Adventure Travel with Juli Berwald - Tela Coral

Juli Berwald

Author & President
Tela Coral

Marine invertebrates stole my heart on my first snorkel in the Red Sea during college. Hoping to study the ocean forever, I spent seven years building mathematical algorithms to interpret satellite imagery of the ocean, receiving my Ph.D. in ocean science.

My husband stole my heart next, and I drifted away from the ocean to Austin, Texas to be with him. Over the years, we added two children and a couple of dogs to our family.

Landlocked, I began writing textbooks and popular science articles for National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, Nature, Science, The Wall Street Journal, Discover, The Smithsonian, and Texas Monthly among others. Eventually, the story of jellyfish led me back to the sea. Once there, I stayed, writing a book about corals as well.

One day I received a message from a reader in Tela, Honduras who told me that the coral reef he co-managed was healthy. Impossible, I thought. But when I visited I discovered a dozen endangered species thriving. To help understand why, I co-founded Tela Coral, a non-profit whose aim is to understand the mysteries of this unexpected beacon of hope, a place nicknamed the Rebel Reef.

Juli’s Website

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Juli Berwald, an author and marine biologist, about her journey from a childhood spent rockhounding in the U.S. to her current work with Tela Coral in Honduras. Juli shares her transformative experiences with marine life, the importance of coral reefs, and the challenges they face due to climate change. She discusses her books, the connection between personal growth and marine conservation, and the exciting developments in Tela, where a unique marine conservation effort is underway. Juli emphasizes the need for awareness and action regarding ocean health and invites listeners to support her work.

takeaways

• Juli's childhood experiences shaped her love for nature.
• The ocean can be a transformative experience for many.
• Coral reefs are vital to marine biodiversity.
• Climate change significantly impacts coral health.
• Juli transitioned from math to marine biology after a life-changing experience.
• Writing became a way for Juli to share her passion for marine life.
• Jellyfish can teach us about efficient movement in water.
• Coral bleaching is a critical issue for ocean health.
• There are hopeful restoration efforts for coral reefs.
• Awareness and action are essential for ocean conservation.

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