Event: Dr Ralph Rayner delivers the IMarEST Stanley Gray Lecture
Date: Wednesday 29 November 2006
Venue: The City Conference Centre, 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ
Further information: www.imarest.org
Many people are unaware that the United Kingdom is custodian of one of the world's largest tropical coral atolls. The Chagos Archipelago, situated in the central Indian Ocean, forms part of 'BIOT' - British Indian Ocean Territory - a little known remnant of the British Empire left over after the Seychelles and Mauritius gained independence.
The archipelago will be in the spotlight on Wednesday 29 November when Dr Ralph Rayner CSci, CMarSci, FIMarEST delivers The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) Stanley Gray Lecture on 'The History, Science and Politics of the Indian Ocean Chagos Archipelago' at the City Conference Centre, 80 Coleman Street, London (the headquarters of IMarEST).
Chagos, a predominantly submarine territory of the Crown has a fascinating history. It is the home of many unique marine species and has some unusual oceanographic features. It is also associated with some murky politics concerning the forced depopulation of the region's islands to make way for the construction and operation of the American military base of Diego Garcia.
Ralph Rayner is fortunate to be one of a small community of scientists that have conducted scientific research in this very remote and beautiful region of the planet. "I was attracted by the prospect of diving where few, if any, people have dived before and the opportunity to conduct some fascinating research," he explains.
His lecture will weave together the history, science and politics of the Chagos Archipelago and will be illustrated by underwater photographs of what are probably some of the finest and least visited dive sites in the world. "I'd like those who attend to take away a feeling of wonder at the spectacular beauty of coral reefs; thoughts about how to deal with complex and conflicting demands on even the most remote parts of the planet; and perspectives about how and whether the rights of small minorities should be, or can be, defended against big government," he says.
"I'd like to see anyone with an interest in the sea, in the contemporary history of a little known part of the UK, in diving or in oceanography attending on 29 November, and look forward for some interesting and lively discussion too."
Attendance at the Stanley Gray Lecture is free of charge to IMarEST members and non-members alike. The evening begins at 1700 hrs with tea, the lecture at 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ begins at 1730 hrs and will be followed, at 1845 hrs, by a reception.
Places can be reserved online at www.imarest.org, by contacting the IMarEST Events Department on +44 (0)20 7382 2636, or by emailing sarah.alexander@imarest.org
