The Most Powerful Way To Inspire Change May Be Different Than You Think

SURFER:How did Pangea get started and can you tell me about what your organization does?
Tré Packard: Growing up surfing and skating in Southern California like a lot of kids from my generation, the ocean and the culture around it were everything to me. It wasn’t something distant or abstract, it was where I spent my days. In the mid-2000s I moved to Asia, and that’s where everything shifted. I spent years traveling and documenting the illegal marine life trade, photographing everything from the brutality of the shark fin trade to critically endangered species pulled from the water and stacked in lifeless piles, sold off in distant ports for empty myths about health and status. My camera became a witness, a way to give a voice to what could not speak for itself. Those years were both enlightening and devastating. I watched the ocean I loved being stripped bare, and I realized how little of this story the world was actually seeing, let alone feeling. It became clear that the issue wasn’t just about science, data, or spreadsheets. It was about emotion and connection. People rarely protect what they don’t feel connected to, and for many, the ocean can feel far away. I’ve always believed in the power of art and imagery to break through those barriers.

So in 2010 I started PangeaSeed with that idea in mind, and when I moved back stateside in 2012, we officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and have been going nonstop ever since. Our mission is simple and direct: bring together art, science, and community to make ocean issues visible, relatable, and personal. One of the main ways we do this is through large-scale public art. From the polar bear capital of the world (Chruchill, Canada) to the Coral Triangle, we’ve created over 550 community murals in 23 countries. These walls transform everyday routes to work or school into powerful reminders of our connection to the ocean, reaching people who might never otherwise encounter these stories. It’s the only organization and effort of its kind and it’s working. We also work with scientists to translate complex research into visuals that resonate emotionally. And through programs like Printed Oceans, we produce fine-art editions that help fund our work and grow a global movement. At the end of the day, only a small portion of people on this planet have the privilege to put on a mask and experience the ocean firsthand. We believe it’s hard to save what you don’t love, and it’s hard to love what you don’t understand. Art is how we build that bridge and translate science and data. That’s what PangeaSeed is all about... harnessing the proven power of art to transform how people think, feel, and act for the ocean that sustains us all.

How do you pick your artists and locations?
It’s definitely not random. Every location and every artist we work with is chosen with real intention. When we’re looking at potential new sites, the first thing we consider is impact. We ask ourselves: What’s the local story that needs to be told? What’s happening here in terms of ocean issues, culture, or environmental challenges? We want each mural to be rooted in something meaningful to the community, not just a pretty picture on a wall. A lot of the time, communities actually reach out to us first. People discover our work and see how it could be a powerful tool to bring people together, highlight local ocean issues, or inspire civic pride. That organic interest often leads to some of our most successful collaborations, because the energy and vision are already coming from the community itself. From there, we spend a year or two working closely with local partners to build trust, fundraise, and lay the foundation for a project that lasts. We focus on raising the majority of the budget locally and forging partnerships so that once the paint dries, the work continues to live and breathe long after we’ve left. When it comes to artists, we look for people of all backgrounds and skillsets who not only have incredible talent, but who also understand the power of art as a tool for change. Many are part of our global network, but we also love bringing in fresh voices and perspectives. We aim for a mix of international and local artists to create a meaningful cultural exchange and ensure the work speaks to both local and global audiences. The best projects are the ones where the artist truly connects with the story of the place. When that happens, you can feel it in the work. It’s no longer just a mural. It becomes part of the community’s voice and identity.

Of all the murals done around the world, could you tell me about a few projects that really stuck out?One of the most powerful projects for me personally was our first year in Napier, New Zealand. We worked with the Māori community to create a series of murals about honoring an entire cultural heritage. The community there has this incredibly deep connection to the ocean that goes back thousands of years, and the series of murals reflected that bond. It showed me how powerful it is when we work with a community rather than just in it. Another one that really stands out is our project in Nusa Penida, Indonesia. That project became so much more than just paint on walls. At the time, the community was dealing with intense foreign development and land grabs that left many locals feeling powerless and disconnected from their own home. Those murals became a rallying point, a way for people to reclaim a sense of pride, identity, and connection to their island and the sea. Seeing how art can help heal and unite a community like that is something I’ll never forget. I also think a lot about our Sea Walls project in Cape Town, South Africa (see beow). The scale of those murals was massive, but what made the project unforgettable wasn’t just their size. It was how they became a platform for conversations that really matter. Beyond climate change and rising sea levels, the community was also grappling with rapid coastal development and questions surrounding environmental justice, and of access to the ocean itself. These are deep, complex issues that affect people’s daily lives, livelihoods, and cultural identity. What struck me most was how the art opened up space for dialogue. People who might never go to an environmental event were stopping on the street, asking questions, and getting involved. Seeing a mural spark conversations about who gets to access and protect the coastline, and how, was incredibly powerful. That kind of raw, community-driven engagement is exactly why we do this work.

What's on the horizon?
The past year marked a profound turning point for me and for PangeaSeed. Out of nowhere, I was hit with a Stage 3 cancer diagnosis. Everything I’d spent the last fifteen years building came to a halt. The work, the movement, the momentum… it all went quiet. In that silence, something unexpected happened. As my world narrowed to the essentials, I began to see more clearly than ever before. The stillness became a mirror. It forced me to reflect on why I do this work, why the ocean has always been my anchor, and what truly matters. The experience was terrifying, but it was also a gift. It gave me a deeper sense of purpose and a fiercer will to keep going. To dig deeper, to create, and to give back. Now, stepping out of that chapter and fully in remission, I feel more driven than ever to create impact that lasts. We have powerful projects on the horizon in coastal communities around the world, including returning to New Zealand and working on new shores in remote places like Seychelles. Our focus is no longer just expansion, but depth. We are building stronger partnerships, standing beside communities on the front lines of the climate emergency, and creating projects that keep speaking long after the paint dries. We’re also expanding programs like Printed Oceans into museums, art galleries, and educational institutions as well as our Commissioned Program that offers creative services to mission-aligned brands. Through these partnerships, we’re finding new ways to connect people to ocean stories. In these challenging times, it is critical to remember that the ocean does not care about political parties, paychecks, religion, or class. We all depend on the same clean air, water, and stable climate the planet provides. Our survival is tied together, and the ocean connects us all. This is not a partisan issue. It is a human one. Real change happens when we work together, across divisions, to protect what sustains life. We will never get there alone. This next chapter is about resilience. Not just mine, but ours. It is about leaning fully into creativity, community, and collaboration. The ocean has given me everything. Now, more than ever, I want to give everything I can back.

Can people reach out with ideas and submissions or to volunteer?
Absolutely. PangeaSeed has always been built on community. The work we do exists because of passionate people who care about the ocean and want to be part of something bigger. Some of our most meaningful projects have started with a single message from someone who saw what we’re doing and imagined how it could make a difference in their own community. Right now, both arts and environmental funding, especially for oceans, is facing real challenges. Federal grants have slipped down the list of priorities, and many brand partnerships that once supported work like ours are pulling back or being cut all-together. Yet the need for what we do has never been greater. The threats facing the ocean are growing, and so is the need for creative, community-driven solutions. This is why we welcome people to reach out in whatever way they can. Whether it’s sharing ideas, volunteering, making a tax-deductble donation, or helping us build connections that strengthen this movement, every contribution matters. We’re always eager to collaborate with artists, connect with local changemakers, partner with brands that share our vision, and bring in anyone who wants to support this work. Whether you’re an artist, scientist, surfer, educator, or simply someone who loves the ocean, there’s a place for you here. You can connect with us online through pangeaseed.org or follow us on social at @pangeaseed to learn about upcoming projects, opportunities, and ways to get involved. The ocean connects us all, and it will take all of us to protect it. This is our moment to rise together, to turn creativity into action, and to help ensure a thriving and equitable ocean for generations to come.