United Kingdom

International Year of the Ocean 1998
A Report of Activities in the UK
Compiled by Martin Angel and David Pugh

"There is no doubt that the International Year of the Ocean received a very positive response in the United Kingdom. Admittedly, following the 1994 United Nations General Assembly's formal adoption of 1998 as the International Year of the Ocean, plans were slow to develop in the UK and elsewhere. However, as this Report shows, the eventual UK response was very satisfactory: many events were organized locally and at regional and national level. In addition, the UK Government hosted two conferences to promote international debates on marine issues.

...During the year several organizations and individuals signed the Ocean Charter, promoted by the Government of Canada. Rt Hon John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister, signed on behalf of the UK Government. Other notable signatories included Lloyd's Register of Shipping, The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, the Sea Fish Industry Authority, the Irish Sea Forum, and the Arun District Council. Interest in the Charter and other activities is continuing, and there is no doubt that despite a relatively slow start, the IYO elicited an enthusiastic response at all levels......"

More info

The Inter-Agency Committee on Marine Science and Technology
Southampton Oceanography Centre
Empress Dock
Southampton SO14 3ZH
Tel: (44-1703) 596611
Fax: (44-1703) 596395
http://www.marine.gov.uk