Ma ka hana ka ʻike: reflections on doing ocean conservation and how to do it better

In working one learns. This ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb) frames this talk, where I will share my exploration of doing science and, through that process, how to do science better. My journey from coral reef ecologist to human-environment geographer is a story about the ways climate change and conservation transform ocean ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. This talk will highlight key lessons from this transition, including the importance of integrating ecological and social sciences, engaging local communities in conservation efforts, and addressing the broader systemic issues that shape social-environmental outcomes, such as geopolitical struggles for access to resources and who gets to participate in ocean science and governance. I will conclude with insights on how to build more inclusive and effective conservation strategies that balance ecological preservation with the needs of people, pointing toward pathways for the future of ocean conservation.