Ocean conversations matter more than we think. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explores how the simple act of bringing up marine topics in everyday conversations—with friends, at restaurants, during social gatherings—can lead to a ripple effect of awareness, engagement, and ultimately, protection. The ocean affects all of us, yet it’s rarely discussed in casual settings. So why not change that?

Marine protection starts with awareness, and awareness begins with talk. This episode dives into why we need to normalize ocean discussions just like we do politics, weather, or sports. You’ll learn how these small shifts in dialogue can lead to bigger cultural changes—supporting conservation, encouraging ocean literacy, and fostering a community that genuinely cares for our blue planet. Whether you’re a surfer, a scientist, or someone who just enjoys a beach vacation, you have a voice. Let’s use it to protect what we love.

D and D can help with environmental education by creating immersive, story-driven learning experiences that engage students on a deeper level. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Thaler, who’s using Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) to teach environmental concepts in a way that feels more like play than a lesson. Through world-building, role-playing, and strategic storytelling, students aren’t just learning—they’re adventuring through ecosystems, facing climate-related challenges, and discovering how natural systems work in real time.

Environmental education is often limited to textbooks and lectures, but D&D turns abstract concepts into living, breathing quests. Whether it’s battling pollution monsters or restoring magical coral reefs, players develop a better understanding of ecological relationships and environmental issues while having fun. If you’re a teacher, game master, or environmental advocate, this episode will show you how fantasy and education can combine to create a lasting impact in and out of the classroom.

Campaign: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/505687/The-Last-Hunt-for-the-Jabberwock

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing threats to our oceans today. In this episode, we explore how microplastics—tiny fragments of plastic waste—make their way into tropical marine ecosystems and cause lasting damage. Whether it’s through broken-down consumer products or fishing gear, plastic pollution infiltrates ocean habitats and harms marine life in ways we’re just beginning to understand.

Coral reefs, often called the rainforests of the sea, are especially vulnerable to plastic pollution. These vital ecosystems support biodiversity, protect coastlines, and sustain livelihoods. Dr. Lisa Rodrigues, a professor at Villanova University, shares her research on how microplastics impact coral health, disrupt growth, and even contribute to disease in reef systems. Plastics can also alter water quality and affect the delicate balance that coral reefs depend on to thrive.

Marine debris isn’t just unsightly—it’s a serious ecological problem. From lionfish to tiny plankton, organisms across the food chain are ingesting plastics or suffering from habitat degradation. Dr. Rodrigues explains how even pristine-looking beaches can hide layers of microplastics beneath the surface. We also discuss how citizen science, beach cleanups, and community involvement play key roles in fighting plastic waste in coastal areas.

Ocean conservation efforts must include tackling plastic pollution at its source. In this episode, we talk about the role of environmental policy, education, and innovation in reducing marine plastic waste. Whether you’re an activist, student, diver, or beach lover, there are actionable ways you can help protect coral reefs and reduce the plastic footprint in our oceans.

Global tuna fisheries are facing mounting pressure from overfishing, bycatch, and unsustainable fishing practices. Gala Moreno from the International Sustainable Seafood Foundation (ISSF) shares her expert insights on the current state of tuna populations and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. She explains how ISSF is collaborating with fishers, policymakers, and scientists to create strategies that protect tuna stocks while supporting the fishing industry. From improving fishing gear to implementing science-based management, Gala provides a clear picture of what it takes to maintain a healthy balance between conservation and commercial interests.

One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation is Gala’s insight into Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). She breaks down how these devices work to attract fish, the environmental risks they pose, and the innovative strategies being developed to minimize their impact — including non-entangling and biodegradable FADs. Gala also discusses the exciting advancements in acoustic technology that are helping fishers identify tuna species more accurately, reducing bycatch and improving fishing efficiency.

This episode offers a powerful look at the intersection of science, policy, and industry in protecting one of the ocean’s most valuable resources. Gala’s expertise highlights the importance of collaboration and data-driven decision-making in shaping the future of sustainable tuna fisheries. Whether you’re passionate about marine conservation or simply curious about where your seafood comes from, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.

International Sustainable Seafood Foundation (ISSF): https://www.iss-foundation.org/

Marine conservation is in trouble — and the biggest problem isn’t just pollution or overfishing. The real issue is that people are becoming disconnected from the ocean, and that lack of concern is threatening marine ecosystems worldwide. In this episode, I’m reporting from Oahu, Hawaii, where I’ve witnessed firsthand the troubling signs of ocean health decline — and why fewer people seem to care.

Ocean protection is critical, but public interest in marine issues is fading. People aren’t engaging with the pressing issues of climate change, coral reef degradation, and marine biodiversity loss the way they used to. If we can’t shift this narrative and rebuild a connection with the ocean, conservation efforts may fail.

Sustainable ocean management and marine advocacy are more important than ever. I’ll share why this disconnect is happening, what it means for the future of our oceans, and how we can take meaningful action to change course. Tune in to discover the truth about marine conservation — and why restoring our connection to the ocean is key to saving it.

🎧 Listen now to learn why reconnecting with the ocean is essential for effective conservation!

False killer whale strandings in Tasmania are rare; however, on February 20, 2025, approximately 157 whales stranded and passed away, with at least 99 being euthanized after multiple attempts to float them back into the ocean failed.

In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I dive into the tragic stranding of 157 false killer whales on Tasmania’s northwest coast in February 2025. Despite the heroic efforts of rescuers, the event ended with the euthanasia of the remaining survivors. We’ll explore the possible causes behind this heartbreaking event, what it reveals about marine ecosystems, and how we can better protect aquatic life in the future.

The Panama Canal expansion allowed bigger ships to move through the canal; however, it also allowed an invasion of saltwater and saltwater fish into a freshwater lake, which threatened freshwater fish species and half of the country's drinking water.

I dive into the unintended consequences of the 2016 Panama Canal expansion. Saltwater species from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are now invading Lake Gatún, displacing native freshwater fish and jeopardizing the water supply for nearly half of Panama’s population.

Find out how this ecological shift is affecting local communities and the potential solutions Panama is considering to address this growing crisis. 

Link to article: https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/panama-canal-expansion-fish-invasion-lake-gatun/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=TheCoolDown/magazine/The+Cool+Down

How is the rise in tourism affecting manta rays in Hawaii? Martina Wing shares her firsthand experience with the challenges of growing tourism and its impact on manta ray populations. Learn how Martina is working to protect these majestic creatures and what needs to change to ensure their survival. This eye-opening conversation reveals the delicate balance between eco-tourism and marine conservation.

Websites:
www.MantaRayAdvocates.com
www.HawaiiOceanWatch.org

In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we dive into the recent layoffs at NOAA and EPA, which have led to over a thousand scientists and environmental professionals losing their jobs. What does this mean for climate research, weather forecasting, and environmental protection? Join us as we unpack the consequences and what can be done to support these critical agencies.

How do you get people interested in learning about the ocean? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we speak with Bahamian artist and educator Javan Hunt, who combines music and education to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. Discover how his nonprofit work is helping kids in the Bahamas connect with their marine environment and why their backyard is key to conservation. Join us for a conversation on culture, biodiversity, and the power of storytelling to protect our oceans.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more ocean conservation insights!

How much do we truly depend on weather forecasting? Whether it’s planning our daily commute, scheduling outdoor events, or making critical decisions for agriculture and disaster preparedness, we rely on meteorologists and weather models more than we realize. But how accurate are these predictions, and what happens when they go wrong?

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of weather forecasting with meteorologist Dave Jones. We explore the technology behind weather predictions, why forecasts sometimes miss the mark, and how climate change is making weather patterns more unpredictable. Discover just how much our daily lives, economies, and even safety depend on getting the weather right!

🔹 Topics Covered:

✔️ Why we depend on weather forecasts more than we think

✔️ The science behind weather models and predictions

✔️ How inaccuracies impact our daily lives and industries

✔️ The role of climate change in forecasting challenges

✔️ The future of weather prediction technology