Money for Something: Johnny Joaquin Bohorquez on Finding Cash to Protect Our Oceans

October 4, 2020

It takes investment to make it possible.

On this episode of Shaped By The Sea, Brian Yurasits catches up with his friend and colleague, Johnny Joaquin Bohorquez, to talk about the most efficient ways to protect our world's oceans. Johnny is a PhD Candidate at Stony Brook University, and has spent the past 5 years researching how we can sustainably finance marine protected areas. Protecting vast expanses of the ocean from exploitation isn't cheap, but it's necessary. Money makes the world go 'round, but where does the money used to finance marine protected areas come from? How can we cut the costs of marine protected areas, and set these special places up for success? Johnny stresses the importance of community involvement in the creation of protected areas. When locals directly benefit from protecting areas of our ocean, enforcement becomes cheaper and marine life can recover. There's plenty we can learn from Johnny's experiences and his unique connections to Maine, New York, and Columbia.


Show Transcription
This transcription was generated by a computer. Please excuse any errors.
Brian Yurasits

A scientist - surfer- fisherman hybrid, Brian is on a mission to unite the world in protecting our planet's most valuable resource: a healthy ocean. At a young age, Brian taught himself how to surf while enjoying fishing on the weekends with his family. After spending time at NYU and Stony Brook University studying marine conservation and policy, Brian took to the sea as a fisheries observer where he documented the impact of industrial fishing on The Atlantic Ocean. The complex nature of the world's fishing industry has always fascinated Brian, especially the relationship between fishers and scientists. Brian realized that he could bridge the gap between these two historically combative groups, by bringing both to the table to discuss the future of fishing. Brian now finds himself working as Marine Mammal Rescue Community Outreach Manager at Seacoast Science Center in New Hampshire where he is facilitating the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals.