Symposium and cocktail information
Science at the helm: insights for EU ocean policy
Date: 20 May 2026
Time: 09:30 – 17:00 (Symposium)
17:00 – 19:00 (Cocktail reception)
Location:
Columbia Plaza, Agiou Andreou 223, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
Oceana is hosting Science at the helm: insights for EU ocean policy, a one-day symposium ahead of European Maritime Day. Science and policy experts will draw on scientific findings from the EU and beyond and discuss priority actions to support ocean resilience and sustainable EU fisheries, in relation to rebuilding fish populations, restoring and safeguarding ecosystems, and improving transparency along the EU seafood supply chain. Discussions will also address how these challenges intersect with developing ocean climate solutions and resilience and with strengthening the central role of low-impact fishers.
The aim of these discussions is to provide tangible, evidence-based recommendations for policy development and implementation.
The symposium will be followed by an informal cocktail reception, giving participants the chance to network and continue discussions about opportunities to turn scientific lessons into visionary ocean policy.
Interpretation between English and Greek will be provided during both the symposium and the cocktail reception speeches.
DRAFT AGENDA
Only confirmed speakers are listed. Please check back for additions and updates.
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Welcome coffee and registration | |
|
09:30 – 09:40 |
Symposium opening |
– Marina Argyrou, Director of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (Cyprus) |
|
09:40 – 10:00 |
Keynote presentation |
– Dr. Rashid Sumaila (via video) (University of British Columbia, Canada) |
|
10:00 – 11:15 |
Rebuilding fish populations |
-Dr. Michaël Gras (Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Italy) |
|
11:15 – 11:45 |
Coffee break | |
|
11:45 – 13:00 |
Healthy ecosystems to support prosperous fisheries |
-Dr. Jean-Luc Solandt (Blue Marine Foundation, United Kingdom) |
|
13:00 – 14:00 |
Lunch | |
|
14:00 – 15:15 |
Transparency in support of a sustainable EU supply chain and fisheries |
-Dr. Marine Cusa (Oceana, Denmark) |
|
15:15 – 15:45 |
Coffee break | |
|
15:45 – 16:30 |
Discussion and key recommendations | |
|
16:30 – 17:00 |
Symposium closing |
-Dr. Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans |
|
17:00 – 19:00 |
Cocktail reception |
-Vera Coelho (Oceana, Belgium) |
Contact
For more information, please contact Dr. Allison Perry aperry@oceana.org.
