Society for Conservation Biology

Tales from the Sea

Storytelling is a powerful way to share knowledge and experiences, connect with others, and effect change.

Conservation scientists are recognizing the power of stories and are learning to share them. These stories come from experiences at the front lines of global change. From working with diverse partners to find solutions. And from  personal connections with nature.

Below you’ll find stories told at the International Marine Conservation Congress, the conference of the SCB Marine Program. These demonstrate the power of sharing conservation messages through storytelling.

Have you watched the videos? Or are you using them as part of your science communication efforts? We'd love to hear from you! Your feedback helps to improve the program and track its use. Please take 1 minute to give us feedback using this link.

Press Release: Uniting Science and Stories

Enjoy the Stories

2018 Tales from the Sea: IMCC5 Kuching, Malaysia

These stories were told at the Tales from the Sea live storytelling event at the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC5) in Kuching, Malaysia.

Following a two-day pre-congress workshop, scientists shared their stories with a live public audience at the Old Courthouse Auditorium.

Enjoy, and please stay tuned for future content as we deliver Tales from the Sea at IMCC 6, hosted online in August 2020! 

Brock Bergseth (Australia, @BrockBergseth), on reporting poaching to bolster conservation outcomes

Emily Cunningham (United Kingdom, @EG_Cunningham), on celebrating the wildlife in British seas 

Gabrielle Johnson (USA), on joining together to address ocean pollution

Gavin Jolis (Malaysia, @gavinjolis), on working with communities to stop poaching

Jonatha Giddens (USA, @JonathaLauren), on the Ocean's answer to a question she had

Jorge Torre (Mexico), on Gender equality in decision making tables

Juan Mayorga (Colombia, @juan_s_mayorga) on tracking ocean protection in the deep

Naima Andrea López (Spain, @NaimasOcean), on finding inspiration on nature's wonders

Rachel Skubel (USA/ Canada, @rachelskubel) on fostering relationships between people and wildlife

2016 Tales from the Sea: IMCC4 Newfoundland, Canada

These stories are from the  2016 Tales from the Sea at the Marine Program's 4th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC4) in St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Scientists participated in a pre-congress storytelling workshop, and in a special lunchtime event, shared their stories with other delegates and the general public during "Sea Stories: Tales from the Field"

We hope to continue Tales from the Sea at IMCC5 in Kuching, Malaysia, in 2018, but for now enjoy these stories from IMCC4!

Angela Quiros (Philippines, @SurfNSeagrass), on seagrass, mud, and family. #community #seagrass #conservation