Welcome to the Oceans Symposium,

Earth Misnamed: A Look at the Influence of the Oceans on Human

Civilization, Thought, and Sustenance

Purpose of the Oceans Symposium

Humanity rests on the maritime foundations of the watery planet we misnamed Earth. The vast, deep, mysterious, and inhospitable oceanic world has shaped human thought, trade, and ways of life. The purpose of this symposium is to explore how the oceans have contributed so much to humanity and have asked for so little in return.

Oceans Symposium Agenda

1:45pm Introductory Remarks

2:00pm The Oceans' Influence on Climate, Kelly Esslinger

2:20pm The Caribbean: A Glimpse at the Literature of a Diverse Population, Michelle Faust

2:40pm The Poseidon Adventure: Humanity’s Experiment and Love Affair with the Oceanic World, Scott Donnelly

Keynote Address:

3:00pm Spain’s Legacy in the Pacific: The Historic Voyage of the San Salvador, Ray Ashley

The seas delight the senses and excite the imagination. The sight and smell of the sea inspire courage and

adventure, fear and romance. Its tides keep to a rhythm; the seas seem eternal, unchanging.

Um, I think we need a

bigger boat.

1975

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1c/Nemo-poster2.jpg

Sunrise off the southern Oregon coast

With friends like these, who needs anemones?Finding Nemo

Kraken

North to south, east to west, the earth is soaked with water. The oceans are vast and deep but

they are not immune to humanity’s influence and

stupidity.

What’s the Fate of the Oceans?

Tidal Pools at Point Loma Lighthouse, California

Approximately 30 - 40 million sharks are killed annually for their fins alone.

Approximately 4.5 billion people live within 30 miles of the seas.

How big is 4.5 billion?

4,500,000,000If one counted at a rate of one number every second, then it would take 143

years (!) to count to 4.5 billion.

Only approximately 0.4%* of the oceans was closed

to fishing in 2010.

* Estimates vary but the figure stated is always less than 1%.

Overfishing threatens ~50% of the human

population (~3 billion) protein food supply.

Garbage Island(sorry Mr. Stevenson)

Situated north of Hawaii and west of San Diego is the world’s largest garbage dump. Its minimum area approximates that of Texas. Its maximum depth reaches 80-100ft perhaps deeper. It's called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Plastic Ocean rather than Pacific Ocean?The Future-

Purpose of the Oceans Symposium

Humanity rests on the maritime foundations of the watery planet we misnamed Earth. The vast, deep, mysterious, and inhospitable oceanic world has shaped human thought, trade, and ways of life. The purpose of this symposium is to explore how the oceans have contributed so much to humanity and have asked for so little in return.

Welcome to the Oceans Symposium,

Earth Misnamed: A Look at the Influence of the Oceans on Human Civilization,

Thought, and Sustenance

Portland, Maine