SNARL Seminar

Ben has spent the last 10 years studying the ecological, social and political dimensions of marine aquaculture around the world,

transforming him into an aquaculture advocate. Kim has spent an equal number of years representing and advocating for the local

fishermen in Santa Barbara, and beyond, with fishermen generally opposed to marine aquaculture. Ben and Kim also happen to be

married to each other. They will present the science and issues related to aquaculture and fisheries sustainability. Come see who

wins this sustainability showdown, and whether their marriage survives the debate!

Dr. Ben Halpern Ben is a Professor of marine biology and conservation science at the Bren School of Environmental Science and

Management at UCSB and the Director of the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS). He is an ecologist and

conservation scientist with broad, interdisciplinary interests. Dr. Kim Selkoe is a marine scientist, fisheries advocate and fishmonger.

With a B.A. from Pomona College and Ph.D. in marine ecology from UCSB, she focused her science career on 'big data' approaches to

marine conservation, coral reef biodiversity, and genetics. Since 2016 she has served as Executive Director of Commercial

Fishermen of Santa Barbara, working to integrate the interests and goals of fishermen, environmental groups and marine

managers on topics of fisheries management, addressing climate change, and more. In 2018 she founded Get Hooked

Seafood, a Community Supported Fishery that seeks to close the gap between supply and demand for sustainable, local seafood.

Get Hooked delivers local seafood to 500 households in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles.