The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s film ‘Oceans of Value’ will be showing at the Phoenix cinema, Kirkwall on Wednesday 11th of January.

The film includes interviews with 26 local people to unearth their values and relationship with the sea, how they have seen the marine environment change and how they would like to see it managed in the future.

Rebecca Marr, is one of those interviewed. She said:

“I’ve been working in the Stromness Museum photographing their artefacts for a number of years now and it would be really hard to think of any of the artefacts in there that do not have a relationship with the sea. And when I’m working there handling the artefacts, I get a sense of how deeply rooted the sea is in our culture here.”

Although the film is focussed on the waters around Orkney, this is only part of a larger project.

A Marine Natural Capital Assessment has been carried out to map out the natural capital assets, which include all seabed habitats and all living things, in Orkney’s marine environment to identify the ecosystem services they provide and those of most importance to the community.

A report combining the outcomes of the assessment, the film and further stakeholder consultation is expected in Spring 2023.

Rebecca Crawford Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Scottish Wildlife Trust,explained:

“The benefits of Scotland’s marine environment is so wide ranging. While many connect the sea with benefits such as food, employment, recreation and wellbeing, marine habitats store the greatest amounts of ‘blue’ carbon, more than potential carbon storage on land.

“Our project in Orkney looking into the facts, figures and emotive connections to the sea will help us better understand how the Trust can support the Orkney marine environment and its communities, as well as the wider Scottish marine environment, now and for years to come.”

Using the Community Voice Method which a range of people were interviewed. The film has been made to inform the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Oceans of Value wider project.

Rebecca Crawford continued:

“While quantitative data helps the Trust tremendously, the voices of the local community are just as valuable, if not more, in helping to inform our work on Scotland’s seas.

“We hope that many of the local community can join us on 11^th January. It’s free to come along, we just encourage you to sign-up as spaces are limited.”

Oceans of Value will show at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall, Orkney on Wednesday 11 January 5:30pm – 8:00pm. This event is free to attend however spaces are limited so booking is essential. Book your place here: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/our-events/oceans-of-value-film-screening-and-workshop/

Those who attend the premiere will be asked to take part in a workshop to give feedback on a range of questions relating to some of the topics raised in the film. The discussions from the workshop will be recorded by the organisers to feed into future marine management and conservation in Orkney.

Following the film screening there will be buffet style food and drinks available.

You can view a trailer for the Oceans of Value film here: https://youtu.be/PtpIpdjD6ps 

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