The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) will host Adam Ernster, wildlife cameraman and naturalist, to its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 at the Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Ste. 190.
Ernster’s talk, Marine Diversity & Abundances throughout the Santa Barbara Channel, will focus on the extraordinary biodiversity just off the Santa Barbara coast and highlight the key role the Santa Barbara Channel plays in global ocean ecosystems.
A pre-lecture reception for SBMM members will be held from 6:15-6:45 p.m.
Tickets are free for Navigators Circle members; $10 for SBMM members; $20 for the general public; and $5 for students and educators with a valid school ID or email. Purchase tickets here or call 805-456-8750.
For the past eight years, Ernster has worked in the Santa Barbara Channel as a captain, wildlife naturalist, and award-winning cameraman.
He has documented scenes from blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, to vast pods of dolphins stretching across the horizon.
His talk will explore how the region’s rare convergence of ocean currents, seasonal temperatures, and island geography creates ideal conditions for marine megafauna to flourish.
“The Santa Barbara Channel is a truly wild place,” said Ernster. “Its richness and abundance never cease to amaze me. Each trip out feels like entering a different world—and I’m honored to share that world with others.”
“Adam’s work captures the essence of what we strive to teach at SBMM — that the Santa Barbara Channel is not only beautiful, but globally significant,” said Greg Gorga, SBMM executive director.
“His stunning footage and storytelling remind us why protecting this region is so important, especially as we celebrate 25 years of connecting people to the ocean,” Gorga said.
“This is a rare opportunity for our community to experience the Channel through the eyes of someone who has explored its wonders day in and day out,” said Lis Perry, SBMM director of education.
Ernster’s photography specializes in marine life, with a focus on whales, dolphins and sharks. His work has taken him from the Pacific Northwest to Baja California, capturing powerful stories from Earths oceans.
A graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a degree in environmental science, Ernster’s footage has been featured in acclaimed productions by PBS, National Geographic, and the BBC.
SBMM’s Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series brings together experts, authors and adventurers from across the maritime world to share their stories, research, and passion for the sea.
Most individuals attending the lecture will be able to find seats on the main floor. When overflow seating becomes necessary due to larger than normal attendance, guests are invited to view the lecture from the museum’s Munger Theater.
All lecture seating is first come, first served.
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. For more, visit sbmm.org, or call 805-962-8404.