About The Lecture: Sadly, today’s conservation issues include a heavy dose of doom and gloom. The barrage of bad news can leave folks feeling hopeless and disengaged. In such a challenging time for science and the environment, public engagement and support have never been more critical. SeaDoc Society videographer Bob Friel will talk about how the Salish Sea Wild! video series counters the gloom by lacing serious conservation science with a heavy dose of humor. Whether collecting feces to study killer whale health or playing pattycake with a 12-foot-long giant Pacific octopus, SeaDoc finds the fun in fieldwork while engaging others to recognize the importance of protecting our Salish Sea.

About The Speaker: Bob Friel writes, films, and produces Salish Sea Wild! for the SeaDoc Society, an Orcas Island-based nonprofit dedicated to healing and protecting the Salish Sea. Bob is a marine scientist/communicator who spent thousands of hours underwater in exotic locations before finding a home 20 years ago amid the chilly green Northwest waters. Bob is known for using humor in his award-winning magazine, documentary filmmaking, and bestselling writing, including The Barefoot Bandit/The True Tale of Colton Harris-Moore, New American Outlaw.

Event Details (PLEASE READ): Join us on Friday, November 14th 2025 at NWESD 189 Building, located at 1601 R Ave. Reservations for this lecture will open at 9:00am on Friday, October 31st. Please note that reservations are required and walk in seats will not be available. Doors will open at 6:15pm. Please arrive to the lobby for check in no later than 6:50pm, as the lecture will start promptly at 7pm. Those who arrive after 6:50pm may lose their reservations.

Fighting Doom & Gloom with Science & Humor with SeaDoc Filmmaker Bob Friel