Peter J. Etnoyer

Marine Biologist, NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR)

I live blue™ because…
The oceans sustain me, physically, spiritually, and intellectually.

Why do you care about the environment?
I care about the environment because my idea of a good time is to go bodysurfing, to walk in the woods, or paddle on a river. I want to share the joy with my kids. I see pollution and say we can do better, but first we must care. A healthy environment is a choice.

How has your environment affected your career/education decisions?
I decided to drop out of the film business because I felt like Earth was being destroyed by mundane and irresponsible behavior. The hole in the ozone layer frightened me. Dynamite fishing disturbed me. Nature was vanishing before my eyes. I felt a sense of immediacy, and returned to school.

What are some things you do in your life to protect the environment?
I use canvas bags when I go shopping, avoid plastic containers and blog about ocean conservation issues at Deep Sea News. In my career, I work to support our national marine sanctuaries, and I write scientific papers that help to improve management of oceanic resources.

Visit Peter’s NOAA profile here.
See Peter’s plot of ocean here.