Oceanic Exhibition Set to Debut on June 28 at Birch Aquarium, Scripps: Mares Mexicanos
New Exhibit at Birch Aquarium Highlights Octavio Aburto's Marine Photography
Octavio Aburto, a marine ecologist and assistant professor at the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at UC San Diego, is set to showcase his stunning photography in an upcoming exhibit at Birch Aquarium. Titled "Mexican Seas | Mares Mexicanos", the exhibit opens on June 28.
Aburto's passion for marine life was sparked by Mexican Olympic swimmer and underwater filmmaker Ramón Bravo. Since earning his bachelor's degree, he has been photographing diverse and magnificent marine life in Mexican waters. His work emphasises the importance of massive fish spawning behaviours and the success of one of the world's most successful marine reserves.
The exhibit takes visitors on a photographic journey to four unique biodiversity hot spots in Mexican waters. Debbie Zmarzly, exhibit curator and aquarium scientist, says Aburto's photos are more than captivating images of nature; each is a window into an inspiring story of hope. The exhibit offers stunning views of the marine life that thrives in these protected areas.
Aburto believes that it's important for the public to know about research findings to prevent communication failures and problems in natural resource exploitation. He volunteered to document activities related to the collection of Gulf fishes for a binational research group, and his photographs and conservation stories aim to inspire ocean stewardship.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for UC San Diego's world-renowned organization. It offers three-hour courtesy parking. The exhibit is generously underwritten by Friends of Birch Aquarium Rick and Patty Elkus.
Aburto's research emphasises that conservation benefits not only wildlife, but also local communities and local economies. He is recognised for his innovative contributions to advancing marine conservation science, having been named a finalist for the 2025 Science Breakthrough of the Year award.
In addition to his photography, Aburto mentors students engaged in marine ecology and conservation research, including work involving deep learning for mapping coastal ecosystems such as mangroves. His dedication to marine conservation and his captivating photography make "Mexican Seas | Mares Mexicanos" an exhibit not to be missed.
- Octavio Aburto's exhibit at Birch Aquarium, "Mexican Seas | Mares Mexicanos", showcases the importance of marine biodiversity through stunning photographs that also serve as windows into inspiring stories of hope, particularly highlighting the significance of marine reserves in environmental-science education and self-development.
- As a marine ecologist, Octavio Aburto not only emphasizes the importance of marine conservation through his research, but also demonstrates how this conservation benefits local communities and economies, further solidifying his role as an influential figure in marine biology and education-and-self-development.
