Kategorie: News
Protecting the world's oceans
Ocean Conservation Day 2026 in Bremen: Science, activism, and commitment to protecting the oceans
Bremen, February 14, 2026 – To mark Ocean Conservation Day 2026, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation is hosting an all-day event at the University of Bremen on February 14, 2026. Starting at 10:00 a.m. in the large lecture hall, known as the “Keksdose” (cookie jar), visitors can expect a varied program focusing on marine conservation, the latest scientific findings, and the role of activism in environmental and animal protection.
The presentations will focus on pressing challenges facing marine ecosystems worldwide:
Friederike Kremer-Obrock (Elasmocean) will speak on the topic of
“Hunted Hunters – Blue Sharks of the North Atlantic” and shed light on the threat to this key species posed by overfishing.
Martin Lampe, together with students from Bremen from Just 1 Ocean Diver e. V., will present practical conservation projects for one of the most important marine habitats under the title
“Renaturation and Conservation of Seagrass Beds in the Baltic Sea.”
Sophie Steinhause (Pro Ocean) reports in her lecture
“Plastic Flood in Paradise: The Philippines between Challenges and Coastal Protection” on plastic pollution and local solutions in Southeast Asia.
Christina Karliczek invites us to
“Under Ice and in the Depths: A New Look at Sharks” to change our perspective on little-researched habitats and their inhabitants.
Tom Strerath from the Captain Paul Watson Foundation gives insights into new and ongoing CPWF campaigns ranging from Iceland to Antarctica in his lecture
“From Krill to Fin Whales.”
The lecture program will be accompanied by an information stand area where committed organizations will present themselves, including Stop Finning e. V., PETA Streetteam Bremen, Iberian Orca Guardians, Team Turtle Wedemark, Surfrider Foundation Hamburg, Cleanup your City Bremen, and Just 1 Ocean Diver.
Another highlight of the day is a panel discussion on activism, bringing together different perspectives from the worlds of art, sports, animal welfare, and fashion. Participants include Timo Wuerz (artist), Sascha Lange (surfer and personal trainer), Samara Eckardt (Team Tierschutz), and Milena Dehnavi (fashion stylist).
During the long lunch break, there will also be a campus cleanup organized by Cleanup your City Bremen and the Surfrider Foundation Hamburg. Participants are invited to actively help and set a visible example for environmental protection in everyday life.
Marine Conservation Day 2026 is aimed at students, experts, and anyone else who is interested. Its goal is to impart knowledge, promote networking, and motivate people to take action. Admission is free.
Marine Conservation Day 2026 is sponsored by the BINGO! environmental lottery and Sparkasse Bremen AG.
Captain Paul Watson Foundation at boot 2026
The Captain Paul Watson Foundation is unconditionally committed to protecting the oceans, relying on “aggressive non-violence.” Its focus is on intervention, education, and promoting environmental awareness to combat the exploitation of marine ecosystems. e
About the Foundation:
The name Paul Watson is well known in the world of active marine conservation, and I'm sure you've all heard of him. His third organization, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (CPWF), picks up where others leave off.
When it comes to protecting the oceans, our focus is on direct intervention, supported by education, documentation, research, and partnerships with other NGOs.
You can find the Paul Watson Foundation in Hall 11 / G31.