Despite the rain, spirits remained high as more than 600 people gathered at Gage Roads in Fremantle for WA World Ocean Day, marking the largest attendance since the event began in 2023.
Record Turnout for Marine Celebration
Presented by the Jock Clough Marine Foundation, the event brought together leading experts in marine conservation and ocean lovers, including beachgoers, fishers, families, and curious locals. The foundation has donated over $17 million to conservation since its inception.
Expert Speakers and Topics
A diverse line-up of speakers included Glenn Moore from the WA Museum, Oliver Jewell from the Department of Biodiversity and Conservation and Attractions, Nush Freedman from Terra Australia and Shipwreck Hunters, Adrian Gleiss from Murdoch University, Tony Worby from AWBF, and Michaela Dommisse from The Nature Conservancy.
Topics ranged from WA's unique marine biodiversity to tagging and tracking sharks, climate impacts on iconic marine species, WA coral regeneration, algal blooms, and shellfish reef restoration.
Interactive Activations
Attendees engaged with various activations, including a community mural facilitated by Blank Walls, and stallholders such as Tangaroa Blue, the Hammerhead Hub, Shark Eyes, and Roger Swainston's Rock Lobsters of the World exhibition. A special World Ocean Day limited edition beer by Gage Roads was served on the night.
Gallery Highlights
The event was captured in a series of photos by John Koh of The West Australian, featuring attendees like Josie Clough and Jock Clough, Alexandra D’Cruz and Nush Freedman, Kirra Jackson, Amelie Ree, Harvey Rae, Connor Paduano, Lewis Jones, Chloe Edwards, Reiniera de Vos van Steenwijk, and Emily Tait.
