BZS Lecture On Sargasso Sea Set For May 6
The BZS Lecture on May 6 will feature Fae Sapsford discussing the biodiversity and global conservation of the Sargasso Sea.
A spokesperson said, “Famed marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle described the Sargasso Sea as a “golden floating rainforest of the Atlantic.” This two-million square mile open ocean system is named for the mats of golden Sargassum seaweed that make up the foundation of this ecosystem.
“The next BZS Lecture will highlight this incredible golden rainforest through a visual tour of the selected beachcombing finds from Bermuda’s beaches with Fae Sapsford, Marine Research Fellow with the Sargasso Sea Commission, who will discuss the biodiversity of the Sargasso Sea, and the work of the Sargasso Sea Commission in protecting this important area through international law.
“Through her enthusiastic and accessible storytelling, she will weave ocean stories about the Sargasso Sea along with discussion of international environmental law, which is highly relevant to the conservation of this iconic area.”
“The Sargasso Sea is high seas ecosystem – because it is located in ‘areas beyond national jurisdiction’ [ABNJ], waters not under the control of any one country,” said Ms Sapsford. “A unique problem arises for its protection – how do we coordinate so many countries and stakeholders to agree on its protection?”
She added, “The high seas might feel far away and disconnected from us, but in reality, they touch each one of our lives, especially in Bermuda. Migratory species on the Sargasso Sea pass through our waters, it plays a big role in the recruitment of fish to our reefs, and in a wider sense it plays a huge role in regulating the global climate and sequestering carbon in the fight against climate change.”
The spokesperson said, “Ms Sapsford is a Marine Research Fellow and provides science communication support, amongst other roles, for the Sargasso Sea Commission, which plays a pivotal role in the conservation of the Sargasso Sea. Established under the Hamilton Declaration, the Commission works with governments, scientists and stakeholders to promote responsible stewardship and protection of this vital marine ecosystem. She was also the recipient of the BZS-Steinhoff Scholarship for Environmental Studies in 2023 and is working towards a PhD in Maritime Affairs at the World Maritime University.
“The Commission recently finalised the adoption of the BBNJ Agreement [Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction].”
“It is a holistic agreement for the high seas and, among other things, allows for globally legally binding marine protected areas to be established on the high seas for the first time,” said Ms Sapsford. “The Sargasso Sea Commission is implementing two grants from global funders to strengthen the conservation of the Sargasso Sea in alignment with the agreement – we are producing a comprehensive science case, and we will be producing a plan including conservation measures that will be agreed by Sargasso Sea stakeholders.”
The spokesperson said, “Beyond her work with the Sargasso Sea Commission, Ms Sapsford enjoys spending time beachcombing and discovering what treasures the Sargassum washes up on our beaches.”
“It’s really incredible in Bermuda that we are able to experience the high seas on our doorstep,” she said. “When Sargassum washes into Bermuda’s beaches, you can observe tons of incredible high seas organisms that wash in with it – including sargassum endemic creatures, sea slugs, crabs, shrimps, seahorses, juvenile pelagic fish and more.”
The spokesperson said, “The BZS May Lecture will take place on Tuesday, 6 May from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the BZS Classrooms at BAMZ. The lecture is free, but attendees are encouraged to make a $10 donation, which will support the BZS Education Programme. Space is limited to 100 attendees, so it is encouraged to sign up here.”
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Category: All, Environment
