KOCHI: The World Ocean Science Congress (WOSC)-2015, organised by Swadeshi Science Movement, Kerala, and the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), will be held from February 5 to 8 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.
The focal theme of WOSC-2015 is ‘Protect Oceans for Posterity.’ The WOSC is expected to serve as a common platform for oceanographers, environmentalists, fishing community, shipping industry, navigators and defence establishments. The event will see ocean technocrats, policy makers and legal experts to share ideas and strengthen regional cooperation in the management and conservation of the ocean and its resources, a press release said.
“Life on earth largely depends on oceans- both directly and indirectly. Marine habitats provide resources such as food, medicine, minerals and services like uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide, modulation of weather systems etc which in monetary terms translate to trillions of dollars a year. Traditionally mankind has been depending on the oceans for fish, recreation and navigation. With advancements in technology, human activities have expanded to deep-sea fishing, extraction of oil, natural gas, minerals, gas hydrates, construction of mega cities, ports and harbours all of which have the potential to deteriorate ocean environment,” the SOSC press release said, giving a context to the 4-day congress. Students pursuing their graduation in science streams and post-graduates, law graduates and research students can participate in the event.
The plenary session will see speeches from experts on ‘Ocean resources,’Climate change & ocean’ and ‘Ocean Policy’. The students, who attend the session, can participate in the essay writing competition on the topics, the release said.
Students of class VIII to plus-2 can participate in the essay competition on climate change & ocean.
Those students who wish to participate can contact over phones 9388867935. 0484-2393420.