The demand for food will grow dramatically by the middle of this century. How can we meet this demand with the lowest impact on the planet? Look to the sea. Steve Gaines is Dean of the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a marine ecologist who seeks conservation solutions by linking innovations in ocean science to more effective marine policy and management. His science explores the design of marine reserve networks, climate change impacts on ocean ecosystems, sustainable fisheries management using market based reforms, and the role of aquaculture in meeting the future demand for food. In each of these science endeavors, he has been a strong promotor of more effective communication of ocean science to enhance its impact.

Steve holds a PhD from Oregon State University. He has been awarded a Pew Fellowship, the inaugural Marc Hirshman Award for excellence in student mentoring, a fellow of the American Association for Advancement of Science, and the Peter Benchley Prize for Ocean Science. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx