"Save the Reef": Coral Conservation in Utila with Marine Biologist Laura Olarte

This first episode marks an exciting new direction for Vet Vibes, where I begin sharing real-world stories from the frontlines of conservation.

I speak with Laura Olarte, a passionate Colombian marine biologist, diver, and educator I met in Utila while participating in the GoEco marine conservation programme at Utila Dive Centre (UDC).

Laura shares her journey from Colombia to the Caribbean, how she became Head of GoEco, and what it's like to work hands-on with reef restoration and species protection. We dive into the threats facing coral reefs today—including Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease—and discuss how local and global conservation efforts are responding.

But more than science, this episode explores connection. Laura speaks beautifully about her deep sense of humanity, her love for the sea, and what it means to dedicate your life to protecting fragile ecosystems.

Whether you're a diver, conservationist, or just reef-curious, this is an episode not to miss.

Timestamps:

1:55 – Early career: how Laura got started in marine biology

5:25 – A career led by purpose

11:55 – Causes of biodiversity loss

12:40 – Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease explained

14:25 – Coral bleaching events

15:25 – Ocean acidification

16:40 – Pollution threats to reefs

18:55 – Weather events and reef resilience

19:55 – Future predictions for the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

22:40 – Diving ethics: privilege vs responsibility

26:25 – Being a woman in conservation

28:55 – Women in diving

30:55 – If Laura had a magic wand…

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==