Our Global Hope: Meet Jim Covel

In part one of our conversation, we discover why Jim Covel is so passionate about what he does, and the path that led him to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. He also explains why it so important to know about life in the ocean.



Photo Courtesy of www.montereybayaquarium.org

Our Global Hope: Inside Monterey Bay Aquarium

Jim tells the story about the Monterey Bay Aquarium was founded, and how it has grown throughout the years. He also describes some of their impressive exhibits, and the relationships they have with conservation organizations, such as MBARI and Seafood Watch.



Photo Courtesy of www.montereybayaquarium.org

Our Global Hope: Leadership at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Jim talks about the unique synergy between the aquariums founders, its educators, and the numerous volunteers that work at the aquarium. He also reveals the greatest leadership lessons he’s learned during his years at the aquarium, and the leadership examples of David Packer.



Photo Courtesy of www.montereybayaquarium.org

Our Global Hope: Monterey Bay Aquarium and Ocean Conservation

In the final part of our conversation, Jim discusses the aquarium’s center for conservation, and how they are helping to educate people on how to keep the oceans healthy. He also tells us not only what we can do to help the oceans, but why it needs to be a priority.



Photo Courtesy of www.montereybayaquarium.org

Learn More About Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Offical Website. Celebrating 25 Years of Ocean Conservation.

Jim Covel

Jim has spent over 25 years in the field of natural history interpretation, working with the National Park Service, California State Parks and several other park agencies and museums in Northern California. His formal training includes degrees in Environmental Planning and in Community Development from UC Davis, where he also taught in the Environmental Studies Department for eight years. In addition, Jim was a District Ranger in Sacramento County for 12 years and an Associate Professor at CSU Sacramento for three.

Jim’s love of nature started at an early age. His father was one of the first park naturalists in the western United States, so every weekend and vacation was spent at the beach, in the forest or at some other outdoor location. Nature seemed to follow him home as well, with fawns living in the back yard, bats in the closet, owls in the garage and skunks in the laundry room. (His wife is ever so happy that the aquarium doesn’t let him bring fish home.)

Jim is the Senior Manager for Guest Experience at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and for the past 23 years he has had the privilege of working with over 700 volunteer guides and staff members to share the magic of Monterey Bay with aquarium visitors.

Outside the aquarium, Jim has been board member for several non-profit conservation organizations. He is a founding member and Fellow of the National Association for Interpretation, and currently serves as President of NAI. He and his wife are volunteers for California State Parks as members of an interpretive historic dance group, the Alta California Dance Company.

Click here to learn more about the Monterey Bay Aquarium