The Sea Series: a journalists' course in marine science

In 2006, SeaWeb will hold its first Sea Series for journalists in Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Our seminars will provide members of the media with the foundation of basic science knowledge they need to report on complex ocean stories. Lecture topics range from fish biology to ecosytem linkages to the climate. Participants will meet local ocean experts and explore their research during fieldtrips specially designed to enhance understanding. The courses will meet twice a month for six months.

If you are an active journalist and would like to be put on the list to receive information about upcoming briefings and trainings, please e-mail us.

Media Ocean Briefings

We are committed to helping media understand the issues affecting the oceans and the regional environment. Our media briefings introduce journalists to top researchers, provide a forum for detailed discussion of relevant ocean issues, and include fieldtrips to provide first-hand experiences with the sea. We enhance these experiences with extensive background materials to assist in the process of pitching, researching, and writing stories.

Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area Network Media Ocean Briefing, Fiji (2005)

In cooperation with the Fiji Locally Marine Managed Area (FLMMA) network, SeaWeb hosted a two-day briefing for six leading journalists from Fiji. The journalists represented all the major Fiji News outlets including: Communications Fiji Limited, Fiji TV, Fiji Times Limited, Fiji Television Limited, Fiji Broadcasting Commission and The Daily Post. The journalists were briefed on important ocean issues in Fiji.

• Click here to download the FLMMA Media Briefing Agenda (.pdf).

Media Council of Papua New Guinea Media Ocean Briefing, Papua New Guinea (2004)

In cooperation with the Media Council of Papua New Guinea, SeaWeb hosted a two-day briefing for ten leading PNG journalists. The journalists represented individuals from all the major PNG News outlets including: Post Courier, EMTV (Insait PNG), The National Newspaper, NBC Madang, NBC, Port Moresby, Kalang FM 100, The Post Courier, PNG FM, Wantok Niuspepa, and journalism students from DWU and UPNG. Five students from the Divine Word School of Journalism also attended in Madang. As part of the briefing, the journalists participated in field trips to become better acquainted with the marine environment.

• Click here to download the MC Media Briefing Agenda (.pdf).

7th South Pacific Conference for Nature Conservation & Protected Areas Media Ocean Briefing, Cook Islands (2002)

Fifteen journalists from Australia, Europe, Fiji, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and the United States were introduced to ocean experts and the marine environment through a variety of activities. SeaWeb offered field trips, bar-side chats, press briefings and a lab activity for the fellows.

• Click here to download the SPCNCPA Media Briefing Agenda (.pdf).

9th International Coral Reef Symposium Media Ocean Briefing, Bali, Indonesia (2000)

Forty-five journalists attended the 9ICRS. They represented Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, the UK, and the U.SA. For many of the journalists, this was the first intensive education of coral reef conservation issues. SeaWeb organized field trips, bar side chats with scientists, and press briefings to further enhance the journalists understanding and connection with the marine environment.

• Click here to download the ICRS Media Briefing Agenda (.pdf).