By Business & Finance 
Meteorologist Gerard Fleming and Marine Institute CEO Peter Heffernan pictured at the launch of Our Ocean Wealth 2016
Ireland’s marine future will be discusses by industry leaders at Our Ocean Wealth 2016 conference in NUIG, Galway.
The oceans that surround Ireland present enormous opportunities across key economic areas including food and aquaculture, marine energy, technology and international collaboration and cooperation.
The conference will bring international and national industry leaders, policy makers, researchers and maritime entrepreneurs together on July 1st in NUIG to discuss marine innovation, marine spatial planning, healthy ocean ecosystems and sustainability.
Key speakers at this year’s conference include vice admiral Mark Mellett, head of the Irish Defence Forces; Sigi Gruber, European Commission; Gerald Fleming, Met Eireann; Craig McLean, US National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration; and Linda Rosborough, Marine Scotland.
The new Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Michael Creed TD will give his first formal address on the marine economy at the conference.
Minster Creed said: “This conference will be an opportunity to reflect on the progress and achievements in implementing Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth – An Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland. I’m looking forward to hearing from thought leaders and innovators across a broad and exciting maritime sphere and to join the discussion on innovating for our marine future”
Speaking at the launch of the conference schedule, Marine Institute CEO Dr Peter Heffernan commented: “While there are many events internationally that look at specific areas of our marine economy, from shipping and transport to energy, the Our Ocean Wealth annual conference is unique in that it brings global experts in this industry together to discuss the future opportunities and challenges for the blue economy. This holistic approach to the global maritime economy, and our focus on Ireland’s blue economy, makes it a must-attend event for anyone working in or involved in marine-related activities.”
Delegates will also hear from innovative Irish companies such as OpenHydro Group, which has just installed its second tidal turbine off the north west coast of France due to connect to the grid this summer, in what will be a world first for the tidal energy industry.
A number of other blue economy events are also taking place to coincide with the Our Ocean Wealth conference, including a Sea Change Researchers Workshop at the Marine Institute, The Digital Ocean event at the Meyrick Hotel and the BIM National Seafood Conference.
Our Ocean Wealth is being held in Galway this year as part of SeaFest, Ireland’s national maritime festival.
