Fascination and Hope

Carl Safina

I grew up fascinated by the ocean and its creatures.  I spent a good part of my childhood by the shore and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at SUNY Purchase.  I pursued scientific studies of seabirds and fish for my PhD in Ecology from Rutgers University.

My research and recreational and commercial fishing showed me that a kind of “last buffalo hunt” was occurring in the seas.  It was clear that fish were wildlife too, but many people had a land-locked view of the environment and conservation.

In 2003, I co-founded the Blue Ocean Institute with my colleague, Mercédès Lee.   Our nonprofit strives to use science, art, and literature to inspire a closer connection to the sea.  We work to build a “sea ethic” - a relationship that extends our sense of community below the high-tide level.   I lecture and travel extensively to help highlight and explain how the ocean is changing and what that means for wildlife and for people.  More than ever, we are aware of the ocean’s problems - and that means solutions are likely to be found, helping us to recover the living abundance of our seas.

Responses

Greetings Carl,

I just finished reading Voyage of the Turtle, and just started reading Song for the Blue Ocean. What a joy it is to read your thoughtful, well researched information on ocean life. I was “hooked” from the first sentence! You have taken a very complex subject (science), and with eloquent words describe a fascinating world not easily observed.

I am a turtle biologist in MA, and so have a special fondness for them. I encountered my first sea turtles while snorkeling in St. John 4 years ago and then again as a volunteer in Parismina, Costa Rica while walking the beach in search of nesting leatherbacks. Watching a female leatherback turtle heave herself onto the beach and then dig her nest and lay her eggs….well you know how moving this is.

After these encounters, I of course, wanted to know more. I read Fire in the Turtle House 3 years ago, and have not eaten shrimp (my favorite seafood!) since then. Since reading your books I carry my fish eating guide in my purse.

It was ironic, that upon finishing Voyage of the Turtle, I went on a 3 day butterfly trip with a group of people to coastal Virginia - many of whom are avid conservationists. It was very difficult to be aware of the incidental killings of diamondback terrapins, sea turtles and other magnificent life that may have occurred, to feed the seafood hungry group. At best, when asked why I did not eat seafood, I explained the problems associated with conventional fishing. And in light of new knowledge, many continued to order shrimp etc…

And now the question….can you suggest a way to educate/inspire friends, family and associates not to eat particular seafoods (and still have them talk to you the next day)?

Thank you tremendously for your work!!

Julie

REPLY: http://www.blueocean.org’s seafood project gives people information and guidance. It does not say do this or don’t do that. You can’t control other people but you can just talk about the issues. If you have no expectations, you’ll be more relaxed. Don’t argue, just discuss what you know. Sometimes people have to wear the information for a while and see how it feels. Thank you very much for writing.
-CS

By: Julie Lisk on Monday, August 20 07
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