Dr. Richard Murphy

For 40 years, Dr. Richard Murphy has been an oracle for understanding the ocean realm and communicating this lesser known world to generations of young people. He began working with legendary explorer, Jacques Cousteau, in 1968 and has been chief scientist, photographer, writer, and educator on expeditions in remote areas of the globe, including Papua New Guinea, the Fiji Islands, the Caribbean, Indonesia, the Mekong River, the Amazon, the Sea of Cortez, Australia, and New Zealand. Aboard Calypso and Alycone, “Murph” has literally explored marine life in every corner of Earth.

With a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from the University of Southern California, Murph’s long-standing research has given him the perspective of viewing marine ecosystems as truly highly functioning, sustainable, and interconnected systems that can be disturbed or destroyed by human actions and climate change. His seminal work, Coral Reefs: Cities Under the Sea, is considered “the bible” on reef systems. He has also authored over 60 articles in scientific and popular publications, and has been the science consultant and managing editor the 21-volume series, The Ocean World of Jacques Cousteau. His latest publication, Water Alive, is about our evolution and deep connection to water.

Murph’s most notable role has been as an inspiration and educator for thousands of children over the years. Along with Jean-Michel Cousteau, he has formed the objective to share the wonder and importance of the ocean to our world. “I believe a better understanding of how nature works can not only promote appreciation for the value of our natural heritage, but also help guide the next generation in living more sustainably on the planet,” he says.

The Ambassadors of the Environment he has co-created continues to be established around the world to teach people of all ages how ocean systems really work. Taking children out of the classroom and into the field is Murph’s methodology.

In addition, he is presently involved in the creation and implementation of the Sustainable Reefs program, designed to help people in island nations better understand and manage their coral reef resources. Murph lives in Santa Cruz, CA.

PRESENTATIONS

Enlightened Capitalism – Lessons from the Reef
What would life be like in a city based on the model of a coral reef? Surprisingly capitalism and evolution have much in common and as we search for efficiency, increased productivity, and long-term economic success, we may find that the reef can provide valuable guidance.

Coral Reefs – Cities Under the Sea
The most fascinating aspects of coral reefs relate to how corals and reef residents meet the challenges of survival and live together. By viewing coral reefs in the context of a human city, one can more easily appreciate the wonder of reefs, why they are vulnerable, and what we have to gain by protecting them. In addition to inspiring people to care and motivating them to take action there is another benefit from this perspective.

Search for Sustainability
Good news from the frontiers of enlightened development, with examples of green buildings, environmentally responsible communities, eco-tourism, eco-technologies, and new ways to conduct business.

Caring for God’s Creation
There is remarkable convergence among the world’s great religions in guiding people toward environmental responsibility. Through images and words, we explore the environmental wisdom embodied in these teachings.