Changing Tides: Julie Packard on Ocean Conservation
Inspiring people to appreciate the natural world is one thing; empowering them to protect it is another. For Julie Packard, bridging those two goals has been at the heart of her career.
In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Natalie Triana sits down with Julie Packard, internationally recognized ocean conservation leader, longtime Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and recipient of ELI's 2026 Environmental Achievement Award. Julie joins us to reflect on her career, the evolution of ocean conservation, and the importance of connecting science, policy, and public engagement to protect marine ecosystems.
Drawing on more than four decades of leadership at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Julie shares how the institution evolved from showcasing the wonders of marine life to becoming a leading force in ocean conservation and policy advocacy. The conversation also examines the major threats facing our oceans today, including the challenges of advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Finally, Julie reflects on how far ocean conservation has come, the work that still lies ahead, and the importance of fostering connections between people and the natural world to protect the ocean for generations to come.
Timestamps:
01:40 – Julie Packard's Path to Ocean Conservation
04:20 – From Marine Biology to the Monterey Bay Aquarium
07:30 – The Aquarium's Evolution from Education to Conservation
09:48 – Turning Exhibits into Real-World Impact
14:30 – Communicating Science to the Public
17:00 – A Shifting Perspective on Ocean Conservation
19:13 – The Biggest Threats Facing Our Oceans
23:08 – Advancing Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
25:30 – The Next Generation of Ocean Conservation Leaders
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In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Natalie Triana sits down with Julie Packard, internationally recognized ocean conservation leader, longtime Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and recipient of ELI's 2026 Environmental Achievement Award. Julie joins us to reflect on her career, the evolution of ocean conservation, and the importance of connecting science, policy, and public engagement to protect marine ecosystems.
Drawing on more than four decades of leadership at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Julie shares how the institution evolved from showcasing the wonders of marine life to becoming a leading force in ocean conservation and policy advocacy. The conversation also examines the major threats facing our oceans today, including the challenges of advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Finally, Julie reflects on how far ocean conservation has come, the work that still lies ahead, and the importance of fostering connections between people and the natural world to protect the ocean for generations to come.
Timestamps:
01:40 – Julie Packard's Path to Ocean Conservation
04:20 – From Marine Biology to the Monterey Bay Aquarium
07:30 – The Aquarium's Evolution from Education to Conservation
09:48 – Turning Exhibits into Real-World Impact
14:30 – Communicating Science to the Public
17:00 – A Shifting Perspective on Ocean Conservation
19:13 – The Biggest Threats Facing Our Oceans
23:08 – Advancing Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
25:30 – The Next Generation of Ocean Conservation Leaders
Creators and Guests
Host
Natalie Triana
Natalie Triana joined the Environmental Law Institute as a Research Associate in July 2025. She is the host of the People Places Planet Podcast.
Editor
Lawrence Tang
Lawrence Tang joined the Environmental Law Institute as a Research Associate in August 2026. He provides editorial support for the People Places Planet Podcast.
