The Jock Clough Marine Foundation is set to host its third annual World Ocean Day event in Fremantle next month, bringing together scientists, conservationists, and storytellers to explore the wonders beneath Western Australia's waters.
Family Legacy of Marine Conservation
The three-generation western suburbs family behind one of WA's most significant marine conservation efforts will lead the event. The foundation, established by Jock Clough about 17 years ago, has donated more than $17 million to marine conservation projects, including restoration work in the Swan River and seagrass revival in Shark Bay after a 2011 marine heatwave.
Mr. Clough said the idea stemmed from his concerns in the late 1990s about the issues facing the oceans. "It grew from my concerns in the late '90s, realising the issues facing our oceans and that we have to look after our environment and work to preserve it," he said. "It's grown into something that has become a real passion for me and the family now."
Next Generation Involvement
In 2020, Jock's daughter, Josie Clough, became the foundation's trustee, a role that has deepened her involvement in its important work. "As a family growing up by the coast, the ocean was such a big part of our lives," she said. "We were lucky enough to be able to come down to the beach every day, and our school holidays were always spent up at Shark Bay and Dirk Hartog Island, where we got to see such an amazing cross section of the environment and marine life."
Ms. Clough said educating younger generations, including her two sons Vincent (5) and Smith (6), was crucial for the future. "So much of our life is based around the beach and the ocean and the rivers ... it's been pivotal to us growing up," she said. "As the generations continue, it is going to become more and more important, and having that passion from a young age, and the importance of conservation, as well as just enjoying it, is something that I think is important to pass on."
Event Details and Impact
The free Ocean Day event will take place on Monday, June 9 at Gage Roads in Fremantle. A panel of experts will discuss issues such as climate change, marine biodiversity, and fishing practices. "It's a chance for people to learn more about the important challenges we're facing in the State," Mr. Clough said. "What we hope is that everyone going can take away at least one thing that they say, 'Wow, I didn't know that, and that's really interesting'."
The foundation also supports marine science through an endowed chair, scholarships for young scientists, and public education initiatives. "There's a lot of gloom out there about climate change and our environment," Mr. Clough said. "But we feel pleased that there's some really good initiatives that we can help educate the up and coming generations to feel positive and optimistic about their future."
For more information on the event or how to register attendance, visit the foundation's website.
