PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Experience thought-provoking panel discussions that were held at the Tide Pool at Fort Mason on April 12th and 13th, 2025. These engaging conversations highlight innovation and collaboration. Gain valuable insights from industry experts discussing key topics shaping the future. Don't miss the opportunity to see the dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise by watching the full videos below.

PANEL #1
Stories of Hope: Marine Mammals and Ocean Health in the Bay Area Panel Discussion 

People, wildlife and our ocean are inextricably linked, with the health of one depending on the health of the others. Together, as community members, scientists, educators and decision-makers, we are taking action today to protect our shared ocean for future generations of people and wildlife alike.  

Join experts from the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, The Marine Mammal Center, to hear stories of hope.     

During this discussion, you’ll get a deep dive into how the Center is taking action to protect our ocean, including seal and sea lion rescue and rehabilitation, critical partnerships like WhaleSafe, ocean stewardship and more, as well as how we are all interconnected, what the future holds for ocean health and how you can get involved.  

PANEL #2
Waves of Change: From Plastics and Human Health to the Material Revolution

Join Parley for the Oceans' Lindsay Gordon, Oscar-winning director Louie Psihoyos, Scientist and Count Down author Dr. Shanna Swan, kelp material innovator Julia Marsh, and Parley Hawaii's Director Kahi Pacarro in this panel discussion and Q&A as they explore the science of plastics and human health, including the global fertility crisis and the already happening future that is "The Material Revolution."

Learn more about Parley for the Oceans' Panel Guests:

  • Lindsay Gordon Head of Global Programs, Parley for the Oceans

  • Louie Psihoyos  Oscar-winning director and Executive Director of Oceanic Preservation Society

  • Dr. Shanna Swan award-winning environmental and reproductive epidemiologist

  • Julia Marsh CEO and co-founder of Sway, a Bay Area materials company scaling compostable packaging made with seaweed

  • Kahi Pacarro Director of Parley Hawaii

PANEL #3
Help the Kelp: Solutions for a Changing Climate

Join our panel experts to discuss the innovative solutions for the future of our oceans. We will be exploring how kelp can be a game-changer in the fight against climate change.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with ocean experts and learn about the actions we can take now to write our future.

PANEL #4
Sea Change: Surfing, Climate Change, and Ocean Conservation

Join our panel of experts to explore the power we have as individuals to effect change at the intersection of science, storytelling and surfing.This panel will explore groundbreaking solutions for creating environmentally safe wetsuits made from sustainable materials and how these innovations can help protect our oceans. Learn about the transformative power of eco-friendly materials and how surfers can lead the change in the future of our waves.

  • Chris Nelson, Award-Winning Filmmaker, Writer & Activist, Co-Director of The Big Sea

  • Demi Taylor, Award-Winning Writer & Director of London Surf Film Fest, Producer of The Big Sea

  • Hub Hubbard, Product Line Manager at Patagonia Surf

  • Dr. Sarah Gerhardt, Big Wave Pioneer & Chemistry Professor

  • Ian Stewart, Moderator, Marketing Lead for Yulex, A Patagonia Wetsuit Partner

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with industry experts and learn about the actions we can take now to protect our planet.