About this Event
THE FUTURE IS ROPELESS: The end of the line for California’s whale entanglement problem.
with special guest
Ben Grundy-Hawley, Oceans Campaigner
Center for Biological Diversity
Saving whales does not happen in a moment—it happens with a movement.
A whale migrating along California’s coast shouldn’t have to navigate a deadly maze of fishing gear just to survive. Yet sharing these waters safely depends on the choices we make—from the gear deployed at sea to the policies debated onshore.
Every year human activities K*ll hundreds of thousands of whales. For an entangled whale, every minute is a fight for survival. Heavy lines cut into flesh, restrict movement, and make reaching the surface to breathe an agonizing struggle. Alongside ship strikes, entanglements are one of the greatest threats ocean life faces today.
But protecting whales also means addressing real-world challenges for local fishing communities—and finding ways to fund a fair transition.
That’s where science, technology, and public advocacy intersect.
Enter Ropeless Gear
Pop-up (or "on-demand") fishing gear keeps trap lines and buoys resting on the seafloor until fishers are ready to retrieve their catch—eliminating vertical ropes in critical whale habitat. While already proven in several U.S. fisheries, helping local fishers adopt this technology requires strong policy support.
That’s where science, innovation, policy, and a movement of people willing to speak up come together.
Meet Our Speaker: Ben Grundy-Hawley
We’re thrilled to welcome Ben Grundy-Hawley, Oceans Campaigner with the Oceans program at the Center for Biological Diversity. Ben works on the front lines to protect whales and marine life from gear entanglements and vessel strikes through state and federal policy.
In addition to exploring the threats facing whales and the promise of ropeless fishing gear, Ben will break down two key policy initiatives we can all support to protect whales while keeping commercial fishing viable. You’ll leave with actionable ways to lend your voice to a safer ocean.
"Every day I see just how resilient our oceans are in the face of climate change and human threats. I'm hopeful in the future for our oceans and the magnificent wildlife that inhabit them because we've seen that recovery is possible. Extinction is not inevitable, and knowing this keeps me motivated to do the work necessary to protect life on earth."
-Ben Grundy-Hawley
A movement can grow anywhere people gather—including over a pint.
EVENT DETAILS
- When: Thursday, November 19 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Faction Brewing (Alameda, CA)
- Cost: Free & open to all
Come for the whales, the community, and the craft beer.
Bring a friend and your curiosity!
Leave ready to lend your voice to a safer ocean.
About Ocean Hoptimism
Ocean Hoptimism is a free, monthly Bay Area series that spotlights stories of ocean resilience, hope, and action — all served with a side of craft beer and community connection. Hosted in partnership with Faction Brewing in Alameda, Ocean Hoptimism brings together ocean champions, storytellers, and community builders who believe that optimism isn’t just a feeling — it’s a force for change and essential fuel for ocean conservation. Our vision is to build a movement rooted in possibility, resilience, and a shared commitment to a thriving ocean future. Join us every fourth Thursday of the month at Faction Brewingfor a new, inspirational Ocean Hoptimism speaker!
www.oceanhoptimism.org
Event venue & nearby stays
Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street, Alameda, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.