Meeting Speaker for December 10, 2012 - Holly (Snyder) Lohuis

Join Holly (Snyder) Lohuis, marine biologist and Jean-Michel Cousteau’s dive partner, for an engaging, uplifting and educational presentation on “Embracing Change through Ocean Exploration.”  Holly is the daughter of club member L. Miles Snyder.

Unique among the universe’s known planets, the Earth is a sphere dominated by water. The oceans cover over 70 percent of the planet’s surface and are home to a myriad of amazing and beautiful creatures. The oceans drive climate and weather patterns, generate more than 70% of the oxygen we breathe, absorb carbon dioxide, feed the clouds with moisture, provide food, are a deep source of inspiration to our spirits, connect cultures and, most importantly, sustain all life on this planet. But the biological diversity of marine habitats is threatened by the activities of one species: --humans.

Through a multi-media presentation, Holly will share stunning HD footage from the PBS series Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventures and tell engaging stories from her travels around the world, highlighting the complexities of the ocean environment and some of the impacts that are threatening the long-term vitality of our water planet.  As Jean-Michel Cousteau always says: “Whether it is a human community, kelp forests, marine mammals or the planet, biological diversity is social security. Protecting it is protecting ourselves.”  We protect what we love and through Holly’s presentation you will fall in the love with many of the fascinating marine creatures and feel empowered to be a part of the long-term solution of marine conservation and stewardship. Protecting our ocean now will be our gift to the future.

Holly is a marine biologist with a degree from the University of California-- Santa Barbara and for more than sixteen years has explored the world with Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society team. A member of the expedition team for all eleven hours of the PBS series, Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventures, Holly acts as a liaison with scientists, and is responsible for confirming the factual accuracy of Ocean Futures Society documentaries and publications. As a marine educator, she has taught thousands of children and adults about the wonders and fragility of the marine environment and the importance of protecting our water planet for future generations.

Holly has been a marine educator for almost 20 years and, with the mentoring of Jean-Michel Cousteau, she has been involved with creating Ocean Futures Society’s consistent theme: the ocean is connected to the existence and lifestyle of every human being. 

For her educational outreach efforts, in 2009 Holly was honored with the Hall of Fame award from the San Juan School district in her hometown, Sacramento, California.

Here is a link to Holly's website, take a look.