Steve Peletz

Steve is a research diver, past dive instructor, videographer, and ocean advocate who manages Deep Blue Monthly, an online magazine that features news on marine science and ocean conservation. He advises ocean research and conservation organizations. He is a board member at MigraMar, an organization of 24 marine scientists that study, track, and advocate for migratory species of sharks, whales, turtles, and rays in the Eastern Pacific (from Mexico to Chile).

Since joining MigraMar as a volunteer research diver in 2015, Steve has added roles as an advisor and is now a board member. Steve began tagging migratory sharks underwater in 2016. He also photographs, films, and documents beautiful ocean settings and the tragedy of the commons in our oceans, where overfishing, plastics, warming, acidification, and deoxygenation decimate marine species and systems.

Steve writes and speaks about diving, citizen science, marine science, and ocean conservation and is currently filming for a documentary, “Shark Finale,” on the formidable economic, political, and physical challenges that marine scientists face in seeking to establish greater protections for migratory sharks, whales and turtles in the Eastern Pacific.

Steve grew up near the ocean and spends as much time as he can diving in Monterey and the Eastern Pacific. He also swims San Francisco's Golden Gate many times per week. He has volunteered at IOFF periodically since 2018, helping with on-site logistics at the festival.