The America’s Cup sustainability forum is part of a series of events that take place during the AC World Series with the goal to inspire people to take immediate action in support of our oceans. Other activities that took place during the rest-day in Plymouth included representatives from the teams, including the skippers participating in Coastal Conservation, removing debris and plastics from two local beaches.
Craig Thompson, the CEO of the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA), said linking the competition for the oldest trophy in sport to the health of the world’s oceans was a natural fit.
“We at the America’s Cup have a very unique opportunity that most sports don’t have. Our sport takes place on the ocean, our athletes love the sea and our boats use the power of the wind.”
Oceanographer, explorer and scientist Dr. Sylvia Earle joined Blue Ambassador Conrad Humphreys, Marine Biologist Dr. Jason Hall-Spencer and the National Marine Aquarium CEO, Dr David Gibson to discuss Marine Protected Areas at the America’s Cup sustainability forum in Plymouth.
Speaking to a group of journalists during the forum, Dr. Sylvia Earle said:
“50 years ago, the notion that humans could harm the vast oceans didn’t enter our minds, but that has all changed. The idea that we can take positive action to protect our oceans is a big one but one that has now become reality.”
Russell Coutts, Skipper of the America’s Cup World Series Team, ‘ORACLE Racing Coutts’ said:
“Let’s continue to work together to look after and protect the oceans for future generations”.
Plymouth University’s marine biologist, Dr. Jason Hall-Spencer said:
“Only 0.1% of the sea bed is protected. Most of the fish we eat is imported and most of the fish we catch, we export. This doesn’t make any sense”.
Conrad Humphreys said:
“Key to getting people to understand why our oceans are so important and to want to protect them is encouraging greater participation in our marine environments.”
The Blue Climate and Oceans Project (Blue), which was founded by triple round the world sailor, Conrad Humphreys has been exhibiting at the America’s Cup educational marquee in Plymouth and collecting Blue Pledges from the general public as they pass into the America’s Cup village. Four times winning Skipper of the America’s Cup, Russell Coutts and Dr Sylvia Earle both made Blue pledges to inspire more people to take greater steps to care for our oceans.
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