Fri, 30 October 2020
An underwater Seamount (Mountain) that is 1.5 times the size of the Eiffel Tower was discovered within the boundaries of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Seamount is teeming with life in the form of vast coral reef systems that sustain a diverse population of underwater life such as gorgonians, cuttlefish, and large sharks to name a few. The discovery boosts the diversity and health of the Great Barrier Marine Park that has had a tough time over the past few years. Climate change has caused sea surface temperatures to rise in the area to a point where 93% of the corals bleached a few years ago. The increase in the number of days where the air temperature was above 40C helped increase the water temperature, which causes the corals to bleach. Corals have phytoplankton called zooxanthellae that live inside the coral skeleton and undergo photosynthesis to survive while their byproducts (O2 and Ca+ ions) help build the corals calcium skeleton. The zooxanthellae can only handle a certain amount of heat and will leave the coral if the temperature is too hot. Once the phytoplankton leaves, the coral loses its colour that causes it to bleach. If the zooxanthellae don't return or repopulate, then the coral animal will eventually die. The corals on the newly discovered Seamount are in good health and have not been affected by the warmer sea surface temperature as the Seamount reaches its summit at 40 metres in depth (over 100 feet), where it doesn't rely on the sun to survive. The corals are probably also in good health because they fall within the boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park where it has been protected for the past number of decades. Do you think this reef will continue to be protected because it falls within the Marine Protected Area boundary? Link to Article: https://news.mongabay.com/2020/10/a-mountain-of-a-reef-taller-than-the-eiffel-tower-found-on-great-barrier-reef/ Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference: Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1075_500mCoralReefMountainDiscoveredInGreatBarrierReefMarinePark.mp3
Category:Coral Reef -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Wed, 28 October 2020
The Antarctic is a very special place and boasts some of the most fascinating species on the planet. It's also special because it's a place where 24 countries manage the land and coasts together, as one nation. The US, Chile, Australia, Russia, and China are just a few of the countries that get along in the South Pole but can be bitter enemies in other locations on the planet. These countries manage the resources of the Antarctic together. It may be difficult to reach a decision, but when a decision is made, the result is powerful. The Ross Sea Marine Protected Area is a great example of the demonstration of this collaboration. Over 5 years ago, the 24 countries voted to create the world's largest Marine Protected Area in the world, saving krill, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. The Ross Sea MPA was voted on a number of times, but the deal was reached over a decade later after Russia and China vote in favour of the MPA. Russia and China are known for sending their fishing fleets to catch the Antarctic toothfish. Any Marine Protected Area would restrict access to more catch and more money for those fish. However, an MPA would be able to grow the fish population to a point where the fish species would have a chance to crow some much and so abundantly that it would have to leave the MPA boundaries and venture outside the boundaries. John Kerry, former US Secretary of State and Ocean Advocate has penned an opinion piece in the New York Times to highlight the positive benefits a number of MPAs would have on the Antarctic Ocean system if China would vote in support of the MPA. China has implemented "greener" policies over the last few years including new wording and implementation in their Distance-Fishing Fleet this past April (2020), where stricter penalties will be given to any vessel in the fleet that is caught bringing home illegal catches. Will China vote for conservation and a more secure Antarctic Toothfish fishery? Link To Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/26/opinion/climate-change-antartica-china.html Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference: Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1074_ChinaCanHelpSaveAntarcticSeaLifeThroughMPAVote.mp3
Category:Antarctic -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Mon, 26 October 2020
Seal and Sea Lion culls have been added as a proposed method to the table to bring back the salmon and herring fisheries along the West Coast of Canada. The proposed method wants to cull 50,000 harbor seals and 25,000 Stellar sea lions, which is the most that have ever been proposed. The cull, as proposed, would kill have of the current population in the area. The cull is backed by a professor emeritus from the University of British Columbia in fisheries management. He has presented material from other studies with conclusions of fisheries stocks (salmon and herring) that have been predated upon by seals and sea lions (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6__Sc_o08w). There are many other scientists who don't have the same professional opinion. Dr. Andrew Trites, another professor (Marine Mammals) from the University of British Columbia, is concerned about how the cull would affect the predators of the pinnipeds. Transient Orcas rely on seals and sea lions as a source of food. Killing such a massive amount of individuals could also have a negative effect on the pinniped population itself as climate change and other factors could limit the population from rebuilding. There are many "Ifs" when considering the cull. Fisheries and Oceans Canada held 2 workshops to consider all matters of the issue: 1) A workshop with only scientists; and, 2) a workshop with Indigenous, industry, and non-governmental organizations. One general question was asked: How much risk are they willing to accept in pursuit of a massive cull. the participants in the first workshop said they needed 80-100% assurance that the fish populations would be rebuilt while the second workshop only needed 20% assurance. In order for the cull to happen two approvals need to be made: 1) The Harbor Seal must be taken of the Species At Risk Act as a Vulnerable Species, and; 2) The Government must approve the cull. Both approvals would take years to come through and even then it would be very difficult to happen. Do you think the cull should be approved? Link to Article: https://www.hakaimagazine.com/news/what-would-a-british-columbia-seal-and-sea-lion-cull-actually-entail/ Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference: Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1073_IsASealCullWorthTheMillionsOfDollarsRisk.mp3
Category:Pinnipeds -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Fri, 23 October 2020
Shark Finning still happens today and is shipped from all over the world to end up in Chinese markets. It's difficult to manage policies in a foreign country, but some countries can manage policies in their own EEZ if they know most of the shark fins are being collected in their waters. Melissa Marquez wrote an article in Forbes magazine (link below) where a couple of researchers from Florida International University created a DNA test for shark fins to determine where the fins were collected. What the study revealed will have implications in the management of some countries in terms of their shark protection policies. Listen to the episode to find out the details. Link to article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissacristinamarquez/2020/10/21/scientific-detective-work-tracking-shark-fins-around-the-globe/#13300e8a5e2d Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference: Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots: |
Wed, 21 October 2020
The Indigenous Fisheries conflict in Nova Scotia could have been avoided if the proper planning of the Ocean was completed when marine scientists and conservationists introduced the concept of Marine Spatial Planning. Spatial Planning is similar to urban or rural planning. It sets zones of usage or protection based on the specific needs and wants of the people managing the area (citizens in the form of representation by elected officials). Planning on land has been happening for quite some time and the goal of the planning is to make sure users (developers, industries, residences) know where they can do their functions. Ocean planning would guide users to where they could do their function and how they could do it. The planning would reduce the harm on sensitive Ocean habitats as well as allow for conservation. It would also reduce ocean user conflict by setting out the guidelines of where and when people can conduct their uses. Imagine is an Ocean plan was conducted a number of years ago. It could have set out where and when Non-Indigenous and Indigenous fishers can fish with the appropriate conservation measures in place and the process would have brought the two parties to the table to speak to each other. This conflict could have been avoided. Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference: Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1071_MarinePlanningToReduceOceanUserConflicts.mp3
Category:Marine Planning -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Mon, 19 October 2020
![]() Two stories for this episode, both fisheries-related. The first story is an update about the Nova Scotia Lobster Fishery conflict that has escalated over the past week. The Non-Indigenous Commercial fishermen are trying to stop the Indigenous Mi'kmaq community from exercising their right to legally fish for lobster. Check out episode 1068 to listen to more about the conflict. Two incidences happened last week that you need to know about. Listen to find out what happened. The second story is a cool example of how researchers have used forensic science to identify the types of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) that are being caught in an artisanal fishery in Costa Rica. The results could prove to protect a hammerhead shark species during a critical time in their life cycle. Link To Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783620302721 Listen to the podcast to find out why. Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference: Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1070_LobsterFisheriesConflictUpdateAndForensicScienceCanSaveSharks.mp3
Category:Fisheries -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Fri, 16 October 2020
We often think of ourselves, the human species, as a separate entity when it comes to the environment, especially when it comes to Ocean Health. But today, my guest is going to make you think is a very different way, like we are part of the system (which we are!). Dr. Claire Simeone is a marine mammal veterinarian and the CEO of Sea Change Health, a non-governmental organization that works to massively shift our understanding of health, for all of those who rely on the sea. Claire Simeone is a conservation leader, working fearlessly to heal the animals and ecosystems of our planet. A veterinarian by training, Claire specializes in working with marine mammals, studying the connections between animal health, ocean health, and our own health. Claire believes that the largest challenges of our lifetime will be solved with a return to listening to what the natural world has to share. Check out Claire's website: https://clairesimeone.com/ Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference: Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1069_ZoognosisWithDrClaireSimeone.mp3
Category:Sea Change Health -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Wed, 14 October 2020
The battle for lobster fishing continues in Nova Scotia, Canada as Indigenous people begin their lobster fisheries year-round as they were given the right to do so 21 years earlier with a Supreme Court Decision called the Marshall Decision. The Decision granted Indigenous people the right to fish all year round for a moderate livelihood in accordance with the 1760-61 Peace and Friendship Treaties between East Coast First Nations and the British Crown. Non-Indigenous Commercial fishers are not thrilled that a Mik'maw nation is taking up their right to fish lobster year-round and have protested in various ways including harassment on the water, taking up lobster traps, and violence. The protesters are saying that fishing year-round will go against all conservation efforts that set specific seasons for the right time to fish. Hakai Magazine wrote a great piece on the conflict asking four experts for their professional opinions on the issue. Their conclusions? Fishing all year round will not violate conservation efforts for the lobster fishery as conservation of this species depends on effort and not seasons. Link to Article: https://www.hakaimagazine.com/news/mikmaw-fishery-dispute-is-not-about-conservation-scientists-say/ Listen to the episode to find out why this matters. Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1068_IsFisheriesConservationThreatenedByCanadianIndigenousFishing.mp3
Category:Fisheries -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Mon, 12 October 2020
Sea Turtle egg poaching is a big threat to the conservation of these endangered species. Poachers will wait until Sea Turtles lay their eggs on the beach until they grab as many as eggs they can to either sell them or consume them. There are continuous efforts to stop poaching in countries such as Costa Rica. In an effort to expose the poaching routes, or determine if they even exist, Helen Pheasy used fake Sea Turtle eggs equipped with a GPS unit to identify where Sea Turtle egg poachers went with the eggs, called InvestEGGators. They planted InvestEGGators into 101 Sea Turtle nests from Green and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Only 5 InvestEGGators came back with data that revealed local Poaching routes. The closest route was within a mile while the furthest route was 85 miles from the nesting site. Conservation organizations do not want to prosecute the poachers; however, they would like to use the data to target education and awareness programs to the towns that end up with the eggs. Poaching Sea Turtle eggs gives even fewer chances of the hatchlings making it to adulthood as only 1 or 2 individuals will survive to adulthood from the hundreds of eggs laid on a nest. Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1067_InvestEGGatorSeaTurtleEggTracker.mp3
Category:Sea Turtles -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Fri, 9 October 2020
Waves can be a detrimental thing for our shores. Wave action through storms along beaches can erode the coastline, especially beaches due to their small sediment particle size, over a short period of time. Coastal habitats such as Coral Reefs, Mangroves, and Seagrass Meadows have been playing an important role for the coastline to ensure it stays secure from erosion. In today's episode, I discuss why Seagrass Meadow habitats are so important to reducing Climate Change, securing to the coastline, and protecting biodiversity as they face destruction from human disturbance, invasive species, and water quality. Link To Article: https://www.nioz.nl/en/news/caribbean-islands-face-loss-of-protection-and-biodiversity-as-seagrass-loses-terrain Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1066_SeagrassMeadowsInCaribbeanNeedYourProtection.mp3
Category:Seagrass -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Wed, 7 October 2020
![]() As a young kid, I dreamt of working on the Ocean with sharks, or dolphins, or even Sea Turtles. I wanted to work with ocean animals so badly that I would dream about it most nights and daydream in Biology Class (maybe a little too much at times. Regardless, working for an NGO such as OCEARCH would have fulfilled a dream of mine to work in the field most days breathing in the Ocean air while working with animals. I never knew what I was going to do with those animals mind you. All I knew is that I wanted to work on any Ocean. OCEARCH is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that works to help researchers understand where large fish, reptiles, and marine mammals go in the Ocean. They have a great website (https://www.ocearch.org/tracker/?details=361) where you can see all of the animals that are currently tagged and where they go. The organization collaborates with researchers and conservationists by collecting the data that can turn into policy to better manage these populations over the next year(s). Nukumi, was the latest shark tagged and is over 3,500 lbs. Thanks to the work by OCEARCH, we will be able to find out if Nukumi will stay in Nova Scotian waters or venture out to the deeper waters of the Atlantic. Take a listen to hear my thoughts on the organization, their work, marine conservation, the Census of Marine Life, and why tagging is so important. Link To Article: https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/05/americas/nukumi-great-white-shark-scli-intl-scn/index.html Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1065_3000PondGreatWhiteTaggedOffNovaScotia.mp3
Category:Tagging -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Mon, 5 October 2020
Great News! A new Orca calf was spotted taking its first breaths off the coast of Victoria, B.C. The calf was spotted being propped up by it's other, J41. The naturalists who spotted the calf observed that it was rambunctious at the surface. This is the second Orca calf spotted in September of 2020. It is too early to tell the health or the sex of this calf. The first was spotted on September 4th and was later identified as a male and healthy. The mother of that calf was J35. J35 was the Orca from 2018 that carried her dead calf at the surface for 17 days in a row with the help from her pod. The last healthy calf was spotted in May 2019. The Southern Resident Orca Population is listed as Endangered as their numbers are just above 70. The population has been affected by capture for marine theme parks, such as Sea World, lack of food as their one food source, salmon, which are also listed as endangered is not readily available. Listen to the episode for full details. Link To Article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/jpod-baby-confirmed-1.5738892 Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1064_AnotherOrcaCalfBornInThePacificOcean.mp3
Category:Southern Resident Orca Population -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Fri, 2 October 2020
![]() The Pandemic in 2020 has caused an "Anthropause," a halting of major human activities that may affect wildlife either directly or indirectly. Researchers want to know how the Anthropause will affect wildlife and if it will benefit the Ocean. Check out some of the projects by listening to the episode. Shout out goes to @harpseal111 (aka Kendra) who did a great summary of our previous episode with Dr. Nathan Robinson. Give her a follow for more of her great content: https://www.instagram.com/harpseal111/ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSucJUwK/ To discuss more Ocean topics, join the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Madame Curiosity ConCiencia Azul: Dugongs & Seadragons: Environmental Studies & Sciences Marine Mammal Science: Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Ocean Science Radio The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Direct download: SUFB_S1063_DidThePandamemicHelpTheOceanResearchUnderway.mp3
Category:Anthropause -- posted at: 12:00am EST |