The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) will host scientist-turned-artist Ethan Estess for its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17.

Estess will present Tunas and Trash: A Surprising Synergy Between Marine Debris Art and Tuna Research. The event includes a pre-lecture reception for SBMM members, 6:15-6:45 p.m.

Artist Ethan Estess talks with students next to one of his marine debris creations.(Courtesy photo)
Artist Ethan Estess talks with students next to one of his marine debris creations. (Courtesy photo)

Tickets are free for Navigators Circle members, $5 for students/educators, $10 for SBMM members, and $20 for the general public.

Purchase tickets here or call 805-456-8750.

Estess will explore the surprising connections between ocean plastic pollution and global tuna fisheries.

Drawing on his early research on tunas and sharks with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Stanford University, Estess now creates large-scale sculptures from discarded marine debris to raise awareness about ocean health.

His artwork has been featured in collaborations with the World Surf League and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, and are crafted primarily from fishing rope collected in Hawaii, much of it sourced from unregulated international tuna fleets.

“Art is a powerful way to start conversations about big issues,” said Estess. “I want my work to draw people in visually, and then challenge them to consider the deeper consequences of the choices we make, especially around seafood and ocean stewardship.”

Through stories, images, and scientific insight, Estess will illustrate how supporting local, sustainable fisheries can reduce ocean pollution and protect marine ecosystems.

His combination of marine science and art invites audiences to think critically, and creatively, about our relationship with the ocean, SBMM said.

“Ethan’s work inspires curiosity, empathy and action,” said Jason Statucki, SBMM education coordinator. “By blending research with art, he empowers our community to be more engaged ocean stewards and reminds us that local choices can have global impact.”

Estess holds masters and bachelors degrees in environmental science from Stanford University and has conducted research on tuna bioenergetics, white shark ecology, and sustainable fisheries.

His work as a science communicator and artist has led to exhibitions across North America, Hawaii, Europe and Japan, with major installations for institutions such as the Getty Museum and the San Francisco International Airport.

To learn more, visit sbmm.org.