The Irish Ocean Literacy Network – goes online to connect

The Irish Ocean Literacy Network was delighted to host its first online members meeting of 2020 on the 15.7.20 through ZOOM. With over 40 members in attendance, participants heard from a range of key note speakers plus flash presentations from a number of the IOLN members.

‘We were delighted to be able to connect with members online and have such a fantastic array of speakers, connecting across Ireland and Europe’ said Dr. Noirin Burke, co-secretariat of the Irish Ocean Literacy Network

The meeting was based around three core areas, These included:

Connect – We were delighted to welcome Andrea-Anne Marsan from EU4 Ocean to speak the IOLN members about connecting using the new EU4Ocean platform. The Irish Ocean Literacy Network is delighted to be one of the founding members of this new initative, which will be launched online in September 2020.

Inspire – Here the network members heard from three inspiring speakers on the topic of sustainable fisheries, from fork to plate.  Michelle O’ Neill from Kingfisher Fresh Ltd spoke about sustainable Irish Fisheries and industry. Sinead Mellet from the Interreg NEPTUNUS project at Athlone Institute of Technology examined the circular economy and fisheries, and provided information on the resource she is part of on fisheries packaging materials. Niamh Barry, Chef at Gather Restaurant, Co. Galway spoke to us about sourcing sustainable seafood in the restaurant industry and for home cooking.

Engage – Finally the members explored the importance of online content for engaging with the public from the incredible Joanne Sweeney, from the Public Sector Marketing Institute.

Throughout the meeting network members also provided updates on their work and activities using flash presentations. You can check out the presentations from the day on the IOLN Website here.