Florida loves to fish! They love to fish for sharks from the beach. It's quite popular to fish for sharks from the beach in many parts of Florida. The fishing practice is a bit controversial as many anglers have been taking selfies with the sharks they catch. 

Why is that so controversial? The fishers are excited about what they caught. They followed the rules, for the most part; however, the act of taking a selfie many not be allowed anymore because it is not good for the shark.

The big problem with taking a photo with sharks on the beach is that the anglers will drag the sharks out of the water and hold them there for the perfect shot. sharks need water to breathe; therefore, holding the shark out of the water is torturing them. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has taken the advice by various shark scientists, policy makers and the conservation community and are getting ready to accept and implement rules of no photography of sharks after the catch. 

Take a listen to the episode for my thoughts on the matter and the challenges that come with this type of rule.

Note: Click here to listen to Dr. David Shiffman speak on why the rules are so important.

Do you think this new rule will be easy to implement? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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Dr. Andrew Wright joins us on a special episode today as we recorded this interview about his field work in Antarctica while he was still in ANTARCTICA!!!!

Andrew is working with on a team of scientists to gather information on fish-eating Orcas that frequent the Ross Sea as part of a monitoring program for the Ross Sea MPA. 

Andrew and I discuss the field work that involved great encounters with Orcas, Emperor Penguins and Seals, but we also discussed the challenges that the team faced while working in such a tough environment. 

Take a listen to find out about Andrew's experience in Antarctica and what an Orca gave the principle investigator. 

Do you have questions for Andrew? Ask them in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. 

I am pleased to have Dr. Edward Hind-Ozan back on the podcast to do discuss "What Is Happening In Marine Social Science This Week?" It's a weekly segment where Edd brings us articles that he and I discuss where we focus on people and their interaction with the Ocean. 

On today's segment, Edd and I discuss a paper by Dr. Angela Dean on how conservation messaging should be different for different groups of people when trying to change a behaviour around the Ocean. It reaffirms the thought process that conservation messaging should not be the same for everyone as everyone has different values. 

Listen to the episode and let Edd and I know your thoughts on conservation messaging in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. 

Dolphinariums in North America are thriving. I just came back from a trip the Caribbean where I saw advertisements for "swimming with dolphin" experiences. People flock to these tourism attractions because dolphins are such an iconic species that everyone loves (except some don't). 

We see advertisements for dolphinariums all of the time, but we rarely think about the effect of the facilities on the animals. Dolphins tend to perform and interact with humans most days of the week. The frequent interactions are stressful on the dolphins, where the stress could lead to infections or diseases as the immune system is weakened due to stress (just like in humans). Stress is difficult to noticed and often goes undiagnosed, especially when the animals are the main attraction.

Tourists often don't realize the stress the animals are under and rarely speak about concern for their health until an animal, or in today's case, 4 animals die at 1 facility.

Dolphinaris Arizona, a dolphinarium in the desert that opened in 2016, has had 4 dolphin deaths at their facility. Some "experts" are chalking it up as sad while real experts are worried about the stress on the animals. 

Listen to the episode to find out how two of the dolphins died and why the facility is temporarily closed. Also find out why experts say the dolphins at this facility were stressed.

Do you think the Dolphinarium should reopen? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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The short answer is, yes, they are. The long answer is that it depends on other factors, which I will get to soon. 

A recent article authored by Terry Hughes, a very well-known coral reef scientist, proposed that widely used sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate are not that bad for coral reefs as previously reported by scientific studies. Terry's reasoning is because it doesn't represent realistic scenarios. 

Terry's article "deeply disappointed" many people in the coral reef community because they say the studies address realistic conditions and conclude sunscreens are indeed bad for coral reefs (and bad for humans as the chemicals are carcinogenic). 

There is no doubt that other factors such as climate change and destructive fishing practices threaten reefs on a global scale; however, there are scenarios where sunscreens can threaten coral reef health at a local level in high tourist traffic areas. 

Listen to the episode to find out why I believe it is important for people to use "reef safe" sunscreen.

Do you share my thought? Share your opinion in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. 

The time of marine mammals in captivity is slowly dwindling. We are seeing people speak volumes with their wallets and actions as they deliberately leave out Sea World and other marine mammal entertainment facilities off of their family excursions thanks to the movie such as Blackfish and the decades of advocacy and science worked to show that marine mammal captivity is bad for their health.

Organizations are now searching for sites they call Whale Seaside sanctuaries as the future home for the retired marine mammals such as orcas, beluga whales, dolphins and more. The next Seaside sanctuary could be located in Nova Scotia according to Change for Animals Foundation. The organization and their partners are currently holding meetings in various towns along the Atlantic Shore. 

The sanctuary could provide great economic benefits for the neighboring communities as it would bring jobs to the area as well as the purchase of tons of frozen fish.

This Whale Seaside Sanctuary is targeted for Beluga Whales.

Share your thoughts on Whale Seaside Sanctuaries in Nova Scotia in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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Elephant Seals at Point Reyes National Park decided to take over a beach during the US Government Shutdown when the staff was a third of its regular size. Now the beach is closed down along with some access roads due to the new Elephant Seal pups that were born during the take over time. 

The Park staff are ensuring the pups and mother seals are protected during a vulnerable stage of the population's life cycle in order to have a healthy class of pups for this year. 

Park staff use non-invasive techniques to stop the Elephant Seals from taking over the beach when there is a full staff present; however, the shutdown forced the staff to be one third of its normal size leaving access to the beach for the Elephant Seals. 

Now the park staff will wait until April for the pups to wean off their mothers and head to the ocean to forage for themselves before the beach opens up to the public. 

Listen to the episode for more details.

Do you think the Park Staff handled the situation correctly? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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Ban Straws. Ban Plastic Straws. The movement to ban single-use plastics is growing. There are still many issues; however, the movement is starting to tackle some of these issues. New Zealand seems to be leading the pack.

New Zealand has rolled out a Plastic Packaging Declaration that grocery stores seem to like. Foodstuffs, a grocery store, has signed on to the declaration with glowing results. Reports state that fruits and vegetable sales in plastic free stores show a 300% increase. 

The country's efforts to go plastic free will continue as the pledge requires stores to be plastic free or package their fruits and vegetables in material that can be recyclable or compostable by 2025. 

The system is not perfect, as I highlight in this episode, but it is a great step forward in the plastic-free movement. 

Share your thoughts on the Plastic-Free Movement in the Facebook Group: http://www.speeakupforblue.com/group.

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Dr. David Ebert (@lostsharkguy) joins me on the podcast today to discuss why scientists go to fish markets. He has been going to fish markets all over the world building relationships with fishers on what, where and when they catch fish (mostly sharks). 

David has many reasons to go to a fish market rather than catching the fish himself. 

Listen to the episode to find out what those reasons are.

Would You Go To Fish Markets to do Marine Conservation Research? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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Zero waste stores are slowly popping up in places such as New York City, USA, Vancouver, Canada and now Devon, UK. These Mom & Pop stores are serving customers that tend to search for a more eco-friendly option in their local grocery story. Apparently business is booming for these shops as the owners of the shop in Devon say they are getting people that are not considered traditionally eco-friendly.

A recent article in the Guardian asks the question: Why Aren't Major Grocery Chains offering a zero-waste option? Their customers are wondering the same thing. They wonder why a grocery store that is based on offering a number of product options do not offer a zero waste option. Instead, some grocery stores offer products such as clementines that are already peeled in a plastic container, individually. Does that really make sense? Not to me it doesn't.

Listen to the episode to get the full details. 

Would you buy from a zero-waste shop? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

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A listener requested that I discuss Marine Career topics so I decided to look at some Facebook Groups for some insight on what advice new graduates and early career conservationists were seeking. I am a part of Marine Biologists Network and Job Postings Facebook Group where many of the members seek career advice on a daily basis.

Many of the questions involve seeking out graduate work. Some people ask for advice on schools and others ask for advice on topics. 

My biggest response is to tell them that their grad work should provide them with the experience and skills that will help them in their career. 

Check out my advice by listening to this episode.

Do you agree with my advice? Do you have something to add? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. 

Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan joins me today to discuss the US Shutdown on his weekly segment called "This Week In Marine Social Science." 

The shutdown is happening in the US because the US Federal Government cannot agree on how to fund the government; therefore, 800,000 federal employees do not get paid during the shutdown. 

The bad part is that people have to worry about paying their bills. The other bad part is that people can't use government services such as museums that are federally operated. The Smithsonian-Marine Section is a place where people go to relax according to a new article. The closure could cause people to have the blues because it's not open. 

Edd and I discuss the problems this could have on the mental health of people affected and not affected by the shutdown.

What government services do you miss during the shutdown? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. 

Nick Wehner joins me on the podcast to discuss Open Access papers and the challenge of getting more authors to upload their papers to Open Access databases such as MarXiv for Marine Conservation papers. 

Nick and I discuss the comparison of success rates of authors agreeing to share their papers in open access databases via email. You will be surprised at the rate!

We also talk about a weird thing that Pay Wall companies do with citation. 

Find out more by listening to the episode.

Do you have concerns about sharing your papers on Open Access Databases such as MarXiv? Share your thoughts in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. 

Florida Governor, Ron Desantis (Republican), took over the office at the beginning of 2019. Many Floridians and onlookers were afraid of the governor's dismissal of Climate Change during his campaign; however, his new policies to protect water quality has surprised many critics. 

Desantis has earmarked 2.5 billions dollars for water quality monitoring programs throughout the state, establish a resiliency office, establish a task force to take on the blue-green algae problem, and a 17,000-acre everglades reservoir in farm fields south of Lake Okeechobee. 

More details on the episode.

Do you like what the Governor is doing? Do you think it's all smoke and mirrors? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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Brooke Tully joins the podcast for her segment of "What's Happening In Conservation Marketing This Week?" 

On today's episode, Brooke and I explore the notion that people don't change because why should they?! Everyone is being asked so much these days from being asked to be healthier to buying eco-friendly products to save the planet. There are some people who are tired of being asked to change all of the time. Why should they change? Brooke has some answers. 

Check out the episode for Brooke's solutions. 

Why do you change your behaviour? Or better yet, why don't you change your behaviour? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group:
http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. 

As I consumed myself with the issue I discussed on the previous episode regarding Ocean Ramsay Swimming with Sharks and the controversy that it caused throughout the internet, I witnessed the attack on science by her followers. Many of Ramsay's supporters questioning the value of science in conservation as compared to science contributions. Attacking science has become normal; however, it must stop.

I discuss how Marine Conservation is a field that includes scientists and conservationists in this episode. Both parties must work together, but they must do things the proper way. It seems that swimming with sharks and touching them has brought a divide among scientists and activists.

What are your thoughts on the matter? Share them in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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Ocean Ramsay is an Advocate known for free diving with iconic Ocean Animals such as sharks. Her uniqueness is that she touches the sharks in her pictures and images. The point of touching the sharks is to show that they are gentle animals and not the "human-killing" machines in the movies.

There is a recent viral set of videos of Ocean Ramsay swimming and laying her hand gently on a massive Great White Shark that was feeding on a whale carcass. The first video shows Ocean Ramsay swimming by herself with the shark making it seem very peaceful. However, the second video was a behind-the-scenes look at reality. There were numerous people swimming around the shark making it swim quite hectic. 

Nothing bad happened to the shark or the people around it. 

Scientists like myself, David Shiffman and many others spoke out about the video because of the touching of the shark. There is a saying among divers that you should not touch underwater life unless you have. In fact, PADI teaches the same lesson in there Beginner Open Water SCUBA Certification Course. 

Touching animals while swimming is a controversial topic. Some people say it is better than tagging sharks because touching does not hurt them. Firstly, that saying is not true. Secondly, tagging provides valuable information that led to the protection of hammerhead sharks in Florida State waters. 

What side of the issue to you lean on? Let me know in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. 

The Ocean Cleanup Project has gone through some growing pains over the past couple of weeks including having to tow the device into port because it broke apart at sea.

The critics have come out in droves all over the internet to point out that the Ocean Cleanup Project has dismissed scientific peer reviewed criticism. A new criticism has been put forth and Boyan Slat responded positively while at the same time calling the past criticisms "emotive critiques." The problem with this reaction by Boyan is that the two previous criticisms were written by two women. Was Boyan referring to emotive because they were women?

John Davis and I discuss the backlash and the criticisms of the project and why it's not helping the case of the Ocean Cleanup Project.

Marine Debris Listserv: https://marinedebris.openchannels.org/

Take a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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Have you ever tried to change, but little things got in the way. For example, one of my New Year's Resolutions for 2019 was to eat less meat (only 3 times per week). So far, it hasn't gone so well because I haven't planned my meals. When I am hungry, I want to eat everything that is in front of me, so I pick the first thing I see. I won't meet my resolution if I don't change.

I need to plan my meals ahead of time to ensure that I know exactly what I am eating everyday and before every meal. I can't let planning become a little hassle that will prevent me from changing.

Brooke Tully is here to discuss the Little Hassles in our ongoing segment of why people don't do things on "What Is Happening In Conservation Marketing Today?" Listen to what she has to say about how conservationists can get people to change without worrying about the hassles. 

Take a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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The Dzawada'enuxw First Nation has filed suits against the Provincial Government (2 suits) and the Federal Government for allowing 10 aquaculture farms in their area that they say infringe on their Aboriginal Rights. 

The First Nation fishes for eulachon and Pacific Wild Salmon to trade with other Indigenous tribes in the area for goods. The farms will harm an already declining populations of both wild species upon which they depend. 

Take a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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Ken Balcomb, founding Director of the Centre For Whale Research, and his team have spotted a new Orca Calf on the Eastern end of the Juan de Fuca. This is the first calf since last year after a mother was seen floating her newborn dead calf for 17 days. 

Ken is cautiously optimistic of the calf as he gauges the Orca's chances at about 50% survival due to low salmon populations, increased underwater noise and bioaccumulation of toxins due to plastic ingestion as well as those found in salmon that the animal can find to eat. 

Take a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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Have you ever heard of a fatberg? It could be one of the most disgusting things that I have ever seen. A Fatberg is what you get when you combine frozen oil, fats and wet wipes. 

There is a large Fatberg in a coastal town in the UK that is 64 metres long and it's clogging up the sewers. It will take 8 weeks to break it up, according to local authorities. 

This episode is to reinforce the notion that we need to be weary of what we put down our drains. 

Take a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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Indonesia has been aggressively fighting illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing domestically since 2014. It has gone as far as sinking foreign vessels that were illegally fishing in Indonesian waters using Navy Forces. The result has been an increase in fish abundance domestically to support its artisanal-based fisheries industry, but there is still more work to be done.

The country is calling for the UN to include Fishing Crimes as part of the Palermo Treaty, which would put it in the same class as human trafficking and other illegal crimes that require international cooperation. Companies that profit from IUU fishing activities never reside in Indonesia. They are located in other countries; therefore, enforcement is often difficult.

It's amazing how far a country has to go to fight IUU fishing activities.

Take a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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Over 5000 people were treated for stings from an armada of bluebottle jellyfish last weekend along the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in Queensland, Australia. This totals over 22,000 people stung in the past 5 weeks by the jellyfish colonies. The average number of people treated for jellyfish stings is between 25,000 and 45,000...for all of Australia!!! 

Authorities say they have never seen anything like these numbers in the past. Last year during the same 5 week period, just over 6,000 people were treated for stings. 

Take a listen to find out why these jellyfish are being washed up on the beaches and what you can do to prevent getting stung.

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Brooke Tully is back again with a great segment of "What's Happening in Conservation Marketing." We continue to discuss why people don't do things. We focused this episode on people don't change their behaviours because they can't.

Brooke brings up the fact that people are often asked to change behaviours that may be too expensive and/or not accessible to them. I notice this quite a bit in the Marine Conservation field. However, Brooke has a solution.

Take a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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As we start the New Year, it's always good to go over how we can make better choices for the Ocean. The Guardian put out an article on 10 Ways You Can Reduce Our Plastic Use In 2019 and I thought it would be good to run through them. Some ways are easier than others. You might also find that you are doing some of the reductions already, but we can always do more. 

Have a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com

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Ken Balcomb is THE research expert on Southern Resident Orca Population in the Salish Sea area. Ken has predicted two deaths by summer 2019 based on the state of J17 (female, 42 years-old) and J25 (male, 27 years-old). He says both individuals look skinny compared to recent years and J25 is exhibiting "peanut head", which is a sign of malnutrition as the head is smaller than the rest of the body. 

J17 is the grandmother of the calf that was born last summer (2018) and died a half an hour later. It's mother carried her dead calf for 17 days making international news. Ken suggests J17 probably underwent significant stress watching her daughter grieve her newborn loss for so long. Coupled with lack of food (chinook salmon), the grieving could have made survival difficult for J17.

The Southern Resident Orca population has dwindled to 74 individuals and may lose two or more this year due to a lack of food. Chinook Salmon populations have also declined due to damns blocking rivers, which serve as reproductive habitats for the salmon populations.

Canadian and US governments refuse to make hydro companies remove damns that are not in use anymore to help save the salmon populations within the Salish Sea. Instead, the US government recently approved a bill that will allow the culling of 1000 sea lions as they say the pinnipeds are responsible for the decline in salmon populations in the area.

Listen to the episode to get the full details and find out how the lack of food is changing the Orca population's behaviour.

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There are projects that are happening all over the world with the purpose of trying to either clean up the Ocean of plastic pollution or prevent it from getting into the Ocean.

The Ocean Clean Up Projects Hits Another Snag

The 2000-foot Ocean Clean Up device has broken up into two sections in the Pacific Ocean Gyre. A 60-foot section broke off at one end of the large device in the rough weather in the area. This is the second reported setback the Ocean Clean Up Project has publicly reported. The device will be brought back to port to get fixed before it goes back out.

The Project predicted the device would clean up 50 tons of plastic per year until the 80,000 tons of plastic in the Gyre was cleaned up. According to Boyant Slat, the CEO, the device collected 4,400 lbs of debris since arriving at the Gyre. 

Man Assaults Woman After Asking For a Straw At McDonald's

A viral video of a man grabbing a female McDonald's employee in St. Petersburg, Florida is making its rounds on the web. The man reportedly got mad after asking for a plastic straw. McDonald's new policy is to keep the plastic straws behind the counter in an effort to reduce the amount of straws used at their locations. 

It is not apparent whether the man was mad specifically about the straws or with something else. 

The woman defended herself by striking the man repeatedly until the man let go of her. He is now being charged with assault. The employee is not being charged at this time and is being praised online for defending herself so well.

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Dr. Edward Hind-Ozan joins me on this episode for his segment called "What's Happening In Marine Social Science This Week?" 

This week's topic looks at the intersection between Marine Biology and Marine Social Science. We discuss a study where researchers studies the effects of toxins from microplastics on periwinkles and their inability to hide from predators. Ed highlights the fact that the study shows the importance of understanding marine biology to realize the conflict humans are having on the Ocean.

Listen to the podcast for more details and while Marine Biology and Marine Social Science need to crosspaths more.

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Aquaman is a great movie to watch when you are a Marine Biologist. To be perfectly honest, as a marine biologist, I wish I had some of Aquaman's powers to I can swim through the Ocean without coming up for air, but I digress. 

I was happy to take my oldest daughter to see Aquaman in hopes to be entertained. The movie did not disappoint. I was quite happy with the way the movie addressed some pressing conservation issues. 

Take a listen to the episode to find out which issues Aquaman covered. 

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The opening of the Northwest Passage due to melting ice from climate change provides an opportunity to businesses to use the shipping lane as a way to ship products to the Arctic for various business needs. It could be a great way for the local community to get their goods delivered to them when the shipping lane is open; however, whether the local communities will get priority over big business is another question.

The local communities did not get priority over the mining companies this past fall as shipping needs were met; however, the local communities failed to get their shipping needs met due to poor ice conditions. The shipping company did not plan their shipment accordingly and delayed the delivery, which the trip eventually failed due to the shipping lans being blocked by ice.

I make my opinion known in this episode about how local communities are getting left out of opportunities over big business that only leave short term economic benefits in exchange for large profits.

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The Conservation community is feeling optimistic after a Northern Right Whale Calf was spotted in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of St. John's River along the border of Florida and Georgia. This is great news as this is the first time a Northern Right Whale calf has been spotted in over a year. 

A Promising 2018 After A Tough 2017

There were 17 deaths in 2017 (12 in Canada and 5 in the US) due to fishing gear entanglement or ship strikes. Those are not great numbers for the Endangered population as there are an estimated 411 individuals remaining with less than 100 reproductive females. 

This past year was better as there were no recorded deaths Northern Right Whales meaning management measures in Canada's Gulf of St. Lawrence are working.

Not Out Of The Woods Yet

The evidence this new calf brings to the conservation community is terrific; however, the species is not out of the woods yet. Northern Right Whales used to have approximately 20 or more calves per season; therefore, one calf does not show a sustainable population.

The fact remains that the Northern Right Whale population is still prone to ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement and now a new pressure has been thrusted upon them: oil and gas exploration. 

The US Government recently approved exploration within the US EEZ that is within the migration route of the Northern Right Whale Migration Route. Oil and Gas exploration includes the use of seismic instrumentation to detect oil pockets below ground at the bottom of the continental shelf. The noise emitted by the seismic surveys are harmful to the hearing of many whales, which can affect their hearing. 

Whales rely on their hearing to listen for instructions from the rest of their pods communicating with them for detecting food, danger and other important social cues. 

The conservation community is optimistic by this new calf; however, we know that there is still a long way to go to improve the population.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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As we get ready for 2019, I look back at my life in 2018 and reflect on how well I lived for a better Ocean. There were some things that I did that really helped me reduce my impact on the Ocean and there were other things that I realized that I was having a greater impact on the Ocean. So, this episode is dedicated to announcing my resolutions for 2019 to Live For A Better Ocean.

Here they are:

1) Eat meat 3 times per week only;
2) Use less single-use plastic;
3) Buy more eco-friendly products; and,
4) Launch a hands-on Ocean Conservation Project.

Lofty goals, but I am psyched to get started. 

Share Your New Year's Resolutions To Live For A Better Ocean In Our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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It's been 8 days since the US government shutdown due to immigration/funding for the border wall. This shutdown marks the 3rd instance in 2018 and closes off the year where civil servants are not working to help protect the Ocean.

US Government Shutdown Affects Civil Servants

The first half of today's episode is a rant from me about how the Civil Servants are the people who suffer the most within the government during a shutdown. Politicians still get paid; however, my understanding is that non-essential civil servants do not. 

As a former Canadian Civil Servant, I know for a fact that people under-appreciate the work conducted by non-partisan employees of the government. Imagine being temporarily laid off for an indeterminate amount of time while rich people argue about money during the holiday season. This is not something that should happen.

Job Tip: Use Technology To Make It Easier For The Hiring Manager

I had a thought the other day about how job seekers can grab the attention of the hiring manager: Just make life easier for them. As I learn the benefits of audio and podcasting, I discuss the ways audio applications can make life easier for hiring managers.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group about this episode: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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New Years is around the corner, which means that many of you are planning out their New Year's Resolutions for 2019. My question to you is: Do you stick with your New Year's Resolution? Our resolutions are about change. Change can be difficult. Why is it so difficult to change our ways.

I asked Brooke Tully who has a series of blog posts about "Why People Don't Do Things!" The first part of this four part series is the Status Quo Bias, a behavioural change theory that explains why we have such trouble changing our habits.

Take a listen then read more on this subject on Brooke's Website.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Link to Registration (Ends Jan 15th): http://www.speakupforblue.com/makingmoves

Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group about this episode: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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Honduras fishers are experiencing decompression sickness after diving for lobsters that are now found in deeper waters due to overfishing. 

Over 47% of fishers have been affected from the bends as ignore the rules of scuba diving to provide for their families. The fishers dive more than twice a day and ascend faster the than prescribed rate to get back down to collect more lobsters. Many of the divers go back to fishing in the same way because out of necessity to provide for their families in the impoverished Caribbean Nation.

This story stresses the importance of considering ow sustainable fishing can affect the well being of impoverished coastal communities. 

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Take advantage of our Sponsor's, Grove Collaborative, holiday deal for eco-friendly products: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday.

Japan has a long history of commercial whaling that dates back before the World Wars, so it is not surprising that the country wants to continue to whale. The government have gone to great lakes to overturn the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) ban on commercial whaling since it was implemented in 1987 as it threatened to pull out of the IWC multiple times. A few days ago, Japan made good on its promise and announced that it will leave the IWC as a member on June 30th, 2019.

Southern Ocean Whaling Will Stop

The country also announced that it will cease all commercial whaling activity in the Southern Ocean after 30 years of hunting under "scientific research." The whaling fleet finds it too expensive to keep hunting in the Southern Ocean.

Whaling Within Its Ocean Borders

Japan will continue its commercial whaling practices within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). A spokesperson stated that the country will abide by IWC practices and calculations for a sustainable whale populations.

Some Environmental Groups Think This Is Positive

Sea Shepherd Society are pleased with Japan's decision because now Japan will be exposed for illegally whaling and the International Whaling Commission can put pressure on them; however, I don't think this will matter much. There is an interesting article they wrote on their blog about the 8 positive things that come out of Japan's withdrawal from the IWC. 

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Sharks are terrific predators, so much so, they have been found to eat their siblings while still in the womb. Researchers at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu, Japan, used an underwater ultrasound to see nurse shark pups jumping in and out of their respective uterus in the mother.

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As we wind down 2018 and gear up for 2019, we look back at the Ocean stories that dominated headlines. Some of those stories were "doom and gloom" stories, while others were good news stories. 

In today's episode, I highlight the year's 8 Ocean Good News stories identified by Oceana Canada to start reviewing the stories that may not have made big news world wide, but were definitely news worthy. 

Do you have some good news stories that I missed? Share them in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Take advantage of our Sponsor's, Grove Collaborative, holiday deal for eco-friendly products: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday.

NOAA released a new report that stated the number of incidences of whale entanglement in US waters for 2016 and 2017. The results of the report show there was not an overall change in reported whale entanglements between the years; however, certain areas showed an increase while others decreased. 

I go through the important parts of the report as highlighted in a Mongabay article with a focus on what the future looks like for whale entanglements. 

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Brooke Tully joins me on the podcast today for another edition of "What's Happening in Conservation Marketing This Week?" This time, Brooke describes her new online workshop that she created to help make conservation movements more effective using marketing techniques that follow traditional and digital marketing practices. 

Brooke and I provide some examples of effective Conservation Marketing that only scratch the surface of the material that you will be hearing.

You can find the registration for the Online 6-Weeks Workshop here. 

Note: I do not make any money on this workshop.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Link to Registration (Ends Jan 15th): http://www.speakupforblue.com/makingmoves

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The Ocean Clean Up Project was deployed in September with much anticipation of the world. The goal: Clean up the Pacific Garbage Patch. A lofty goal surrounded with a lot of controversy from the science and conservation fields; however, many media outlets were promoting the heck out of the project as a feel good project. 

I have been very critical of the program relating to various criticism shared by the Marine Science and Conservation community. 

The Clean Up Project device reached the Great Pacific Garbage Patch recently; however, it has not cleaned up anything. The device is not working the way it should. It is not moving fast enough to pick up the trash in the water. Boyan Slant released a statement saying that his team is working on the problem. 

There may be some good that comes out of this project, which I discuss in this episode. Check it out.

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There are a few things I wanted to discuss today:

Grove Announcement

Last week I got an email from a listener, who loved the products she got from the Grove after hearing the link on my show; however, she was not happy about the packaging used. I emailed the customer support person that I deal with for my affiliate account. 

My contact got back to me within a day and said that the extra packaging was a mistake and should never had happened. This is great news as the products are eco-friendly and they are committed to better packaging. 

I will resume the ads for the Grove on the show tomorrow.

Zinke Out As Secretary Of The Interior

Ryan Zinke has stepped down as Secretary of the Interior after numerous scandals regarding his personal spending choices. Zinke has been responsible for many negative changes to the National Park Service and US Fisheries and Wildlife (neither of the bureaus have had director spots filled since the Trump administration began their reign). 

Zinke's replacement is David Bernhardt, who was a fossil fuel lobbyist before he was Deputy Secretary for the Department of Interior. There is not much change in the style of the Secretaries. 

Orcas Swim With Woman Swimmer

This story sounds made up, but it happened. Drone footage of a woman in New Zealand has gone viral after it showed a small pod of Orcas swimming with the woman. A pretty fantastic story, but also don't swim with Orcas on purpose, let them come up to you.

Share your thoughts on this episode in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

I've had my Patreon campaign active for a few years now to help support the show. So far, I've been able to raise enough money to help support the show through upgrading my podcast equipment (microphones, receivers, recorder, cables and computer). It's been wonderful so far; however, I feel that Patreon can be used for a greater purpose and it can contribute to Speak Up For Blue's Social and Environmental mission.

I propose what change I would like to make, but I need your help. I need your feedback on this matter as I would like this effort to be driven my the Speak Up For Blue Community.

Let me know your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

It's the holiday season and you are likely in the thick of things with everything that has to do with the holidays. There are celebrations, food, gifts and for some of you, Christmas Trees. It's a great time of year to spend with your family and friends. 

However, there is a problem with each of the ways we celebrate our holidays. the problem lies with the amount of plastic that we use over the holidays. In this podcast, John Davis and I discuss the amount of waste that can be avoided over the next few weeks, including:

1) Christmas Trees;
2) Holiday Parties; and,
3) Holiday Gifts.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

What is your strategy to avoid plastics during the holiday season? Let me know in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com.

Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan is back on the podcast today for his weekly segment called "What's Happening In Marine Social Science This Week?" On this week's segment, Edd discusses a story of a woman in Ireland who enjoys swimming in the cold-water coast off of Ireland. You might think she is crazy, but she says that the cold water calms her mind and she is happy for a healthy Ocean.

The conversation made me think of what I like to do the most when I am around the Ocean. For me, it's exploring the tide pools along various coast lines around the world. I talk about my recent trip (last April) to Hawaii and the tide pools I found, along with the wonderful animals!

What is your favourite thing do do when you are near the Ocean? Let me know in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Ocean Acidification is usually discussed with the subjects of calcium based animals such as Corals, mussels and snails as they need Calcium to build their shells. Calcium will not be available as there is more CO2 in the Ocean. However, not all living Ocean beings will be negatively affected. Plants such as Seaweeds are predicted to thrive.

Many sushi lovers will breathe a sigh of relief at this news, but there is cautioned thrown their way. A new study was recently conducted on how the iodine levels in seaweed, and its consumers, will be affected in the presence of elevated CO2 levels as future IPCC reports suggest. 

Iodine is important to humans as it regulates the thyroid hormones in your body. Too little or too much iodine could have serious effects on the body that could decrease human and animal health.

The results show consumers (fish and molluscs) that ate seaweed under increased CO2 conditions possessed elevated iodine concentrations, which means humans will be required to monitor the iodine levels in seaweed in the future to ensure it does not decrease the health in humans.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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Two groups of people have stood up at the Convention of Parties (COP24) to say they have had enough of government inaction and want change now.

A young girl by the name of Greta Thunberg attended the conference to speak to the United Nations on her frustration with inaction. She wants the governments of the world to take action against Climate Change now as the world is already late to the party.

A group of 415 investors controlling $32 trillion have written a joint letter to the COP24 delegates demanding action against Climate Change as the consequences could cost more than $23 trillion by the end of the century.

Could these groups along with most of the world change the mind countries such as the US, Saudi Arabia and Russia that control over 40% of global hydrocarbon production?

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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Grove Collaborative Special: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday 

I provide you with a job update, where I dive into my efforts for a side job (side hustle) and why I think it's important to have one.

Brooke Tully alos joins me on the podcast of one of her segments of "What's Happening In Conservation Marketing This Week?" Brooke and I discuss the ever so popular topic if eating less meat to reduce our Climate Change Impacts.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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This story is crazy!!! NOAA researchers are surprised that they have observed 4-5 Endangered Monk Seals with eels stuck up their noses. Why? They aren't sure yet as no one has ever seen this happen; however, they do have a hypothesis as to why. 

Listen to the episode to find out.

I also address some SUFB podcast things on today's podcast first. Skip to 15 min or so if you prefer to just listen to the Monk Seal story.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to be heard on the podcast? Leave a voicemail:
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Grove Collaborative Special: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday 

This story is crazy!!! NOAA researchers are surprised that they have observed 4-5 Endangered Monk Seals with eels stuck up their noses. Why? They aren't sure yet as no one has ever seen this happen; however, they do have a hypothesis as to why. 

Listen to the episode to find out.

I also address some SUFB podcast things on today's podcast first. Skip to 15 min or so if you prefer to just listen to the Monk Seal story.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to be heard on the podcast? Leave a voicemail:
http://www.speakupforblue.com/question

Grove Collaborative Special: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday 

A graduate student and the Executive Director of Manta Trust, Joshua Stewart has discovered a nursery habitat in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico. This is a HUGE discovery as manta rays are known to migrate around the world making it difficult to find their important life history habitats.

Joshua is looking forward to conducting further research in the near future to find out the size of the nursery habitat and whether the boundaries will go beyond the Marine Sanctuary boundaries. If the boundaries are larger, then the Sanctuary managers have grounds to expand the boundaries and protect the Endangered Species.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to be heard on the podcast? Leave a voicemail:
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Grove Collaborative Special: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday 

The Canadian Government recently launched a Zero Plastic Waste Strategy, which means they are retooling the way Canada will use plastic. Their goal will be to reduce plastic use by 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. 

Take a listen to find out how they are going to accomplish this goal.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan joins me on the podcast today to discuss how some researchers are interacting with Indigenous groups when it comes to science and conservation projects. Dr. Natalie Ban was quoted as saying that she would not work with Indigenous groups unless she was requested by said group. An interesting approach to move away from parachute science.

I finish off the episode by discussing the suppression of science of NOAA by the Trump Administration. I discuss my experience when a similar scenario occurred at the Canadian Federal Government level when the HArper Administration suppressed science on everything ecological as it could interfere with Natural Resource Development.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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Grove Collaborative Special: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday 

Nick Wehner, Director of Open Initiatives at OCTO, joins me again on the podcast. This time around we discuss the 1 year anniversary of their pre-print database called MarXiv. 

Nick breaks down all of the stats for the inaugural year of this open access database that is here to serve the Marine Conservation Community. 

Listen in on our conversation to hear how you can get your work published in this database for decision makers to use it for their purpose of marine conservation.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

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Grove Collaborative Special: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday 

Sigrid Kuehnemund, VP of Oceans at WWF Canada, joins me on the podcast today to provide more information on how an oil spill off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador happened. 

During the interview, Sigrid points out that the spill could have been caused by the way the regulations are laid out. Sigrid, through WWF, are advocating to the government-industry partnership to include them in the conversation as well as make the regulations better. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to be heard on the podcast? Leave a voicemail:
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Brook Tully is back with another segment of "What's Happening In Conservation Marketing This Week?" Brook and I discuss the thought of mobile devices and how there is an opportunity to help conserve the natural areas in our world. 

We discuss the use of text message marketing as well as location based app marketing. We also bring up the fact that apps could be used to help consumers determine whether products are using eco-friendly ingredients such as sustainable palm oil. 

I also give you an update of my job search as a way to help people with their own job search. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to be heard on the podcast? Leave a voicemail:
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Grove Collaborative Special: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday 

I am pleased to be joined by Tim Cashion on the episode today to discuss a study that analyzed how fisheries companies could make more money by fishing sustainably over the long term. 

Tim is a PhD student at University of British Columbia in Fisheries and is the husband of Madeleine Cashio, who was on the podcast a few weeks ago discussing shark fisheries management and big data. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to be heard on the podcast? Leave a voicemail:
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Grove Collaborative Special: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday 

This episode is a continuation of episode 638, where I discussed the fact that All White Male panels at conferences and workshops in the Marine Conservation and Science field. I received a bit of criticism for the episode and my views on how panels should be diversified. 

The criticism and subsequent responses to the post occured in the Facebook Group. The conversation was very respectful, especially considering the sensitivity of the topic. 

I address the criticism from the post and try to clarify my stance. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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Grove Collaborative Special: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday 

Beth Pike and Ray Evrard, from the Salish Shes Podcast, join me today to discuss their most recent episode on Poop...yes, you read that correctly...Poop!

Their episode focused on how Victoria released raw sewage into the Ocean until recently when they decided to build a sewage treatment plant. They started to build the plant because people just north of the city were complaining of the smell and the "white fish." The city of Seattle was also complaining about similar issues. Seattle is quite a distance from Victoria so you can imagine how far the sewage (including poop!) travelled where people still noticed the smell and pollution.

Take a listen to the episode and let me know what you think in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Check out the Salish Shes Podcast

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Want to be heard on the podcast? Leave a voicemail:
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Grove Collaborative Special: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday 

We continue with our Friday segment of "What's Happening In Marine Social Science This Week" with Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan, but first, I provide a warning to all people who want to rescue a whale from entangled gear and are not trained for it. 

Whale Rescue Can Be Dangerous

Beth Pike (Co-host of the Salish Shes Podcast), made me aware of a story where a man hopped on the back of a whale to untangle it from the fishing gear that was caught around the animal. The effort was made popular after Ellen had the two men on her show to praise them for their work; however, the rescue could have gone wrong very quickly and the man could have sustained serious injuries or even died. 

Rescuing whales is dangerous. They are massive animals with powerful flukes (tails) that can kill people if they are ever struck. entanglements can also lead to injury if the person gets caught themselves and the whale dives below the surface.

The point of the story is to encourage people to call the proper authorities and wait for trained rescuers to aid the animal in question. 

Indonesian Fishing Community Take Matters Into Their Own Hands

Fishing communities in many parts of the world rely on fishing for sustenance and revenue. A lack of fish due to overfishing can put the community at risk, so it's not surprising when a fishing community in Indonesia to take matters into their own hands and enforce a paper marine protected area to discourage poaching from occurring. 

Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan describes the story and discusses how fishing communities in other countries are doing something similar to ensure the viability of their natural resource. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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I have the pleasure to have a good friend of mine on the podcast, Dr. Nathan Robinson. You might remember Nathan as the researcher that pulled out the plastic straw from the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in Costa Rica in the famous You Tube video. He's also the same guy to pull out the plastic fork from a different Olive Ridley Sea Turtle four months later about 70 km south of the first incident. 

Today, Nathan joins me to discuss a new study on Green Sea Turtles off the coast of Cape Eleuthra Island, Bahamas. The behavioural study is identifying trends and variations in behaviour of individuals among habitats and other Sea Turtles.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Links For Nathan:

Cape Eleuthra Institute

Nathan's You Tube Channel

Links for the Show:

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On today's episode, I talk about the persistence of All Old White Male Panels and conference and workshops and how that might limit Marine Science and Conservation. 

I also provide an update on my job search after having an information meeting with a Canadian Marine Conservation Organization. Spoiler alert: I don't have a job, but there is potential.

Share your thoughts on this episode in our Facebook Group:

http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Do you have a question that you would like to share on air? Ask it on our Speakpipe service and leave a voicemail: 

http://www.speakupforblue.com/question

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get ready for your holiday parties you are hosting by using the Grove's quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday

I start this episode by discussing 3 important conclusions of the US Climate Report as I didn't feel that I covered enough on it yesterday. 

I continue the episode with our "What's Happening In Conservation Marketing" segment with Brook Tully.

Climate Report: 3 Takeaways

The Atlantic wrote a great piece on 3 important points of the Climate Report released by the Trump Administration last week. I talk about them briefly as they are important to know. It talks about long term trends and results due to droughts and sea level rise.

Conservation Marketing Segment

Brooke Tully joins me on the podcast today to continue her series with "What Is Happening This Week In Conservation Marketing," where Brooke and I discuss Conservation Marketing applications in Marine Conservation. 

In this segment we explore what will happen next after the plastic straw movement? Will the movement die out or will it be successful in making more people aware of ocean plastic pollution and help change behaviours in other single use plastic use?

Have some thoughts on the episode? Share them in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to get your question heard on the podcast? Ask it here: http://www.speakupforblue.com/question

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get ready for your holiday parties you are hosting by using the Grove's quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday

A Climate Report predicting massive increases in the costs due to the consequences of climate change was released on Black Friday while holiday shoppers were out getting gifts for their families and friends. The Trump administration tried to sneak out the report due to their position as a Climate Denying-Administration; however, the plan backfired after several news agencies picked up the report and covered it in some detail.

The coverage from some of the media outlets could be called questionable as some agencies had panels consisting of Climate Deniers that tried to skirt the conversation around the Climate action needed to whether Climate Change actually exist. 

I discuss these events during this episode.

Let me know in our Facebook Group what you think of how the media covers Climate Change stories in regards to always mentioning Climate Denial: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get ready for your holiday parties you are hosting by using the Grove's quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/holiday

Artist Danielle Eubank connects people with the Ocean through her art, which are paintings of the wavelets in almost every Ocean in the world. Danielle has painted hundreds of pieces from four Oceans and is getting set to paint some pieces in the Southern Ocean.

Art plays a huge role in connecting people to the Ocean as well as helping them understand Ocean Issues and how they can help solve them. 

Danielle offers a tip to help protect the Ocean every time she posts on her Facebook page.

How have you seen art play a role on Marine Conservation? Let me know in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan joins me for another segment of "What's Happening in Marine Social Science This Week" where we discuss a plastic pollution story in Nigeria. The story describes a lawyer who was sick of seeing plastic on her beach so much that she started an organization involving community clean ups to help rid the beach of plastic. 

I cover a story out of the North Eastern Pacific, where a warm water mass has formed and being dubbed the "Son of the Blob." Some meteorologists are suggesting the that water mass may be responsible for the droughts and forest fires along the West Coast of North America.

Let us know your thoughts on this episode in the Facebook Group:

http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

Nick Wehner is back from OCTO to discuss how Scientists can now pre-register their studies with journals. This process will help scientists vet their methods with peer reviewers and get them approved before they do the study, which will increase their chances of being published by the journal and prevent their study from being scooped. 

Nick tells us about the article and how this process will be good for scientists. 

If you want to upload your thesis, grey paper pr pre-print to a server where Decision Makers can access, check out MarXiv. 

Let us know what you think of this article in our Facebook Group:

http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

I'm about to embark on a journey to find a job in Marine and/or Freshwater Conservation in Canada and I want to share this journey with you. 

I've covered finding a job before as I shelled out my advice to over a hundred people in my lifetime; however, I never covered my own experience as it is happening. This is probably the most vulnerable that I have ever put myself out there on this podcast. I want to do it because I want people to know that they are not alone through their journey.

There will be rejection and there will be emotional responses, but I will eventually find a job. I know this because I have been in this situation before. 

Where will I begin with my strategy? Well, you will have to listen to the podcast to find out.

Let me know your strategy in our Facebook Group: 

http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

I have Brooke Tully on the podcast today for her segment "What's Happening In Conservation Marketing This Week." On this segment Brooke and I discussed how conservation organizations should change their messaging to match changing consumer trends. 

I also discuss the Marine Conservation that is happening on the Isle of Man that includes beach clean up to community fisheries management.

What are your thoughts on Conservation Organizations needing to change their messaging according to shifting consumer trends? Let me know in the Facebook Group: 

http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

There was an oil spill that happened off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador that no one seems to be discussing. It is estimated that 250,000 Litres of oil was spilled it was is still from an unknown cause. 

The spill has not yet been contained because the weather is so severe from the "most intense storm" that has hit the area in history. The total amount of oil spilled and the total damage will not be known until the authorities can get in and start containing the spill.

This is yet another reason why Canadians and the world need to move away from our dependence on oil and shift towards more renewable energy sources to protect our coastal water quality as well as our species and habitats. 

I would love to know whether you heard about the oil spill before you listened to the podcast. Let me know in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

We discuss many of the Issues facing the Ocean on this podcast; however, we rarely discuss what we love most about the Ocean itself. We protect the Ocean because we love it, so we should talk more about what we love about the Ocean.

In this episode, I tell you 3 reasons why I love the Ocean in hopes that you will go to the Facebook Group and tell me your reasons why you love the Ocean.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

The Canadian Government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is rolling out the Carbon Tax for Canadians and Businesses. I thought I would take the time to calculate my family's carbon footprint for the past year. I was amazed at how much Carbon I produced for my trips via airplane and it makes me wonder whether I should curtail travelling based on the carbon that I produce. 

On the other hand, I could implement a carbon offsetting program where I pay to offset my carbon footprint to fund specific projects.

What it your Carbon Footprint? Go to the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Page and calculate your footprint: 

http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

We start today's episode with the Marine Social Science Segment with Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan discussing a news article demonstrating a great Industrial-Government-Science Partnership to monitor whales to prevent entanglement.

The Dungeness Crab Industry has funded Scientists to board Coast Guard helicopters during regular surveillance duties to monitor areas where there are crab pots to prevent whale entanglement. 

We continue with the show as I describe the carbon tax in Canada and how the Federal Government will use the tax. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rolled out how the Carbon Tax will work for various provinces. Everyone will pay a tax based on their household carbon emissions (in tons of carbon produced) and will get money back with their tax returns. 

Want to share your ideas? I would love to hear your thoughts in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco 

For years China has been accepting plastic from many parts of the world include the US; however, the superpower stopped accepting plastic in "dirty" form last January (2018). The questions now is what does the US do with all of its plastic waste? 

John Davis (OCTO) is here to try and answer the question as it has been the latest topic on the Marine-Debris Listserv. We discuss the new form the plastic must be in for China to accept it. We also discuss how cities are adapting to this new format and what they are doing with their plastic trash. 

We would love to hear your ideas. You can join the Marine-Debris Listserv by going to https://marinedebris.openchannels.org/.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

Elephant tusks and rhino horns dominate the headlines when it comes to illegal products being sold on the black market. I understand why this happens as they are iconic species; however, there are many other illegal animals being sold where enforcement is lacking.

An article in National Geographic discusses the illegal sales of Conch and Nautilus shells (along with other shells) that are not in the up and up. The shells were not picked up on along the shore where it was already empty. Many of the shells were taken from the Ocean with live animals in them. The poachers kill the animals in the shells, pour acid in the shell, which cleans out the shell or any remains and sell it at markets and in decorative stores. 

The people who buy the shells do not make the connection that there were animals in the shells or they do not understand their important functionality in the Ocean habitats in which they live. 

Do you see Nautilus and Conch shells being sold at markets where you travel and at stores at home? Let me know in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

I am happy to announce the beginning of the Conservation Marketing Segments with Brooke Tully. She will be on the program once a week discussing various topics surrounding Conservation Marketing. 

Brooke's first segment involves tips on how we can better our presentations at conferences to focus more on results and discussion. 

The second half of the episode is dedicated to me telling you about a conversation I had with my Aunt about Climate Change. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode in the Facebook Group:http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

I am delighted to have Sophia Wasserman on the podcast today to discuss a new published study (Open Access) on the public's perception of Dolphinariums (Swim with Dolphins experience) in the Turks and Caicos Islands. 

I was surprised to see the results of this study and understand how a dolphinarium could seem reasonable for an island environment to have, especially when jobs are scarce and there is a booming tourist industry.

Sophia takes us through the study's methods and results as we discuss the implications of the study to perception of dolphinariums. 

What do you think of dolphinariums? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group:http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

I had the pleasure of interviewing Madeline Cashion for this episode, where we discussed managing big data for fisheries management with a focus on Sharks. 

Madeline completed her Masters with this project. She studied 65 years worth of fisheries data in the Mediterranean to better understand how shark populations in the region have changed. It wasn't an easy process as there are many challenges in analyzing a long term dataset. 

Madeline and I discuss the challenges of using big data and how she overcame those challenges to create a useful thesis project that could be applicable to managers in the Mediterranean. 

How do you think Managers could use this data to apply to shark management? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Enjoy the Podcast!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

We continue with the Marine Social Science Segments with Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan. Today we discuss why there are plastic bits in plastic water bottles. Just another reason why we shouldn't be using plastic water bottles.

I also discuss the new Orca Whale Watching Ban implemented in Washington State to help protect the Southern Resident Orca Whale Population. I ask the question, is whale watching the real problem, or is it low hanging fruit?

Let me know what you think of the Orca Whale Watching Ban in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

Nick Wehner and I continue our series on clearing up the tangled subject of paywalled journal articles and open access. 

I've heard the grumblings of many people on the restrictions of peer reviewed journal articles that sit behind a paywall. The restrictions can include such subjects as with whom the author can share her/his published articles. 

Nick takes us through the legal rights of authors and what type pf restrictions exist on published papers, including how authors should look into the type of creative commons license they should use before the article is written.

Do you have something to say about the rights of authors? Chime in via the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Don't forget to submit your paper to MarXiv to ensure Ocean decision makers get access to your paper. https://www.marxivinfo.org/

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

Will the approach to Marine Policy be different now that the House is controlled by the Democrats? I explore this questions with the help of the listeners in the Facebook Group and in my Facebook contacts. 

I asked people this morning whether they thought Marine Policy will change now the that house was dominated by Democrats. Most were positive and hopeful realizing that policies may not be able to be reversed. However, they also realize that certain policies that are bad for the Ocean may not go through.

I discuss the comments in this episode, but I would love to hear your thoughts in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Discuss the Election and how it will affect the Ocean in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

This episode is for the US listeners in the audience. It's a message to remind you to go out and vote. It's a reminder that you can make a difference. 

I go over a few of the Environmental policies that the Trump Administration has changed over the past 2 years. The policy changes have ignored science and US citizens to promote short term economic growth. 

My message is simple, vote for the Democrat Candidates to provide a check and balance in the House and Senate to ensure policy changes by this administration will not go forward without a fight and a representation of the US people.

VOTE FOR THE OCEAN, VOTE BLUE!!!  

Discuss the Election and how it will affect the Ocean in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

Nicole Matthesen, a member of the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group, asked a question in the group regarding how to choose a school for marine science. I didn't respond by text, but I did dedicate this podcast episode to answering the question.

During this episode, I go through strategies that I would use if I were to redo College/University as well as graduate school. My strategies focus on looking for a school that will set me up for a career. 

Brooke Tully joins me on the podcast to discuss why Conservation Marketing is so important for Marine Conservation to be successful. I was originally joined by Brooke on the podcast to discuss Conservation Marketing in general; however, this time we begin to discuss the implications of how to do conservation by targeting individual markets. 

This interview is Part 1 of 2. I wanted to divide up the interview due to length without throwing away any of the value of Brooke's words. Part 2 will be published tomorrow where we discuss the workshop she facilitated for a variety of types pf professionals that want to do conservation and target specific audiences.

How do you think we should target audiences? Let me know in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Sponsor: I've teamed up with the Grove Collective to give you a chance to change the way you use cleaning products in your home that will benefit the Ocean. Click here for your free gift after purchase!

This episode is the second part of my interview with Brooke Tully. We discuss her latest workshop she facilitated at the Conservation Marketing (#ConsMark2018) Conference last week. 

In the episode, Brooke discusses the structure of the workshop and how she got participants to think about how they need to group their audiences and customize their Conservation Messaging to relate to each audience.

Do you have a marketing background? Let me know in the Facebook Group how you think conservation messaging should be grouped based on various audiences?

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Sponsor: I've teamed up with the Grove Collective to give you a chance to change the way you use cleaning products in your home that will benefit the Ocean. Click here for your free gift after purchase!

The latest report from WWF called the Living Species Report 2018 says that in the past 40 years humans have been responsible for the loss of 60% of animals around the world. I will be honest, this can't be a surprise to you, right? 

Media companies have been plastering articles on all of their platforms like it's a huge surprise, but let's face it we aren't that surprised are we?

The way humans have been treating the world has been awful. Our governments continue to make decisions based on short term gains without worrying about the long term consequences. 

The best way to turn things around starts with voting!!! Vote whenever possible!

Let me know in the Facebook Group how you feel about this report. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Sponsor: I've teamed up with the Grove Collective to give you a chance to change the way you use cleaning products in your home that will benefit the Ocean. Click here for your free gift after purchase!

Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan joins me on the program today to kick off a new segment called "What's New In Marine Social Science." We discuss a great article in Popular Science that identifies the top Environmental Priority in every state going into the election. So read the article and go VOTE!!!

Did you know that there has been a slow oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico that started after Hurricane Ivan destroyed a platform in 2004. The platform was owned and operated by Taylor Energy. Since 2004, the company has not had to pay anything in fines even though the leak was discovered in 2010 during aerial surveys during BP's Deepsea Horizon disaster. 

Both the stories today highlight the importance to put elected officials in office that will do the right thing when managing natural resources and reducing climate change impacts. 

Let me know your thoughts on this episode in the Facebook Group. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Sponsor: I've teamed up with the Grove Collective to give you a chance to change the way you use cleaning products in your home that will benefit the Ocean. Click here for your free gift after purchase!

I have the pleasure of interviewing Beth Pike and Raye Evrard from the Salish Shes Podcast on today's episode. I say it's a pleasure because 1) They are great communicators; and, 2) They are podcastors! 

We discuss their podcast the Salish Shes that is about the Salish Seas and all the wonders and issues swirling around in this beautiful body of water. 

They have a new episode out today and it's all about POOP!!! That's right, I said it! It's all about the poop that ends up in the Salish Sea and how it's affecting the water quality of this body of water that is full of diversity.

Check out the podcast by clicking here.

Let me know in the Facebook Group what you think of the Salish Shes podcast after you listened to it. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Sponsor: I've teamed up with the Grove Collective to give you a chance to change the way you use cleaning products in your home that will benefit the Ocean. Click here for your free gift after purchase!

Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs) have hard tasks ahead of them at all times. The organizations balance: scientific and conservation projects with getting the results to their audience. they compete with other organizations with email and social media campaigns as well as other companies that are trying to get their message out. 

However, Podcasting is a platform that many organizations seem to overlook. Often times the ENGOs overlook this platform because they don't have the people and think that it is too expensive to start up/maintain. Unfortunately, the ENGOs are missing out on a new audience that could have a chance to get to know your organization and support the organizations.

I run down 5 reasons why ENGOS should podcast because it could transform how they do business in the future.

Let me know in the Facebook Group if you think Podcasts are a good platform for ENGOs.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in starting your own podcast or you would like your ENGO to start one, please contact me at andrew@speakupforblue.com  

No more new Marine Mammal Captivity in Canada according to Bill S-203 that passed in the Senate last week. The Ban will including captivity and breeding programs in any facility in Canada. 

Marine Mammal Captivity has been very controversial for decades, but the Blackfish documentary increased the push of the movement to stop Marine Mammal Captivity in marine-themed parks. Scientists, Activists, Advocates and Policy Makers have been working tirelessly to ban captive marine mammals all over the world. Canada is just another country that has hopped aboard the movement. 

The Bill targets two facilities in Canada, The Vancouver Aquarium and Marineland. The former facility has changed its policies on Marine Mammal captivity in the recent years after it stood up for its educational and conservation purpose; however, protesters and members put enough pressure for the facility to give in. 

Marineland has yet to give up the fight. It says that banning captivity of marine mammals will shutdown the park and put local residents out of jobs; however, SeaWorld has undergone a huge and profitable transformation after the pressure of the public against its captive program took place and now markets towards other attractions such as rides and free beer.

What do you think will happen to these facilities? Let me know in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Join the Patreon Community to help support Speak Up For Blue's mission to bring Marine Science and Conservation information to you and the audience. 

#ConsMark2018 is over and the planning for the next Conference in 2020 will begin soon enough. However, before the planning begins I must discuss the conference that just happened. 

There were many highlights for this conference from learning how government agencies use messaging and events (festivals) to reach their audience to learning how social marketing organizations, such as Rare, use marketing techniques similar to corporations (Nike, etc.) to get people to change their behaviour around a conservation issue. 

I talk about all of the highlights of the conference and what gaps were identified in trying to duplicate efforts of some great projects within larger organizations/government departments.

I would love to hear your thoughts on Social Marketing and whether you see it as an important tool in the Conservation tool box. Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Join the Patreon Community to help support Speak Up For Blue's mission to bring Marine Science and Conservation information to you and the audience. 

I have Cheryl Munday on the podcast to discuss the importance of the Northern Right Whale Festival that will happen on November 3rd in Jacksonville Florida. 

Check out the reason why the festival is happening, why it's in Jacksonville and the importance of the venue. This is conservation.

Let us know in the Facebook Group what you think about using events like this festival to promote conservation.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Join the Patreon Community to help support Speak Up For Blue's mission to bring Marine Science and Conservation information to you and the audience.

The Conservation Marketing Conference (#ConsMark2018) is on this weekend and I wanted to share with you how I was preparing for the conference. 

Conferences are one of my favourite things about the Marine Science and Conservation field. I get to reunite with friends and colleagues from all over the world. I also get to catch up on some great research shared at the conference I attend. My favourite part of conferences is the networking. I find it's the most important part of the conference.

I set goals for each conference so I know why I attend a particular conference. My goals will differ from conference to conference, but I always have a goal. It helps me stay focused and not get distracted by all the cool things happening around me. 

I outline my goals in this episode so that you can see my thought process. Hopefully, you can duplicate this process for your own purposes if you don't set goals for conferences. 

Let me know in the Facebook Group what type of goals you set when you go to conferences.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Join the Patreon Community to help support Speak Up For Blue's mission to bring Marine Science and Conservation information to you and the audience.

This episode is Part 2 of the Interview with Dr. Chris Parsons where we discuss the beaching and deaths of over 50 beaked whales off the coasts of Scotland and Ireland. 

In this episode, we discuss navy sonar and how it affects marine mammals. Chris dives into why beaked whales are so susceptible to sonar during navy exercises. 

Have questions about how noise affects marine mammals? Join our Facebook Group to ask Dr. Chris Parsons and other Marine Mammal Experts. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Join the Patreon Community to help support Speak Up For Blue's mission to bring Marine Science and Conservation information to you and the audience. 

A dedicated listener, Alyssa Stoller, sent me an article on beaked whales beaching themselves off the coasts of Scotland and Ireland. Alyssa wanted to make sure that the story would get spread across the Speak Up For Blue airwaves as it was an important story and it needed to be discussed. I gladly obliged.

I asked Dr. Chris Parsons if he would be able to come on the podcast to help explain the details of the story as he is familiar with the area. Chris used to work in the area on Marine Mammals. 

As usual, Chris and I got talking and we talked...a lot. So I decided to separate the show into two parts. In Part 1, Chris and I discuss the overall reasons as to why marine mammals beach themselves. In part 2 (next episode), we discuss the specifics of the article that Alyssa sent us.

Do you think military sonar should be banned near marine mammals? Let us know in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Join the Patreon Community to help support Speak Up For Blue's mission to bring Marine Science and Conservation information to you and the audience. 

Lonely Whale has partnered up with Dell and other corporations for a program called Next Wave Plastics, where corporations use ocean-bound plastics located in strategic areas to incorporate in their supply chain. This program answers the question: "What are corporations doing to help reduce plastics in their products?" 

Dune Ives, Executive Director of Lonely Whale joins me on the podcast today to discuss the award winning program and how the corporate partnership is only the beginning of reinventing how products are made. 

Dune is also here to discuss two new corporate partners to join the likes of GM, Bureo, Trek, Herman Miller, Human Scale and Interface to Next Wave Plastics.

Do you think this program will get more corporations involved? Let me know in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Join the Patreon Community to help support Speak Up For Blue's mission to bring Marine Science and Conservation information to you and the audience. 

Do you ever feel like you are worried about damaging the places you visit? This past week we discussed a popular Thai beach being closed down to tourists because of the damage and pollution that caused during their visits. I know I always worry about how my actions could harm or disrespect the places that I visit. As a tourist, we have responsibilities to protect the Ocean in the various places we visit. 

Dr. Christopher Warren has created a program for tourists to ensure they do not have a negative impact on the environment on the destination they visit.

It's a great idea and there is a possibility that the program will be rolled out for all people who are trying to reduce their impact on the environment whether or not they are travelling. 

Would you use this program while travelling if it was offered by your hotel? Let me know in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Join the Patreon Community to help support Speak Up For Blue's mission to bring Marine Science and Conservation information to you and the audience.  

The Barndoor skate is a huge skate species living off the coast of the Northeastern US and was once a commercially viable species; however, from 1971 to 1998, the barndoor skate population numbers were very low to the point where fisheries scientists were worried that the species were going extinct. the population had been overfished for years.

In 2000, the large skate species was added to the Endangered Species List, which seemed to be the right thing to do as the population has now almost fully recovered from being overfished and back to 1965 population numbers. Is it time to start to fish them again?

Researchers are cautiously optimistic on their viability as a commercial fisheries and are looking into the matter. Fisheries management of a recovered species is a complex issue as managers want to make sure that the species population is stable during fishing activities.

Do you think managers should open up the fisheries again? Let me know in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Join the Patreon Community to help support Speak Up For Blue's mission to bring Marine Science and Conservation information to you and the audience.  

In September, I interviewed Dr. Naomi Rose to discuss what is happening to the Southern Resident Orca Population. There are only 74 left and the population has not had a new birth for the past 3 years. One of the recent deaths of an Orca named J50 was presumed to be the cause of starvation. The population only eats Chinook Salmon and nothing else. A lack of Chinook Salmon has lead to the number of individuals in the population to 74, the lowest in 35 years!!!

Naomi stated that the cause of the lack of salmon prey for the Orca population was due to damns in the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The removal of the damns could bring back the salmon population and help save the Orcas; however, the hydroelectric companies do not want to remove the damns. 

There was an article in the Seattle Times published last week by Lynda Mapes on a new effort to help the Orcas now instead of in the future because there just isn't that much time left for these whales.

A new election around the corner could change the tide on this issue and that is what I am focusing on in this episode. 

Do you think the damns should be removed? Let me know in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Join the Patreon Community to help support Speak Up For Blue's mission to bring Marine Science and Conservation information to you and the audience.