File photo. 

The Aquarium of the Pacific will host a discussion that focuses on the question: Can California lead the way in continuing to ensure that the Pacific is a vibrant resource for our economy and for feeding the world? While the state is a leader in the Pacific World, especially when it comes to ocean conservation, can we continue this legacy into the future?

The event will bring together two of the most profound thinkers on the topic, Peter Kareiva, UCLA’s new director for the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability and Jerry Schubel, president and CEO, Aquarium of the Pacific. It will also be led by Jon Christensen, editor-in-chief at Boom: A Journal of California to contemplate said topics on Wednesday, September 21 at 7:00PM. The public is invited to partake.

“We want to have a lively conversation about California’s role in the Pacific World,” Christensen told the Post. “So we’re going to look back 100 years, but also look forward to what we want our role to be in the future.”  

On the one-hundredth anniversary of two international exhibitions celebrating California’s emerging role in the Pacific World, the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco and the Panama-California Exposition in San Diego in 1915, the event will reflect on past, present and future relationship with the Pacific Ocean.

Christensen says that while ocean conservation will certainly be a subject to discuss, topics such as aquaculture and the production of fish and shellfish on and offshore will be brought to attention.

“A challenge that we face now…and it’s one that, where again Kareiva and Schubel are world leaders in thinking about this, is how do we continue to protect the environment while also thinking creatively and responsibly about using the amazing resources that the oceans are, for people,” he said.

He relayed that he hopes all attendees will share their ideas and discuss with these two minds the question: “What do we want the future of the Pacific to be for us here in Southern California as a resource and also as an incredible treasure to enjoy and protect?”

If you can’t make it to the discussion, the speaking engagement will be streamed live online. You can submit your questions and comments via Twitter (@AquariumPacific) and hashtag your question with #aoppacworld for a chance to have your inquiry answered. Click here to view the live stream at lecture time.

Tickets are $5 per person or free for Aquarium members, seniors age 62 and up, teachers and students with valid ID and advance reservations.

For more information, click here or call 562.590.3100. The aquarium is located at 100 Aquarium Way.

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