As a kid, Natt McDonough was fortunate to live in places where she could “accidentally” wander off into the wild for days at a time, facilitating an early realization that nature will present new mysteries and wisdom each time it's held as a close friend. She was determined to spend her time learning to read the signs of ecosystem dynamics so that she could fill her role in the natural world with respect and grace. This led to research at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, where Natt focused on biodynamic aquaculture practices through the lens of a changing climate, in hopes of utilizing her findings to not only restore the waters she adored, but also to provide a source of sustainable food for coastal populations. Dreaming of creating an aquaculture system based in both stewardship and science, she carefully tended both land and sea for almost 10 years until finding her soul work as an oyster farmer, where she’s lucky enough to feed her community, care for her home, and stoke the fire of child-like wonder that accompanies each new day.
Parker Kalan grew up in Truckee, CA and spent most of his youth with his face in a mask and snorkel flipping over rocks and catching bugs. He kept leveling this ability up throughout his life and now works professionally as a marine biologist doing compliance surveys for the local nuclear power plant. Amongst his work he has gained an immense appreciation for marine life and tries to integrate the scientific regimented world with a literary, imaginative, and artistic view of the ocean and marine life and hopes to share, inspire, and connect with a broad audience to expand on this worldview.