“Human Dimensions of Oceans: From a Sociological Perspective” blog series is live on FATHOM.
“Human Dimensions of Oceans: From a Sociological Perspective” blog series is live on FATHOM.
This website is dedicated to the memory of Leo Hummel, a visionary whose innovative approach to ocean conservation elegantly combined science, design, and community care to create lasting impact—inviting all who visit to explore and build upon his legacy: SeaWeaver.
Leo’s approach to work was unique as his life. Fluent in Mandarin, a lover of music, and a creative force in both art and design, he sought to make ocean conservation accessible to all communities.
His innovative project SeaWeaver, exemplifies this mission—melding traditional weaving techniques with industrial design technology to create artificial reef structures that foster new ecosystems. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and innovation lives through the impact he made on the ocean and the many lives he touched.
A graduate of St. Joseph School, Garfield High School, Carleton College, and Georgia Tech, Leo’s journey took him from Seattle to the coastal communities of Koh Tao, Thailand, where he dedicated his final days to teaching community conservation divers how to build healthy artificial reef structures.
SeaWeaver was Leo’s brainchild, a project born from his belief that every community should have the accessible tools to protect their local marine environments. SeaWeaver is more than a technique: it’s a philosophy of ecological intention and social equity.
Leo’s innovative approach sought to remove the barriers that often prevent communities from engaging in conservation by focusing on accessible production methods.
Through SeaWeaver, Leo sought to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science, providing communities with the knowledge to create thriving marine habitats. His work continues to inspire, and we are committed to ensuring that SeaWeaver remains a vital tool for conservation efforts worldwide.
Leo built his own website, leohummel.com, where he shared his vision for SeaWeaver. We are preserving Leo’s site as a living archive of his work, allowing all to explore his ideas and continue what he started. On his site, you’ll find explanations told in Leo’s own words, detailing the framework of SeaWeaver.
From this page, oceannexus.org/seaweaver, we invite you read Leo’s publication and consider how you might contribute to the continuation of Leo’s work.
If you’re interested in furthering SeaWeaver, please reach out to us. We’re doing our best to keep his spirit alive and honor his dedication to the ocean. Rest in peace.
This page was created with support from Leo’s parents Jeff and Bea.
SeaWeaver: Integrating Cultural Craft and Materials Innovation for Artificial Reef Conservation Strategies publication.
By nature of being created through weaving, and the accessibility of that production method, SeaWeaver structures are able to elegantly sidestep many of the common barriers to building artificial reefs, providing in an accessible and inclusive hands-on pathway to meaningful conservation action. — SeaWeaver
