Building a Blue Bioeconomy in Paradise

I recently returned from Tahiti and Moorea in French Polynesia, where I attended a conference on Sustainable Island Health at the UC Berkeley Gump South Pacific Research Station. The meeting brought together scientists, policymakers, and local leaders to imagine how French Polynesia—one of the most stunning places on Earth—might become a global model of sustainable development and the marine bioeconomy. This was my first visit to French Polynesia, and the islands’ sheer beauty exceeded every expectation. They offer an almost impossible combination: precise, warm lagoons, green volcanic mountains, fragrant breezes, and a coastline that feels untouched by time. Yet what struck me most was not simply the scenery, but the warmth, dignity, and cultural richness of the people who call these islands home. Their traditions, hospitality, and deep relationship with the ocean create a sense of place unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

The Gump Station: Charity as a Catalyst for Progress

The Gump Station itself is a story of philanthropy shaping scientific destiny. Richard Gump, heir to a prominent San Francisco luxury retail store, owned an estate on Moorea that he initially considered donating to Stanford. Rumor has it that when he sensed they might sell the property, he redirected his gift to what he regarded as the best public university in the world—UC Berkeley. The Gump Station has since benefited from support by organizations like the Moore Foundation, and with further investment in infrastructure and the development of modern facilities—what I think of as a “mini research capsule” for the ocean—it is poised to unlock scientific discoveries we cannot yet imagine. This is also where the legacies of Marlon Brando and his longtime business partner, Richard Bailey, come in. They saw the islands not just as a paradise but as a living laboratory of sustainability. Bailey, who owns several resorts, co-founded the Tetiaroa Society, a nonprofit dedicated to science, education, and ocean stewardship. Their work—from restoring reefs to building submersibles capable of reaching the deep sea—has helped make French Polynesia a rare place where culture, conservation, and technology genuinely reinforce each other.

A Region Facing Global Challenges

For all its beauty, the Pacific faces challenges that mirror global crises: climate change, ocean depletion, rising pollution, dependence on tourism, and fragile supply chains. I have long believed that the destruction of the ocean is one of the great neglected tragedies of our time. One example is the pressure placed on fish populations to produce fishmeal—an industry that harvests vast quantities of wild fish simply to feed farmed fish, livestock, and even pets. It is both ecologically destructive and economically inefficient. The emerging bioeconomy offers alternatives: proteins derived from algae, microbes, and other renewable sources; new cultivation systems that sequester carbon; and technologies that can radically reduce pollution while boosting yields.

But none of this will happen without more research—and without educating the next generation to use these tools wisely. Science alone is not enough; people must understand the stakes, master new skills, and feel respected and included in the transformation process.

The Conference: A Blueprint for Sustainable Island Futures

During our three-day meeting, these issues animated nearly every conversation. We explored how French Polynesia could diversify its economy, protect its ecosystems, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen food and energy sovereignty. The promise of life sciences, marine biology, information technologies, and traditional ecological knowledge all came together in surprising and inspiring ways.

It became clear that Moorea and Tahiti could become global demonstration sites—a place where the marine bioeconomy is not just studied in theory but practiced, refined, and made visible to the world. Achieving this will require science, policy, public engagement, and above all, the meaningful integration of local people, whose knowledge and cultural grounding are essential to any sustainable future.

One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to meet with local leaders and cultural experts. These conversations were as valuable as the scientific sessions, offering insights that no dataset or model can provide. Their warmth and wisdom gave us confidence that collaboration will not be a top-down transfer of knowledge but a shared effort rooted in mutual respect.

Berkeley’s Vision for the Pacific Blue Bioeconomy

Our Berkeley team presented two major initiatives to strengthen this emerging partnership—the first centers on macroalgae. If developed responsibly, macroalgae cultivation could remove nitrates and other pollutants from island waters, protecting coral reefs while generating valuable products—from biofuels and biochemicals to food and feed ingredients. These technologies could reduce dependence on imported fuels, create new sources of income, and help sequester carbon on meaningful scales.

The second initiative is the Blue Environmental Leadership Program, an island-based extension of Berkeley’s celebrated Beahrs ELP. The idea is to bring together mid-career professionals, students, local leaders, and global practitioners for 10 days of leadership development, scientific exploration, and hands-on learning grounded in the realities of Pacific Island life. The program will pair Berkeley faculty with local experts so that the training reflects not just global best practices but cultural context and lived experience. Both initiatives aim to create a new model of partnership—one in which knowledge flows in both directions and innovation supports rather than replaces the traditions that make these islands extraordinary.

A Meeting with the President

A particularly memorable moment was our meeting with the President of French Polynesia, Moetai Brotherson, accompanied by his advisor, Léopold Biardeau—a Berkeley graduate whose pride in his alma mater was unmistakable. The president immediately grasped the potential of the blue bioeconomy and offered thoughtful suggestions about suitable locations for macroalgae cultivation and research. His encouragement made it clear that our work aligns with the aspirations of local leadership, which gives me optimism about what we can accomplish together.

Looking Forward

When I think back on this visit, I remember not only the scientific ambition and policy discussions but the sense of friendship and shared purpose that animated the experience. I left Moorea convinced that building a blue bioeconomy in paradise is not a dream—it is a responsibility and an opportunity. With the right investments in research, education, and infrastructure, French Polynesia can lead the world in showing how island societies can prosper while restoring their ocean ecosystems. Berkeley can play a meaningful role, but only in partnership with the people who know these islands best.

I look forward to returning, to continue the work, to deepen the friendships we began, and to help ensure that the natural and cultural treasures of this remarkable place continue to thrive for generations to come.