Lecture Series Highlights Scripps Oceanography Research in Living Seas
2025 Perspectives on Ocean Science Lectures Continue this Fall With Emphasis on Eco-optimism
Photo by: Jordann Tomasek, Birch Aquarium
La Jolla, CA (August 19, 2025)—In September, the Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series returns to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. For over two decades, the Perspectives Lecture Series has been engaging the public on research conducted worldwide by scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
The fall 2025 series highlights Scripps Institution of Oceanography marine research and its contributions to society — 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. Hear directly from Scripps Oceanography scientists on how they envision the future of research to understand and protect our ocean planet for the benefit of all.
The series kicks off with Marine Prosperity Areas: A New Hope in Conservation, featuring Scripps Oceanography Professor and Marine Ecologist Octavio Aburto. Marine Protected Areas have long been the most effective tools for marine ecosystem restoration, but these efforts often require sacrifices today for benefits decades in the future. Learn how Aburto’s research has influenced the evolution of a more holistic approach to marine conservation focused on Marine Prosperity Areas. Aburto and a multinational team of marine scientists and economists have developed a comprehensive new framework for marine management that combines ecosystem conservation, economic growth, environmental responsibility and social policy — ultimately benefiting both people and the planet.
Lecture Schedule:
Monday, September 8, 2025, 7-8 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Marine Prosperity Areas Represent a New Hope in Conservation
Speaker: Octavio Aburto, Marine Ecologist and Scripps Oceanography Professor
Additional lectures to follow:
- Monday, October 6, 2025, 7-8 p.m.
- Monday, November 10, 2025, 7-8 p.m.
Lectures are free for Birch Aquarium members and $12 for the general public. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required for all guests, including members. Registration is now open for the September lecture and will soon be added for the others.
Birch Aquarium opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing hours varying by day. Purchase tickets online in advance for the best pricing or buy an annual membership to visit the aquarium all year. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for details including the Daily Schedule.
About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which it achieves through engaging hands-on learning opportunities for more than 500,000 guests and 40,000-plus pre-K-12 students each year. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.