A researcher will share stories about the Sargasso Sea and the structure in place to protect the ecosystem at a talk on Tuesday.

Fae Sapsford, a marine research fellow with the Sargasso Sea Commission, will also discuss the work of the commission in protecting the important area through international law.

The lecture — which is part of the Bermuda Zoological Society’s monthly lecture series — will run from 7pm to 8.30pm at the BZS classrooms at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

The BZS said attendees will be given a visual tour of selected beachcombing finds from the island’s beaches by Ms Sapsford.

The two million square-mile open ocean area is named for the mats of golden Sargassum seaweed that make up the foundation of the ecosystem.

Using accessible storytelling, Ms Sapsford will weave through stories about the Sargasso Sea.

She will also discuss international environmental law, which the BZS said is highly relevant to the conservation of the iconic area.

Ms Sapsford said: “The Sargasso Sea is a high-seas ecosystem because it is located in areas beyond national jurisdiction, waters not under the control of any one country.”

She added: “A unique problem arises for its protection — how do we co-ordinate so many countries and stakeholders to agree on its protection?

“The high seas might feel far away and disconnected from us, but in reality they touch each one of our lives, especially in Bermuda. Migratory species on the Sargasso Sea pass through our waters.”

She said the area plays a major role in the recruitment of fish to the island and added: “In a wider sense it plays a huge role in regulating the global climate and sequestering carbon in the fight against climate change.”

Ms Sapsford provides science communication support, among other duties, to the commission, which plays a pivotal role in the conservation of the Sargasso Sea.

She was the recipient of the BZS-Steinhoff Scholarship for Environmental Studies in 2023 and is working towards a doctorate in maritime affairs at the World Maritime University.

The commission, which was established under the Hamilton Declaration, works with governments, scientists and stakeholders to promote responsible stewardship and protection of the vital marine ecosystem.

The body recently finalised the adoption of the agreement on marine biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.

Ms Sapsford explained: “It is a holistic agreement for the high seas and, among other things, allows for globally legally binding marine-protected areas to be established on the high seas for the first time.

“The Sargasso Sea Commission is implementing two grants from global funders to strengthen the conservation of the Sargasso Sea in alignment with the agreement.

“We are producing a comprehensive science case, and we will be producing a plan including conservation measures that will be agreed by Sargasso Sea stakeholders.”

Beyond working with the commission, Ms Sapsford spends time beachcombing and discovering what treasures the Sargassum washes up on Bermuda’s beaches.

She said: “It's really incredible in Bermuda that we are able to experience the high seas on our doorstep.

“When Sargassum washes into Bermuda's beaches, you can observe tons of incredible high-seas organisms that wash in with it — including sargassum endemic creatures, sea slugs, crabs, shrimps, seahorses, juvenile pelagic fish and more.”

The lecture next week is free, but attendees are encouraged to make a $10 donation to support the BZS education programme.

Space is limited to 100 people and residents were encouraged to register for the event through the signupgenius platform, with the full link available on the Facebook page for the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, supported by Bermuda Zoological Society.