Climate change, carbon emissions and a whole range of human activities are affecting the seas like never before, resulting in dwindling marine biodiversity and the imminent threat of drastic changes to marine habitats, oceanic flows and weather patterns.

But what role does science have to play in informing policies that will preserve our seas? How can science and technology help with monitoring and enforcement? What’s more, how do we best manage our oceans when we’re still discovering how they work?

Following a screening of Eliana Álvarez Martínez’s 'Spirit of Discovery' (Certificate U, Running Time: 61 minutes), Helen and a panel of experts in ocean science and policy will come together to ask these questions and more.

Panellists:

• Prof Alex Rogers, Science Director at REVOcean and marine ecologist specialising in deep-sea and Antarctic ecology.

• Dr Tamsin Edwards, Climate scientist specialising in sea level rise from Antarctica & Greenland. Lecturer at King’s College London.

• Dr Tarquin Dorrington, Oceanographer, Head of Ocean Climate & International Science in the Marine Evidence Team at Defra.

• Emily Penn, Ocean Advocate & Skipper working on solving the plastic pollution crisis. Founder of eXXpedition—series of all female voyages which focus on plastics, toxics and female empowerment.

The venue is The Hans Rausing Lecture Theatre, Level 0 at the Science Museum, London

Time: 19.00–21.00

Recommended for ages 15+