Where do whales live? Where do they go? These are just some of the questions the US federal government would like to answer by introducing a bill (H.R. 10292) called the Whale CHARTS Act.

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lauren discusses the recently introduced Whale Conservation Habitat Analysis Research and Technical Strategies Act, also known as the Whale Charts Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to enhance the protection of baleen and sperm whales by improving our understanding of their feeding areas, calving grounds, and migration routes.

Key points covered in the episode include:

• Objectives of the Whale Charts Act: The bill seeks to create high-resolution distribution maps of whale populations, develop predictive models to forecast shifts in whale habitats due to climate change, and conduct targeted research on understudied baleen whale species.

• Importance of Mapping: Enhanced mapping and predictive modeling are crucial for preventing dangerous collisions between vessels and whales. The North Atlantic right whale, for example, is often struck by ships, and understanding their migration routes is essential for their conservation.

• Use of Technology: The act encourages the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to utilize innovative data sources, such as passive acoustic monitoring and satellite imagery, to improve the accuracy of habitat maps. This technology integration aims to safeguard marine wildlife while ensuring safer navigation for boaters.

• Bipartisan Support: The episode emphasizes that the Whale Charts Act has bipartisan support, making it a viable piece of legislation that could pass. Listeners are encouraged to contact their federal representatives to express support for the bill.

Overall, the episode highlights the significance of mapping and tracking whale populations not only for their protection but also for the safety of human activities in marine environments. By leveraging advanced technology and data, the Whale Charts Act represents a proactive step towards harmonizing maritime operations with the natural behaviors of whales.

Link to article: https://ecomagazine.com/news/policy/new-bill-introduced-to-improve-predictive-mapping-technology-for-whale-and-boater-safety/

US Congresspeople associated with the bill:

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Florida): https://buchanan.house.gov/constituent-validation 
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-California): https://matsuiforms.house.gov/contact/
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis(R-New York): https://malliotakis.house.gov/contact
Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California): https://huffman.house.gov/contact/

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Luan discusses the significant decline in the population of common murres, a seabird species in Alaska, which has seen about half of its population die off—approximately 4 million individuals—since the marine heat wave known as "the blob" occurred from 2014 to 2016.

The primary reason for this drastic decline is linked to the effects of the heat wave on the marine food web rather than direct thermal stress on the birds themselves. The heat wave caused shifts in the availability of food sources, leading to starvation among the murres. The study highlighted that the murres rely heavily on oceanic food supplies, and disruptions in these supplies can have devastating impacts on their populations.

Research conducted by the University of Washington and the U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service revealed that the murre population in the Gulf of Alaska dropped by half, while in the eastern Bering Sea, the decline was even steeper at 75%. The study emphasized that without a recovery in the prey populations, the murres are unlikely to rebound, indicating a potential tipping point in the ecosystem that could prevent recovery for this species and others reliant on the same food sources.

Overall, the episode underscores the importance of understanding and funding research on marine ecosystems to address the long-term impacts of climate change and marine heat waves on wildlife populations.

Link to article: https://www.livescience.com/animals/birds/worst-die-off-of-a-single-species-in-the-modern-era-discovered-and-the-blob-was-to-blame

Mind your plastic pollution is a conversation that we all need to have because we all partake in using single-use plastic as the system is set up that way. 

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin engages in a conversation with Natasha Tucker, the Executive Director of Mind Your Plastic, a Canadian charity focused on eliminating plastic pollution. The discussion centers around the pervasive issue of plastic in our environment, emphasizing the need for behavioral change among individuals and businesses to reduce our dependence on plastics.

Key points from the episode include:

1. Understanding Plastic Pollution: The episode highlights how plastic is ubiquitous in our lives, affecting not only our oceans but also our health and the environment. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing the impact of plastic pollution on both a local and global scale.

2. Behavioral Change: Natasha emphasizes that changing consumer habits is crucial. Many people are resistant to altering their behaviors, often clinging to convenience over sustainability. The episode discusses how small actions, such as opting for reusable items instead of single-use plastics, can lead to significant changes over time.

3. Education and Awareness: The importance of education in fostering awareness about plastic pollution is a recurring theme. Natasha shares her journey of engaging with the public through beach cleanups and educational programs, which not only help clean the environment but also inspire others to reconsider their consumption habits.

4. Targeted Messaging: The episode discusses the need for tailored messaging to connect with different audiences. For instance, when speaking to businesses, focusing on the financial benefits of reducing plastic use can be more effective than solely discussing environmental impacts. This approach helps to align sustainability with economic incentives.

5. Community Engagement: Natasha shares experiences from community cleanups, illustrating how direct involvement can lead to a greater understanding of the issue. Engaging with the community fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages individuals to take action against plastic pollution.

6. Policy and Advocacy: The conversation touches on the role of policy in addressing plastic pollution. Natasha explains how Mind Your Plastic advocates for stronger regulations and works with businesses to find sustainable alternatives to plastic.

In conclusion, the episode emphasizes that reducing our dependence on plastic pollution requires a collective effort involving education, community engagement, and a willingness to change behaviors. By making conscious choices and advocating for better policies, individuals can contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.

Mind Your Plastic Website: https://mindyourplastic.ca/

Plastic pollution clean up through absorption is now a possibility by using a combination of cotton and chittin to take microplastics out of the ocean...but can this work at scale?

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lo discusses the pressing issue of microplastics in the ocean and introduces a promising new method for their absorption using a combination of cotton and chitin.

The mechanism involves creating a sponge-like substance called CT cell biomass, which combines cellulose from cotton and chitin from squid. This innovative material is designed to effectively capture microplastics from water. The process begins by breaking the original hydrogen bonds in cellulose and chitin, allowing them to bind together and form a stable framework with numerous activated hydrogen bonding sites. This structure enhances the material's ability to absorb microplastics through various interactions, including physical interception and electrostatic attraction.

Research indicates that this foam can remove 98 to 99.9% of microplastics from water samples, showcasing its potential as an eco-friendly solution for addressing microplastic pollution. The episode emphasizes the importance of developing sustainable strategies for microplastic remediation in aquatic environments, while also highlighting the need for broader efforts to reduce plastic usage at the source.

Link to article: https://www.iflscience.com/new-sponge-like-biomass-foam-found-to-soak-up-999-percent-of-microplastics-77223

Orcas playing with their food is not a new behavior; however, wearing salmon on their heads is not usual. 

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses a fascinating phenomenon involving orcas wearing salmon as hats. A recent photograph captured an orca in Puget Sound sporting a salmon on its head, reminiscent of similar behaviors observed in the 1980s when orcas from the southern resident population also donned salmon hats.

Lewin explores the potential reasons behind this behavior, suggesting it could be a playful act, a celebration of a successful hunt, or simply a sign of the orca's contentment due to an abundance of food, particularly during the chum salmon run. He emphasizes that orcas, known for their intelligence and emotional depth, exhibit unique personalities and behaviors, which can vary widely among individuals.

The episode highlights the importance of studying these behaviors to better understand orcas and marine mammals in general. Lewin encourages listeners to foster curiosity about ocean life and to engage with ongoing research efforts aimed at uncovering the mysteries of these remarkable animals. He invites listeners to share their questions about the ocean, promoting a dialogue about marine conservation and the intriguing behaviors of orcas.

Link to article: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/no-orcas-probably-arent-reviving-the-dead-salmon-hat-trend-despite-a-viral-photo-experts-say-heres-why-180985559/

Seashells on the seashore are being taken in large quantities and it's increasing erosion along beaches. A new study reveals the tourism industry is taking too many seashells along coastlines in Costa Rica. 

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the environmental impact of taking seashells from coastal areas, particularly in Costa Rica. He highlights a growing crisis where the removal of seashells, driven by tourism, destabilizes beaches, accelerates erosion, and harms marine ecosystems. Seashells are essential for various marine species, including hermit crabs, and play a crucial role in maintaining coral reefs and nutrient cycles.

Lewin shares a personal anecdote about a conversation with a friend who chooses not to engage in activities that could negatively impact local environments while traveling. This perspective emphasizes the importance of considering the local ecosystem and communities when visiting new places.

The episode reveals that in 2023 alone, authorities seized over five tons of seashells, complicating conservation efforts due to difficulties in tracing their origins. Innovative solutions, such as using AI technology to classify and return confiscated shells to their natural environments, are being developed to address this issue.

The podcast urges tourists to leave wildlife and natural resources, like seashells, untouched, promoting sustainable tourism practices. Lewin encourages listeners to appreciate the beauty of these natural elements without taking them home, reinforcing the idea that every species plays a vital role in ecological balance for future generations.

Link to article: https://ticotimes.net/2024/12/05/seashell-crisis-in-costa-rica-puts-coasts-at-the-risk-of-erosion

Abandoned fish farms in Greece are plaguing the coastline with marine debris; however, Healthy Seas is working to clean up some of the sites and raise awareness for support to tell the Greek government that fish farm owners should be responsible for cleaning up their sites once the business is done operating. 

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of ghost farms—abandoned fish farms that are polluting oceans, particularly in Greece. The episode highlights the work of the organization Healthy Seas, which is actively involved in cleaning up these ghost farms.

Key Points:

• Definition of Ghost Farms: Ghost farms are abandoned fish farms that were once operational but have been left to deteriorate, leading to significant environmental pollution. Unlike ghost nets, which can be found randomly in the ocean, ghost farms are known sites with identifiable owners.

• Extent of the Problem: There are over 150 ghost farm sites identified in Greece, with one cleanup in 2024 removing over 40 tons of marine debris, including plastics and fishing nets. The cleanup costs range from 100,000 to 200,000 euros, depending on the site's location and accessibility.

• Healthy Seas' Approach: Healthy Seas, led by Veronica Mikos, began addressing this issue after encountering a local environmentalist while on a project in Greece. They have since cleaned up two ghost farms and are advocating for better policies and enforcement to prevent future abandonment.

• Challenges in Cleanup: The cleanups are labor-intensive and require specialized equipment. Many of the materials, such as polystyrene, degrade and pose risks to marine life, as fish may mistake them for food.

• Policy and Enforcement Issues: Although laws exist regarding environmental protection and aquaculture, enforcement is lacking. Veronica suggests that fish farming companies should be required to deposit funds to cover cleanup costs, ensuring accountability.

• Community Involvement and Awareness: Healthy Seas emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about ghost farms and involving local communities in discussions about aquaculture practices. They aim to educate future aquaculture professionals about the environmental responsibilities associated with fish farming.

The episode concludes with a call to action for better policies and community engagement to ensure that abandoned fish farms are cleaned up and that the aquaculture industry operates sustainably.

Healthy Seas Podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/speak-up-for-the-ocean-blue/show-199/

YouTube Video from Healthy Seas: https://youtu.be/yu56xH8MQxg?si=--VsZQIK7fk3yhlO

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the fascinating behavior of orcas, particularly their recent predation on whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean.

Orcas, known as apex predators, have been observed hunting whale sharks in the Gulf of California. This behavior was documented in a new study published in the journal Frontiers of Marine Science, which includes video footage and images of the attacks. The orcas target the whale sharks by striking their underbelly and grabbing their pectoral fins, aiming for the nutrient-rich liver, similar to their hunting strategies for great white sharks.

The study tracked four predation events over six years, highlighting a male orca named Moctezuma, who participated in three of these events alongside females from the same pod. This suggests that the orcas are learning and refining their hunting techniques over time.

Lewin emphasizes the importance of understanding this new predation behavior, as it indicates that whale sharks have a formidable predator. He also stresses the need for conservation efforts to protect whale sharks, which face threats from climate change, pollution, and fishing activities. The episode concludes with a call for further research and discussion on the implications of orcas hunting whale sharks and the overall health of marine ecosystems.

Link to article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1448254/full#supplementary-material