How does knowing where we come from shape where we go next?
This was the central question at our recent community dialogue event, “Marine Identity: Voices from the Lough,” held at The Narrows in Portaferry. In partnership with Queen’s University Belfast as part of the Shared Island & Ocean initiative, the IOLN brought together scientists, historians, and local practitioners to explore our deep-rooted connection to the sea.
Download the event booklet, with more details about the meeting and our panelists.
One Big Ocean
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Bob Brown, set a global stage for our local waters. He reminded us that there is truly only “one big ocean,” illustrating this with the story of a barnacle-covered football found drifting in the middle of the Atlantic—a symbol of how interconnected our marine world is.
Bob closed with a powerful reminder from David Attenborough: “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and nobody will care about what they have never experienced or understood.” This encapsulates the mission of the IOLN—fostering that experience and understanding.
Echoes of the Sea: Heritage and Memory
In our first panel, “Echoes of the Sea,” moderated by Moira Ritchie, we delved into the maritime traditions that define Portaferry and the Ards Peninsula. A poignant theme emerged: for a time, many felt the community had “turned their backs on the Lough.”
However, we are seeing a powerful revival. From the restoration of traditional skiffs to the growth of experiential tourism like coastal foraging and paddleboarding, people are reconnecting with their “Marine Identity.” These activities aren’t just hobbies; they are vital tools for community wellbeing and historical preservation.
Voices for Future Seas: Stewardship and Science
The afternoon shifted focus toward the future. Panel 2, moderated by Dr. Gavin Grant, explored how we can harness our connection to the ocean to drive restoration. Highlights included:
- Nature Reclaiming Land: The success of the wetland mosaic at Castle Espie.
- Blue Carbon: The discovery and protection of vital seagrass beds.
- Accessible Data: The importance of the Northern Ireland Marine Biodiversity Data Portal in allowing everyone to act as a custodian of the Lough.
Moving Forward
The day concluded with a clear set of priorities: the need for sustained engagement, enforced protection of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and the importance of “future-proofing” our science through long-term monitoring and education.
As Heidi McIlvenny (IOLN/QUB) noted, the shift from merely “educating” to truly “engaging” with communities as equals is the key to a sustainable marine future.
Join us at our next event!
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