ABOUT

Ralph Pace is a highly skilled freelance underwater and environmental photojournalist based in Monterey, California. Combining a passion for marine conservation with his expertise in photography, he seeks to simplify scientific messages through compelling visual storytelling. With a graduate degree in Marine Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Ralph has used his education to make a tangible impact, including a groundbreaking project where he leveraged the economic value of a surfing wave to halt the construction of a marina that would have devastated a mangrove lagoon, a critical habitat for sea turtles and a world-class surf spot.

Pace’s photographic work spans across multiple continents, documenting marine life and environmental issues for numerous prestigious organizations, including The Washington Post, NOAA, The Nature Conservancy, and the Sea Turtle Conservancy. His work has been instrumental in promoting conservation efforts, serving educational and advocacy purposes for non-governmental organizations worldwide​.

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A California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) plays with a discarded KN95 mask around Monterey, CA in November, 2020.

During the winter, Ralph relocates to Maui, Hawaii, where he collaborates with Whale Trust, documenting the behavior and research of humpback whales alongside renowned marine photographer Flip Nicklin. His photography, focusing on environmental and wildlife issues, has been featured in acclaimed publications like National Geographic, Nature, Smithsonian, Discover, and GEO.

Ralph’s ability to bridge the gap between science and the public through vivid, powerful imagery has made him an important voice in environmental journalism. Whether it’s capturing the beauty of marine ecosystems or documenting critical conservation projects, Ralph continues to inspire action through his lens​.