Kristian Gustavson
San Diego
CA
United States of America
www.belowthesurface.org
Kristian Gustavson is currently enrolled at the Center for Marine Biodiversity & Conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and hopes to have his Masters of Advanced Studies completed by June of 2011
In the same way that water in the Illinois rivers he explored as a young boy eventually reached the sea, he found his way to the ocean and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of California San Diego. While enrolled in an independent study program at Scripps during his undergraduate studies, he learned that the Mississippi River that he grew up near is one of the single greatest carriers of non-point pollution to the ocean in the world. The resulting hypoxic “dead zone ” in the Gulf of Mexico propelled him into action, launched him on the journey of a lifetime, and helped to form the foundation for Below the Surface.
As a surfer, Kristian has an intimate knowledge of and great respect for the ocean and a tangible connection with the damage pollution causes. To educate himself, begin to spread knowledge of this problem, and work for restoration of the Mississippi, Kristian completed a canoe trip down the lower half of the Mississippi River during massive floods and a major oil spill. This venture was inspired by a similar journey two of his uncles took in 1966; Kristian used the same canoe. Kristian created The 90-Day Plan, a series of simple daily changes that people can make that will lead to clean water. This plan mimics the 90-day retention period of water in the Mississippi River and demonstrates how resilient nature can be if only given the chance. Now, his work has come full-circle and his graduate studies are focused on using the Mississippi River as one of the solutions to restore the Gulf Coast from damage done by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil blowout disaster.
As the Riverine Expedition Leader and Co-Founder of Below the Surface, Kristian has rapidly become a well-known force in the Midwest and South to improve the quality of water in the Mississippi River. In addition to planning and executing expeditions, Kristian travels the country giving presentations and exploring solutions to our mounting water concerns. Partnering with political leaders, corporate citizens, academics, non-profits, and the media Kristian serves as an advocate on behalf of all who live downstream.
Kristian Gustavson's Posts:
Jan 20, 2010, 2010 08:06:34 PM
We are very thankful for Patagonia's donation to outfit us for the Atchafalaya! |
Jan 19, 2010, 2010 08:40:52 PM
We greatly appreciate the in-kind donation of notebooks & journals for our Atchafalaya Expedition from www.riteintherain.com
"Rite in the Rain" is an all-weather writing paper made to shed water in any weather condition. From the jungles in Africa to |
Jan 12, 2010, 2010 10:19:55 PM
We would like to thank our friends @ EcoUsable for sending us their stainless steel filtered water bottles for the Atchafalaya Expedition! |
Jan 07, 2010, 2010 03:27:11 AM
We are very grateful for our recent grant approval from the Illinois EPA! |
Nov 23, 2009, 2009 06:34:11 PM
I would like to thank the Illinois Paddling Council for inviting me to give the keynote speech at their annual banquet! |
Sep 15, 2009, 2009 08:15:36 PM
Don't forget to register for It's Our River Day this Saturday 9/19! See link for a location near you (click on Map of Events)http://www.standingupforillinois.org/cleanwater/iord_index.php |
Sep 15, 2009, 2009 08:14:11 PM
I would like to thank GoPro for hooking us up with their digital waterproof camera for our Spring to Sandtrap Expedition! www.goprocamera.com |
Sep 15, 2009, 2009 08:12:24 PM
Back in San Diego--enjoying the sun & surf! |
Aug 31, 2009, 2009 10:31:13 PM
leaving Clarksdale, MS after spending some quality time on the Mississippi River, eating good soul food, and checking out some blues joints... |
Aug 24, 2009, 2009 03:55:49 PM
heading south along the Mississippi River after a nice visit at the University of Minnesota. |
Aug 15, 2009, 2009 10:21:53 PM
Our latest media coverage: http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/water-30135-alton-american.html |
Aug 14, 2009, 2009 02:19:41 PM
I would like to thank IL American Water for supporting our efforts with a generous contribution from their Environmental Grant Program! |
Aug 14, 2009, 2009 02:16:37 PM
Thoroughly enjoyed Visions of a Sustainable Mississippi River Conference! |
Aug 01, 2009, 2009 10:54:53 PM
Solutions for commercial fishing: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8176292.stm?ad=1 |
Jul 30, 2009, 2009 05:46:08 PM
I enjoyed YSI's webinar about source water monitoring and got some great ideas for our upcoming expeditions. |
Jul 29, 2009, 2009 04:54:40 PM
NEW FEATURE: Post your info on our interactive map--tell us what you're doing to BE THE SOLUTION and let us know about any local issues or concerns. |
Jul 22, 2009, 2009 04:28:18 PM
The Great Lakes Get a Boost: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/31970351/ns/us_news-environment/ |
Jul 14, 2009, 2009 06:43:18 PM
Mouth of Mississippi named #1 HOTSPOT of human impact--worldwide: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-07/uoc--nsr070909.php |
Jul 14, 2009, 2009 06:33:11 PM
Reefs Could Perish by the End of the Century: http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE5654JY20090706 |
Jul 14, 2009, 2009 06:30:39 PM
Recent study suggests that digging in the sand increases your exposure to fecal contamination from sewage discharges: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709204841.htm |
|
|
|
