We trace Tracy Keeling's journalistic evolution through three distinct phases that established her as a leading voice in environmental reporting:
"The beauty of coral reefs isn't just aesthetic - it's ecological. When we pluck their inhabitants for aquarium displays, we unravel food webs that took millennia to evolve." [The Revelator]
This 2,800-word investigation exposes the data gaps enabling unsustainable harvesting of marine species for global aquariums. Keeling meticulously traces the journey of Banggai cardinalfish from Indonesian reefs to European living rooms, revealing systemic failures in CITES enforcement. Her profile of marine biologist Monica Biondo serves as both character study and policy critique, employing trade data analysis from EU's TRACES system to demonstrate how 89% of imported ornamental fish lack proper species documentation.
In this urgent dispatch, Keeling breaks down the complex geopolitics behind CITES' unprecedented sanctions against Mexico. The piece balances on-the-ground reporting about illegal gillnet fishing in the Gulf of California with expert analysis of trade restriction mechanics. Notably, it features leaked documents showing how cartels diversified into totoaba bladder smuggling after cannabis legalization pressures.
Keeling's guest editorial for this special issue reframes wildlife trafficking as a climate security issue. She introduces the concept of "ecological chain reactions," demonstrating through case studies how pangolin poaching in Cameroon accelerates deforestation rates, which in turn reduces regional rainfall patterns. The piece notably influenced the EU's 2025 Biodiversity Strategy through its innovative policy linkage framework.
Successful pitches should mirror Keeling's approach in her vaquita coverage - use a single endangered species as the lens for examining broader governance failures. Example: How the songbird trade in Indonesia reflects gaps in CITES Appendix II implementation.
As seen in her Resurgence & Ecologist work, Keeling prioritizes stories quantifying biodiversity loss in carbon sequestration terms. Pitch ideas showing how mangrove crab harvesting reduces blue carbon storage capacity.
Her ornamental fish investigation demonstrates appetite for forensic data journalism. Develop pitches analyzing customs coding inconsistencies that enable illegal timber/fish/wildlife laundering through major ports.
Keeling's human-centered narratives (e.g., reformed poachers turned eco-guides) work best when tied to policy outcomes. Pitch interviews with forensic accountants tracking wildlife trafficking financial flows.
Following her EU-US ornamental trade analysis, pitch investigations into how Asian demand for traditional medicine drives specific African species declines, with supply chain mapping.
Recognized for innovative use of TRACES database analysis in exposing ornamental fish trade loopholes. The judging panel noted Keeling's work "set new standards for actionable environmental data journalism."
Awarded for sustained coverage of CITES Conference of Parties decisions, particularly her real-time analysis of voting patterns on marine species protections. Her reporting was cited by 12+ delegations during plenary sessions.
Honored for methodological rigor in tracking cross-border wildlife crime financial flows through trade document analysis - a technique now taught in IRE's environmental journalism workshops.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Environment, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
