World-renowned oceanographer and explorer Sylvia Earle recently visited the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb.
The theater was packed for a showing of the documentary Mission Blue, which follows the TED Prize winner's personal mission to save the oceans from over-fishing and pollution. She says individuals need to be more aware of their actions.
“We should also again look in the mirror for every day things that we do and choices about what you eat, what you buy, and where you put your trash," Earle said.
Earle says some marine species are endangered because of human over-consumption.
Northern Illinois University geology professor Reed Scherer works closely with Earle. He says he wants his students to be leaders in explaining consequences to human actions.
“When there’s an absence of leadership explaining why it’s important to make these choices and it’s a rational choice – not an emotional choice – that’s when things can really improve," he said.
Organizers say a follow-up documentary should be finished by summer.