Ocean Hoptimism

Shark Lovers: You Brought the Curiosity. Dr. Meghan Holst Brought the Sharks.

On October 1, more than 70 ocean-curious folks gathered over science and suds for a special BONUS Ocean Hoptimism with Dr. Meghan Holst, marine scientist and Co-Founder & President of Ocean Science Expedition Academy (OSEA).

Our focus? The sharks sharing our backyard—and how we can help study and protect them.

Dr. Holst explored what makes San Francisco Bay important for sharks, rays, and skates—our beloved “flat sharks”—and how much we still have to learn. Who’s here? How many? And how are they doing? With the Bay’s last comprehensive survey dating to 1984, answering those basic questions is essential to recognizing change and guiding conservation.

Through her affiliation with UC Davis, Dr. Holst investigates the Bay’s role as a reproductive area, collects basic data on shark health, and maps threats from contaminants and environmental stressors. From tracking sevengill sharks’ long-term ties to the Bay to exploring whether spot patterns can help identify individual sharks as they grow, she shared how researchers are piecing together the lives of our finned neighbors—and identifying the places and life stages that need protection.

And here’s where hope gets hands-on: through OSEA, Dr. Holst opens pathways for community members to participate in research and develop real field skills, with access and equity at the core. Volunteering, sponsoring, or donating can help build the science our local sharks need.

The evening ended. The invitation to take part didn’t.