The Ocean’s Stories Symposium: Science, Stewardship, and Sustainability

This coral reef has 1 — A field of staghorn coral in the clear, shallow waters of Bonaire. Image by Jenny Adler/Vox.

Join Berkeley Journalism and the Pulitzer Center for a transformative day focused on the future of our oceans. Through lightning talks, expert panels, and an inspiring keynote address, we’ll explore the critical role oceans play in our planet’s health. We’ll highlight how marine scientists, journalists, and entrepreneurs working together can address major challenges in an era of increased climate disruption. What stories can grip the wider public and motivate impactful policy and management change?

The event is free, and tickets are required. The symposium includes afternoon and evening sessions, and you are welcome to attend either or both. To attend the full day of programming, please be sure to secure tickets for both sessions separately.

Register for the symposium here.

Symposium Schedule

AFTERNOON SESSION (1:30 – 5:00pm PDT)

1:30pm | Prelude: Screening of Seaweed Stories

Presented by LonelyWhale in association with re:wild, Seaweed Stories explores the wonders of seaweed, and some of the extraordinary stories and unique characters whose lives have been entangled by this often overlooked marine plant which may hold answers to some of humanity’s biggest challenges.

2:00pm | "Communities on the Edge: Coastal Adaptation and Climate Change"

How are coastal communities responding and adapting to threats like sea level rise, extreme weather and declining biodiversity?

Speakers:

Gladstone Taylor: author and journalist from Kingston, Jamaica, who writes about coastal resilience in island communities
Zachary Lamb: UC Berkeley urban planner, co-author of a study that examines climate change impacts on property in the Bay Area.
Rachel Carlson: UC Berkeley coastal ecologist who studies the effects of climate change on nearshore organisms and human livelihoods.

3:30pm | "The Blue Economy"

How can the ocean foster an economy that improves livelihoods, preserves ocean health, and combats climate change in ways that are safe and ethical? Lightning talks and a panel discussion on trends in the “blue economy”—from aquaculture to carbon capture.

Speakers:

Alexandra Talty: ocean journalist who has extensively covered the seaweed industry and blue economy.
Sophie Chu: scientist at Captura, a startup that seeks to capture carbon dioxide directly from the ocean to mitigate climate change.
Rod Fujita: a marine ecologist with the Environmental Defense Fund who studies the safety of carbon capture.
Dan Okamoto, moderator: UC Berkeley scientist who studies coastal ecological dynamics and resource management.

4:10pm | "Stories for Change: Coral Reefs"

As a case study in high impact storytelling, we learn how journalists and visual storytellers are raising awareness of the plight of coral reef ecosystems – amidst the worst global coral bleaching event on record.

Speakers:

Benji Jones: environmental correspondent for Vox, covers biodiversity loss and climate change.
Shireen Rahimi: National Geographic Explorer, marine biologist and underwater cinematographer
Jason Spingarn-Koff: documentary filmmaker and UC Berkeley professor of climate journalism

EVENING SESSION (5:00 – 7:00pm PDT)

5:00pm | Reception and Ocean Showcase

Join us for an engaging reception highlighting work in ocean sustainability, technology, and exploration. Enjoy light food & drinks while mingling with fellow attendees, exploring student projects and pioneering companies in the “blue economy”—from sustainable oyster farming to robotic sailboats and deep-sea research. Featured participants include students in our program, Captura and Saildrone.

6:00pm | Keynote: Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Designated in 2024 and encompassing 4,543 square miles, this new national marine sanctuary off the coast of Central California brings new opportunities for research, community engagement, education, and outreach activities. We learn about an innovative partnership between tribal leaders and scientists.