A Window into Ocean Literacy

Have you ever read a news article about an amazing science break through or a study that shows how our world is changing and wondered how do they come up with that?  If you’re like most people you’ll see these articles and understand the big idea, but if you want to understand how they got there it may be elusive. Ocean Salon’s may be the answer to understanding more about those headlines and giving you a window into the intersection of marine biology, design, new technologies and ocean conservation.

Every month The Hydrous offers an Ocean Salon, where ocean advocates (scientists, educators, photographers, designers and more) come to discuss their work and findings to people of all ages. This intimate environment provides an opportunity to interact with active ocean practitioners and ask questions about their work. The audience is very diverse, including young researchers, experienced scientists, technologists and avid outdoors people that have a deep appreciation for the ocean environment.

I am a master’s student in marine biology. I enjoy the opportunity to come and listen to groundbreaking research in an informal manner. These Salons allow me to ask questions without feeling like they’re too simple or not important for their level like I do at some conferences and institutional talks. I think this opportunity is especially important for young scientists who are just beginning to consider careers that focus on the oceans, including high school students, undergraduates, and master’s students

In addition to just hearing from the presenters the Ocean Salon is very interactive with time before and after to chat over snacks and drinks. You can talk to the speaker and the audience about their careers and get advice for your own, which is a rare opportunity. As an undergraduate I had a small group of people to turn to for advice and guidance in my career. I wish I had spoken to many more researchers and professionals that came through my school. Now as a Master’s student I take every opportunity to talk with speakers and professionals I meet to understand how they got to this point in their careers. The Hydrous’s Ocean Salon is an amazing space to learn and interact with a wide range of individuals who have very different interests in the ocean.

 At our most recent Ocean Salon the presentation focused on a range of new measures to identify and measure ocean diversity. Dr. Collin Closek told us about how he uses environmental DNA (eDNA) for this purpose. Environmental DNA is the genetic information that is shed when organisms swim and move through the ocean. Traditional methods to assess marine life include catching organisms in nets or spotting them on the surface. The new methods he described expand our ability to identify what lives in the ocean 

The Salon included a really great discussion on how we can use this research and in what context. We brought up how eDNA could be used as a part of already established surveys like those with NOAA or as a new survey method for areas that are implementing new Marine Protected Areas. I enjoyed this interactive discussion, because it gave me the opportunity to think through some of the research I had just heard and to consider how it could fit into a larger picture. Since our attendees are from many different backgrounds it was very interesting to hear ideas about the application of this research from a policy, conservation, law and business perspective.

Overall The Hydrous’ Ocean Salons are a great opportunity for anyone curious about the ocean and excited to hear about the latest advancements in an approachable and interactive way.