Santa Barbara, CA — The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) will host Adam Ernster, wildlife cameraman and naturalist, as part of its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. His talk, “Marine Diversity & Abundances throughout the Santa Barbara Channel,” will focus on the spectrum of marine life along the Santa Barbara coast and examine the Channel’s role in ocean ecosystems. A pre-lecture reception for SBMM members will take place from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m.
Tickets are available at no cost for Navigators Circle members, $10 for SBMM members, $20 for the general public, and $5 for students and educators with valid ID or email. Tickets and information are available at sbmm.org or by calling (805) 456-8750.
Ernster has worked in the Santa Barbara Channel for eight years as a captain, wildlife naturalist, and cameraman. His presentation will cover how local ocean currents, seasonal temperatures, and island geography create conditions that support marine megafauna.
“The Santa Barbara Channel is a wild place,” said Ernster. “Its richness and abundance continue to amaze me. Each trip out feels like entering a different world — and I’m honored to share that world with others.”
The presentation will include video footage and commentary on why the Channel remains a productive marine environment.
“Adam’s work captures what we strive to communicate at SBMM — that the Santa Barbara Channel is globally significant,” said SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga.
“This is an opportunity for the community to experience the Channel through the perspective of someone familiar with its ecosystems,” added SBMM Director of Education Lis Perry.
Adam Ernster is a wildlife cameraman focusing on marine species including whales, dolphins and sharks. His work spans the Pacific Northwest to Baja California and has been featured by PBS, National Geographic, and the BBC. He holds a degree in environmental science from UC Santa Barbara.
This lecture is part of SBMM’s Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, which features experts and professionals from across the maritime field.
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Seating for the lecture is first come, first served, with overflow seating in the museum’s Munger Theater when necessary.
The Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series is sponsored by Marie L Morrisroe.
Founded in 2000, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum highlights the maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel through exhibits, educational programs, and community events. The museum celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. For more information, visit santabarbaraca.com/businesses/santa-barbara-maritime-museum/.
