Lecture series returns to Birch Aquarium with an eco-positive spin

For more than two decades, Birch Aquarium in La Jolla has hosted a lecture series aiming to shed light on worldwide research conducted by scientists at its home, UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. But this year’s version of the Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series is unique for two reasons.

First, it will align with a theme of eco-optimism. And it will be the first series held at the aquarium’s new exhibition “Living Seas.”

The Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series enables scientists to share their research with the public in distinct presentations.

Octavio Aburto, a marine ecologist and Scripps Oceanography professor, will kick off the series Monday, Sept. 8.

Then on Monday, Oct. 6, Scripps professor Brad Moore and his graduate student Natalie Grayson will discuss the institution’s Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine and its connections to society.

On Monday, Nov. 10, Scripps assistant professor of biological oceanography Colleen Petrik will talk about her research on computer-simulated ocean ecosystems, as well as sustainable commercial fisheries and ecosystems.

Aburto arrived at Scripps in 2003 and got a faculty position a decade later. The Mexico-born researcher has long conducted studies in the Gulf of California and will be appearing in the series for the third time.

In lectures more than a decade ago, he discussed sea mounts in the gulf and the formation of Cabo Pulmo National Park, a marine protected area.

This year, he will deliver a recap of 25 years of gulf research, discuss why long-term monitoring programs matter and explore how they can shift conversations about marine conservation.

Central to his lecture is the rebranding of marine protected areas — parts of the ocean dedicated to conservation purposes — to “marine prosperity areas,” combining conservation, economic growth, environmental responsibility and social policy.

“We are showing that not only in the Gulf of California but in many coastal areas, we need to start promoting prosperity, because not only do we need to restore ecosystems, we need to restore human well-being and start funding blue economies if we really want to change the planet.”

That notion ties into the larger theme of eco-optimism.

Series organizer Cheryl Peach said the aquarium recently constructed broad themes for the lecture series. This year’s talks — two of which are currently unannounced — range “from the development of new, economically grounded strategies for sustaining critical ecosystems and fisheries to innovative research at the intersection of oceanography and human health,” she said.

“Birch Aquarium is the public outreach center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography,” Peach said. “Whenever possible, we endeavor to tie our ever-evolving exhibits at the aquarium to our speakers’ presentations.”

The reimagined “Living Seas” space marked the aquarium’s biggest capital improvement project since its current facility opened in 1992 at Scripps Oceanography. This year, it will serve as the site of the lecture series.

“The new gallery showcases the wide variety of marine ecosystems studied by Scripps scientists, including those featured in Octavio’s research, and illuminates humankind’s many connections to our living ocean,” Peach said.

Aburto said he’s excited to share his research with aquarium guests of varying ages and backgrounds.

“Every time Birch Aquarium presents a new exhibition, I think it’s part of our goal and our responsibility as an academic institution to inspire not only the community in San Diego but all the visitors that come from many places,” Aburto said.

Each lecture in the series is free for Birch Aquarium members and $12 for non-members. Registration is required. For more information, visit aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/lectures.