ocean storytelling

The Sequoias of the Sea (SOS) film tells the story of the unprecedented environmental collapse of 95% of kelp forests along the 350 mile stretch of coastline from San Francisco to the Oregon Border. The film is currently in production documenting the cutting edge research on kelp ecosystems and the creative solutions to protect these underwater forests. We will take you on a dive through the cold rough waters of northern California, where most have never set eyes, bringing the audience beneath the surface of the ocean to highlight the beauty, fragility and resilience of California’s hidden forest.

Marine Applied Research and Exploration's (MARE) mission is to explore and document the ocean in order to support its conservation and management. MARE uses Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to monitor and document the seafloor. These tools allow researchers to access areas of the ocean that are too deep for divers. The ROV Beagle can dive to depths of 1,000 meters, to document and monitor deep sea ecosystems. This information is used to inform Marine Protected Area (MPA) and fisheries management.

Kelp! is a collaborative exhibition with the 836M gallery, Erol Foundation, and the Above/Below project. Featuring six months of programming centered around bull kelp, the foundational species of California’s coastal marine ecology, this exhibition aims to bring art and science together to inspire wonder, activate visitors’ curiosity about bull kelp, catalyze action to protect our forests of the sea. The artwork will guide us into the science and policy issues surrounding kelp forest restoration efforts and aims to grow a culture of ocean stewardship among the public.

Marine Applied Research and Exploration's (MARE) accomplishes their mission by building and deploying our own ROV systems in deep ocean environments for various underwater applications supporting scientific research and education. When California implemented a network of 124 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in 2003, MARE started working in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to conduct ROV surveys of deep-water habitats within MPAs statewide, by using 'blue tech' to monitor and document these protections over time.

Blue Ocean Gear's Smart Buoy System helps fishermen, scientists and managers track and monitor their valuable gear and equipment when it is in the ocean. It is currently used by the leaders of the world's most challenging fisheries, from Alaskan King Crab to American Lobster to Nova Scotia Longline and the emerging Deep-set Swordfish fishery in Southern California. Blue Ocean Gear works closely with fishermen, scientists and NGOs working to support sustainable fisheries.

Sea cucumbers are an important component of the sub-tidal zone, feeding on benthic waste and recycling nutrients. They are the “earth worms” of the seafloor. Similar to other sea cucumber fisheries around the world, demand is increasing in California, while the resource is becoming less abundant. Marine Applied Research and Exploration (MARE) joined forces in a unique partnership with California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW), the National Park Service, and sea cucumber fishermen to understand more about these critters in this short film, Warty Sea Cucumbers.