SeaFest is an annual, broad based celebration focused on raising public awareness of marine matters and developments in the marine sector.
In 2016 the event was held in Galway city centre and included a number of supporting events, such as the Our Ocean Wealth conference which sought to explore how Ireland can develop its marine economy . The 2016 Our Ocean Wealth Conference featured a number of sessions where speakers and delegates had the opportunity to delve more deeply into the conference theme of Innovating for the Marine Economy.
For information on other events that ran during SeaFest click here.
SeaFest seeks to further each objective of the HOOW Engaging with the Sea goal, namely:
- Build on Ireland's maritime heritage and strengthen the national maritime identity
- Increase awareness of the value, opportunities and social benefits
- Engagement and participation by all
Highlights from SeaFest 2016 Galway Marine Institute from Marine Institute on Vimeo.
Each year, SeaFest endeavours to achieve this by bringing together a mix of business, policy, and public events under one umbrella at a coastal location. SeaFest also provides an opportunity for the host location to showcase its marine infrastructure and achievements, and provides commercial opportunities for the local economy by bringing together a critical mass of marine related events.