INTRODUCTION
Without the complex marine biodiversity provided by our
oceans, you wouldn’t be here – and neither would your yacht.
Seventy-one per cent of the earth’s surface is covered by the
ocean, which produces more than half the oxygen we breathe,
absorbs half the carbon dioxide we produce, regulates climate,
supplies ecosystems and employs about 140 million people,
including those in fishing, aquaculture, tourism and, yes, the
yachting industry. The sea also provides humankind with
incalculable pleasure, whether swimming in it, looking at it or
being on it. Yet the oceans are now under serious threat from
irresponsible human activity, such as overfishing, coastal
pollution and climate change. Luckily, this crisis presents the
largest solvable environmental problem on the planet, and with
decisive action studies show that it is reversible within 20 years.
There is no time to lose. Here, Boat International and Blue
Marine Foundation reveal the winners of our inaugural annual
Ocean Awards, which celebrate the inspiring individuals who
have made the greatest strides in our ongoing struggle
to solve the problems facing the oceans today.
Interviews – Claire Wrathall
THE OCEAN AWARDS 2016