MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Ocean Experts Head to SXSW to Discuss “Twilight Zone”– Ocean Layer That Regulates the Climate

AUSTIN – The ocean’s mesopelagic zone, also known as the ocean twilight zone – where only faint light from the surface reaches – is home to creatures that are crucial to regulating our climate, locking away 2-6 gigatons of carbon every year. With improving technology and increasing demand for fish protein, industries are exploring ways to exploit these deep-sea animals for uses like fish oil and pet food. 

On Saturday, March 14, Ocean Conservancy’s Vice President of Conservation Chris Dorsett will speak at a SXSW panel moderated by famed oceanographer Philippe Cousteau Jr. about the amazing animals that live in the deep, their role in regulating our planet’s climate, and international efforts to keep this vital carbon pump functioning.

“The deep ocean has long inspired explorers and entrepreneurs of all stripes, and we suspect there will be many SXSW attendees who will have heard bits and pieces about this incredible space,” said Dorsett, an environmental lawyer, fisheries expert, and long-time Austin resident. “We want to give them the full story, so they understand why and how to protect this hidden yet critical ecosystem.”

The panel is open to journalists registered with SXSW’s media team. Chris Dorsett is available for interviews in the lead-up to and following the panel on topics including sustainable fisheries, ghost gear, and impacts to marine life from oil and gas activities in the Gulf. He will also be a panelist at Fast Company’s Grill on Monday, March 16 from 3:50-4:20pm.

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ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky or Instagram.