A three-generation western suburbs family behind one of Western Australia's most significant marine conservation efforts will host a special event exploring the wonders beneath the State's waters.
Event Details
Taking place next month, a panel of scientists, conservationists and storytellers will come together to talk about the ocean in celebration of this year's World Ocean Day. The Jock Clough Marine Foundation will spearhead the event for the third year in a row.
The family-run organisation, set up by its namesake about 17 years ago, has played a major part in bringing awareness and helping support the State's coastline. Mr Clough said that the idea came after he noticed some pressing issues within WA waters.
"It grew from my concerns in the late '90s, realising the issues facing our oceans and that we have to look after our environment and work to preserve it," he said. "It's grown into something that has become a real passion for me and the family now."
Family Involvement
In 2020, Jock's daughter Josie became the foundation's trustee, a responsibility that has seen her become heavily involved in the organisation's important work. "As a family growing up by the coast, the ocean was such a big part of our lives," she said. "We were lucky enough to be able to come down to the beach every day, and our school holidays were always spent up at Shark Bay and Dirk Hartog Island, where we got to see such an amazing cross section of the environment and marine life."
The foundation has gone on to donate more than $17 million to fund marine conservation projects, including restoration work in the Swan River and to revive seagrass in Shark Bay after a huge marine heatwave in 2011. The foundation also supports marine science through an endowed chair, scholarships to assist young scientists furthering their post-graduate studies and public education initiatives.
Optimism for the Future
"There's a lot of gloom out there about climate change and our environment," Mr Clough said. "But we feel pleased that there's some really good initiatives that we can help educate the up and coming generations to feel positive and optimistic about their future." Josie said educating the younger generations, including her two sons, was incredibly important for the future. "So much of our life is based around the beach and the ocean and the rivers... it's been pivotal to us growing up," she said. "As the generations continue, it is going to become more and more important, and having that passion from a young age, and the importance of conservation, as well as just enjoying it, is something that I think is important to pass on."
Free Event
The free Ocean Day event, on Monday June 9 at Gage Roads in Fremantle, will see a panel of experts discuss issues such as climate change, marine biodiversity and fishing practices. "It's a chance for people to learn more about the important challenges we're facing in the State," Mr Clough said. "What we hope is that everyone going can take away at least one thing that they say, 'Wow, I didn't know that, and that's really interesting'." For more information on the event or how to register attendance, visit the website.
