French Polynesia marine protected area is now the largest in the world, covering nearly 4.8 million square kilometers of ocean. This groundbreaking conservation effort was announced during the United Nations Ocean Conference and includes large no-take zones near the Society and Gambier Islands, along with expansive areas that restrict harmful activities like deep-sea mining and bottom trawling. The MPA recognizes traditional fishing rights while also preserving critical marine habitats.

Marine conservation leadership by French Polynesia demonstrates how small island states can make bold commitments to global biodiversity. Backed by IUCN standards and set to expand by another 500,000 km² by 2026, this initiative offers hope in a world where only 8.3% of the ocean is currently protected. In this episode, we explore what this means for ocean life, local communities, and global marine policy—and why the real work begins now with enforcement and support.

Link to article: https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/french-polynesia-creates-worlds-largest-marine-protected-area/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The problem with seaweed aquaculture is that it’s not always as ocean-friendly as it seems. While seaweed farming is often praised as a climate solution—able to sequester carbon, improve water quality, and support sustainable food systems—scientists are now warning that its rapid, unregulated expansion could be damaging vital marine ecosystems. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we dive into how seaweed farms are being placed over seagrass meadows, disrupting fish nurseries, smothering biodiversity, and altering water chemistry in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

You’ll hear about the overlooked risks, from nutrient depletion and fertilizer runoff to coral reef shading and invasive species. We also explore solutions: better regulations, smarter zoning, and the importance of protecting seagrass habitats that store carbon and support marine life. Seaweed aquaculture can be part of the solution, but only if we act with caution and science in mind.

Link to article: https://theconversation.com/expanding-seaweed-farms-pose-a-risk-to-vital-marine-life-248329

UNOC 2025 brought major headlines in ocean conservation—from billions pledged to protect biodiversity, to significant movement on the High Seas Treaty. In this episode, Andrew Lewin returns from the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, with a firsthand account of what was announced, what was promised, and what might actually happen.

Ocean finance was a hot topic this year. Governments, development banks, and private investors pledged record-breaking funding to tackle everything from plastic pollution to marine ecosystem restoration. But Andrew dives into why these billions still fall short—and which key ocean players stepped up (and who didn’t).

High Seas Treaty ratification took center stage, with 18 new countries signing on and momentum building fast. The episode also breaks down 30x30 targets, new marine protected areas—including a massive one in French Polynesia—and growing global support for a deep-sea mining moratorium. Andrew adds his personal observations and concerns about whether this enthusiasm will translate into real protection for the ocean.

Why Cayman Islanders Voted against a massive cruise ship pier is a rare and powerful story of reef protection over profit. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin unpacks the bold decision by Cayman citizens to reject a development project that would have severely damaged their coral reef ecosystem. The vote sent a clear message: the long-term health of the ocean matters more than short-term tourism dollars.

Why Cayman Islanders Voted is also a reminder that grassroots action can be effective. Andrew explores how this vote happened, what it means for ocean conservation around the world, and how you can channel this momentum into protecting your local waters. He also introduces The Undertow, a growing community of ocean advocates working to inspire and support action like this on a global scale.

Climate policy in the U.S. has taken a wild ride in recent years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I speak with Chris Moyer, founder of Echo Communication Advisors, about the turbulent shifts in federal policy—especially during the Trump and Biden administrations, and how these shifts have disrupted progress in renewable energy. We examine the implications of these changes for energy development, environmental protection, and the impact of public messaging on political will to act.

Renewable energy isn’t just a technological challenge—it’s also a communication challenge. Chris breaks down how effective storytelling and smart policy design can turn the tide, even in politically divided landscapes. We also look at what the future might hold for climate action in the U.S. and what it all means for protecting the ocean and accelerating a transition away from fossil fuels.

Chris Moyer Website: https://echocomms.com/

Oceans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a moment to reflect on the state of our blue planet and our role in protecting it. In this heartfelt episode, Andrew Lewin shares a personal message for Oceans Day 2025 (and any day after), speaking directly to those who feel overwhelmed by climate anxiety and unsure of their place in ocean conservation. His reminder is clear: the problems may be big, but so is our potential to create change.

Ocean conservation isn’t only for scientists or policymakers—it’s for everyone. Andrew emphasizes that small, intentional actions taken by everyday people can lead to significant and lasting shifts. From reducing waste to speaking up, connecting with others, and choosing hope, this episode is your invitation to be part of something bigger—starting now.

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) began as a bold idea—to create a real-time, always-on listening system for the ocean. In this episode, Surfacing Secrets: Mavericks and Visionaries, we go behind the scenes with the people who made that idea real. From laying cables deep in the Pacific to building trust with research institutions and government partners, this is the untold story of how a world-leading ocean observatory came to life.

Our guests—Kate Moran (President and CEO of Ocean Networks Canada), John Delaney (Professor Emeritus, School of Oceanography, University of Washington), and Benoit Pirenne (Corporate Innovation and Technology Officer at ONC)—share what it took to turn an ambitious vision into the ocean science infrastructure Canada relies on today. From early technical hurdles to moments of breakthrough, they reflect on the innovations, partnerships, and persistence that helped ONC become a global leader in ocean monitoring.

If you care about ocean conservation, marine technology, or how visionary ideas turn into impact, this is a story you’ll want to hear.

The episode marks the beginning of a monthly series where I collaborate with Ocean Networks Canada and Balad'Eau podcast, where we explore the great work of ONC.

Ocean Netorks Canada: https://www.oceannetworks.ca/

Ocean conservation is more than protecting ecosystems—it’s about empowering people to lead change. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew, Serena, and Amanda explore the WaveMaker identity, what it means to be part of a movement, and how The Undertow is creating a community where action and support go hand-in-hand.

WaveMakers aren’t just scientists or campaigners—they’re everyday people standing up for the ocean. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of The Undertow and the people who are already making waves in ocean conservation worldwide.

Join The Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow

Ocean conservation is evolving—and The Undertow is leading the way by merging storytelling, technology, and community. In this episode, host Andrew Lewin is joined by Amanda Horn and Serena Nguyen to unveil The Undertow, a new platform designed to supercharge ocean action by connecting people from all backgrounds to meaningful environmental impact.

Innovation lies at the heart of The Undertow’s mission: to create 10 million new ocean connections and unlock $5 million in tangible ocean action by World Ocean Day 2030. Whether you’re a marine biologist, marketer, artist, or someone curious about climate solutions, this episode shows how your unique strengths can help reshape the future of the ocean. Dive into how The Undertow is building the tools, community, and vision to turn ocean optimism into real-world change.

Join the Undertow: www.speakupforblue.com/theundertow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointheundertow

Prevent overfishing by making the invisible visible. In this episode, Courtney Farthing from Global Fishing Watch explains how vessel tracking and open data systems are key to protecting marine life and holding industrial fisheries accountable. With over 75% of industrial fishing vessels missing from public monitoring systems, it’s time to shine a light on what’s happening at sea.

Global Fishing Watch is leading the charge to prevent overfishing through transparency—making vessel locations, identities, and activities publicly accessible. Courtney shares how this data empowers governments, researchers, and communities to respond quickly to illegal and unsustainable fishing, and why a global vessel tracking agreement is urgently needed. If you care about sustainable seafood, marine biodiversity, or the health of the ocean, this episode will show you how technology can help prevent overfishing before it’s too late.

Global Fishing Watch
Website: https://globalfishingwatch.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalfishingwatch/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFMjCB4uesIrCmO2G5II5zw
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/globalfishingwatch.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-fishing-watch/