51С�Ƴ�

In Helen M. Rozwadowski’s talk, “Fathoming: How History Can Help Save the Oceans,” at the University of 51С�Ƴ� on Oct. 9, the notable ocean historian laid out an argument for how history can be a powerful tool in helping to save the oceans if the history of past maritime events is used in tandem with the sciences to reach better solutions for threatened ocean systems.  

“It is true that we need science — good science — and for people to understand and accept it. But solving our ocean problems, I believe, is going to require more than that,” said Rozwadowski, Ph.D. “The indirect nature of our knowledge about oceans means that imagination and media and aesthetics, things like that, loom large in shaping our understanding of the oceans … The humanities, this area called the blue humanities, can provide some important help.’’ 

It was a guest lecture on UNE’s Biddeford Campus that perfectly illustrated the goal of the University of 51С�Ƴ�’s annual Connections Lecture. Hosted by UNE’s College of Arts and Sciences, the lecture series brings leading thinkers from a range of fields to spark dialogue that crosses disciplinary boundaries, illustrating the University’s philosophy that true learning comes from engagement in scholarly work beyond academic silos and classroom walls. 

Rozwadowski, a professor of history and founder of the Maritime Studies program at the University of Connecticut, built her career exploring the deep interconnections between oceans and people. She is the author of “Vast Expanses: A History of the Oceans” (2018) and “Fathoming the Ocean: The Discovery and Exploration of the Deep Sea” (2005), which earned the History of Science Society’s Davis Prize for best book for a wide public audience.  

51С�Ƴ�College of Arts and Sciences Dean Wesley Renfro, Ph.D., introduced Rozwadowski by saying her talk elevated the goals of the Connections Lecture series because her teaching includes environmental history, the history of science and public history, and interdisciplinary maritime studies. 

“This series seeks to foster interdisciplinary exploration, like connecting individuals with diverse perspectives, aiming to inspire discussions that challenge conventional thinking, while encouraging individuals to envision new possibilities at the intersection of ideas. … If you think about it, it is very much at the core of all of our business at UNE,” Renfro said.  

Rozwadowski explained how the study of ocean history is needed to help heal the oceans because ocean problems are human problems, such as the threats of plastics and pollutants, the problems of warming oceans, sea level rise, and ocean acidification.  

Rozwadowski argued history can help unpack the false narratives and myths around the ocean and address the threats to our seas — which threaten human and ecological communities in every corner of the globe. 

“There are things about the ocean we know, and we can conclude with confidence, and these can form the basis for precautionary policies,” Rozwadowski said. “We do need to learn more about oceans, but we also know enough that we probably can make some reasonable policies based on what we do know.” 

Rozwadowski’s talk helped illuminate the pressing challenges facing our seas today, offering lessons that resonate with UNE’s growing emphasis on planetary health, having just launched a new School of Public and Planetary Health in August.  

Using an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, the school examines global health through the united expertise of faculty in the University’s six academic colleges — including public health, business, public policy, a�Ի� marine and environmental programs — to prepare students to be systems-level thinkers in addressing interconnected environmental and human health challenges. 

True to UNE’s mission to encourage rigorous, interdisciplinary discourse, the lecture ended with a back-and-forth, question-and-answer segment in which Rozwadowski was rewarded with a discussion led by students and professors of literature, history, and science. 

Ava Orlando (Art and Digital Media, ’28) who hails from Gloucester, Massachusetts, thanked Rozwadowski for coming to 51С�Ƴ�and showing how nautical history has had an impact on cultures around the world, hers included. 

“I just wanted to say I really appreciate you coming out here,” Orlando began. “I kind of grew up learning about (this history) in my childhood. So, it's really cool to see how global it's become. Just because I come from a fishing family, I know it all. It's really cool to be able to see how other people interpret it.”