Empathy, Science, and Consuming Less: In Conversation with Dr. Maddalena Bearzi

Ocean Conservation Society President Dr. Maddalena Bearzi discusses 25+ years of dolphin and whale research, building empathy for wildlife, and consuming less.

16 August 2026 3 min read By admin

“Hope demands, or better yet, IS action and commitment. It’s not hoping someone else will do something. Because climate change is here, knocking at everyone’s door.” – Dr. Maddalena Bearzi

For over twenty-five years, marine biologist, author, and President of the Ocean Conservation Society Dr. Maddalena Bearzi has conducted groundbreaking research on dolphins, whales, and pinnipeds off Southern California. But early in her career, Maddalena realized that scientific data alone wasn’t enough to save our seas – it had to be paired with policy change, public education, and deep empathy.

We sat down with Maddalena to talk about running one of the longest marine mammal studies in the world, fostering empathy for non-human animals through storytelling, and why the single most important action we can take is simply consuming less.

Snapshot Profile

Name: Dr. Maddalena Bearzi
Role: President & Co-founder at Ocean Conservation Society | Author & Photojournalist
Specialism: Marine Mammal Ecology, Non-Fiction Nature Writing, & Policy Advocacy
Key Books: Dolphin Confidential, Beautiful Minds, and Stranded: Finding Nature in Uncertain Times

The Interview

Why is conserving and protecting the ocean so personal to you?

Maddalena: For much of my life, I’ve had the privilege of spending time above and below the waves as a field marine biologist.

Healthy marine environments are essential to maintaining a livable planet. Everything that sustains me – and everyone else on Earth – is connected to the oceans and their inhabitants: the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink.

How is the Ocean Conservation Society driving tangible change?

Maddalena: Back in 1997, my husband Charles Saylan and I co-founded the Ocean Conservation Society. Doing research without conservation in mind simply isn’t enough given the dire state of our oceans. We conduct long-term research on marine mammals in the wild and use that data to drive policy changes, raise awareness, and protect these species for future generations.

Alongside scientific research, I write non-fiction books to bridge the gap between science and empathy. If we can genuinely grasp other creatures’ intrinsic value, consider their interests, and even feel their pain, we develop the empathy required to respect them as fellow beings.

What does the surfing community specifically need to do to support ocean health?

Maddalena: Move beyond raising awareness and push for action-oriented measures:

Support Verified Conservation: Do your research before donating to ocean non-profits.
Lobby Representatives: Advocate for strong legislation and policies that protect marine habitats.
Consume Less: Don’t just rely on recycling or buying sustainable products. The single most effective action we can all take starting today is to simply consume less.

Maddalena’s Recommendations & Inspiration

Responsible Brands & Inspiring Leaders

Brands: Patagonia.
Environmental Champions: Sylvia Earle, Jane Goodall, Carl Safina, Ed Young, and Greta Thunberg.

Final Thought

Maddalena: “Hope is not a passive sentiment – hope demands action. Climate change is here, knocking at everyone’s door, and we all must step up to protect the living planet that sustains us.”