New England Aquarium
Student Ocean Conference

Question and answer session
between the students and Dr. Sylvia Earle

Q: Have you ever had technical difficulties underwater?
A: Almost always. It's to be expected, and there are backups for backups for backups.

Q: In your opinion, what is the most interesting underwater animal?
A: It's like asking which of your kids you like best! There are bluefin tuna, octopus, polychaete worms, jellies, grouper…all of these animals are spectacular in their own ways. "I'm a whale/fish/squid-hugger, but most of all I love people."

Q: Have you ever been attacked in the water?
A: Only by damselfish - a small, but highly territorial and aggressive reef fish. Animals such as sharks tend to mind their own business…we're not on their menu! In fact, humans injure and kill thousands more sharks than vice-versa. It wouldn't be surprising if one day [she] was attacked by a shark, just as a revenge for all that humans do to them!

Q: Is tuna being overfished, and if yes, what is the our country's role in protecting them?
A: Yes, tuna is being overfished throughout the world's oceans. Sustainable yield is tough to achieve because these fish are worth so much - as much as $83,000 for one tuna. In addition, the world spends over $50 billion each year in subsidies to "sustain these unsustainable fisheries." There are obviously great incentives to keep catching tuna. The U.S. has the obligation to take the lead by setting our own catch limits and paving the way for other countries to do the same.