From marine protection to overfishing, a director caught in a fishing net and unseen 'cover your eyes' footage - the MCS AGM was a real event!
The Marine Conservation Society recently held it's 2010 AGM at London Zoo. AGM's are often thought of as being long, boring and full of business that nobody is interested in - not so this event from MCS.
Outgoing chairman, Sir Geoffrey Newman, handed over the reins after eight years in the role to Martin Spray. Martin is the Chief Executive of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and brings a strong environmental background to the job of chair.
Straight in at the deep end and Martin's first job was to present a ships decanter to Sir Geoffrey to mark his achievements with, and commitment to, MCS. Second on the podium was Peter Hiam from Deutsche Bank(DB). MCS has been one of DB's charities of the year during 2010 and as a supporter Peter was instrumental in helping persuade fellow DB employees to understand the importance of our work and vote for us as their charity. He received the Marine Conservation Society Award for outstanding services.
Once the AGM business was over, the headline act took to the stage. Rupert Murray directed the jaw dropping documentary film 'The End of the Line'. The first major documentary about the devastating effect of overfishing, which raised questions about our global love affair with seafood. Filmed over two years it looked at the imminent extinction of bluefin tuna, brought on by increasing western demand for sushi; the impact on marine life resulting in huge overpopulation of jellyfish; and the profound implications of a future world with no fish that would bring certain mass starvation. It's fair to say that some of the scenes were not for the fainthearted.
Rupert showed footage not included in the final cut - including talking the audience through how he felt when trapped in a fishing net. He also told MCS supporters and invited guests about his new venture - a film about climate change, which he is currently editing.
Rupert's fascinating talk was followed by presentations from MCS Fisheries Programme Manager, Peter Duncan and Biodiversity Officer, Jean-Luc Solandt - looking at MCS' involvement in the issues Rupert had raised.
All members can attend an AGM. To find out how to join MCS and be in the audience in 2011, click here
