Article

by Brendan Bane

I followed the sound of distant marimbas toward the mists concealing the Santa Cruz Wharf to find a blue, tent-lined building standing tall at the end of Pacific Avenue. June 8th marked World Oceans Day and the launch of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center’s first annual Beneath the Waves Film Festival: a screening of short films on ocean life and conservation, coupled with live music and interactive exhibits.

Inside the Center, directors from nearly all continents shared their perspectives in the struggle to conserve marine habitats. From harvest policy conflicts among Kenyan fisherman to animated sea creatures explaining coral reef ecology, the films run the gamut on format, but each strove to convey one clear message: the ocean is a vital resource and warrants protection.

Festival coordinators like Ross Clark, director of the Coastal Wetlands Group, hoped the films would spark discussion among Santa Cruz citizens.

“It’s a great way for us to learn what other people around the world are struggling with,” said Clark, “then bring that back to a local conversation about how we can be more engaged and help improve protection of the oceans.”

Later in the afternoon, Dr. Stacy Kim, a benthic ecologist at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, introduced a suite of films about the lives of marine organisms. From sea grass to blue whales, moviegoers caught a personal glimpse of marine organisms and the scientists who study them.

Young children whose attention wasn’t captivated by sea grass explored the exhibit hall, where they investigated marine life through kid-friendly media. With the proper videogame finesse, attendees guided virtual Leatherback sea turtles away from harmful plastic bags and toward delicious jellyfish. Others identified fish species by steering a remote control submarine camera through an underwater display.

Outside and on the balcony, guests spoke with representatives from local marine and coastal organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Tidepool displays and remote control submarines aside, the films alone made it difficult not to be excited about marine conservation—a goal of exploration center director Lisa Uttal. Her hope? That guests of the festival “walk away with a better appreciation of what they can do themselves, because there really is just one ocean.”