought leaders and innovators, as well as a marine trade showcase with exhibits across drone technology, smart shipping, offshore and onshore communications, marine waste management and financial modelling for the marine sector and more.
There will also be ample networking opportunities to connect with national and international businesses, government representatives and speakers from the USA, Europe, UK and Ireland.
