Coffee and the environment are deeply intertwined, yet few consumers realize just how damaging the coffee industry can be. In this episode, Etelle Higonnet, a Yale-trained human rights lawyer and founder of Coffee Watch, joins Andrew to explore the environmental and human rights crises associated with global coffee production. From deforestation and toxic chemical use to plastic waste and ocean pollution, Etelle reveals the harsh truths behind one of the world’s most beloved beverages.

Coffee certification myths are also exposed. Etelle shares how popular labels often fail to guarantee living wages or sustainable farming practices. Together, they explore powerful, practical ways coffee drinkers can become changemakers—from choosing better beans to advocating for stronger policies. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants their habits to align with ocean conservation and climate justice.

Website: https://coffeewatch.org/

Take Action: https://coffeewatch.org/stories-of-hope/

Plastic foam pollution continues to be a widespread and dangerous threat to ocean health. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Oceana’s Christy Leavitt breaks down their 2025 report exposing the true environmental cost of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) used in foodware across the US. With shocking statistics and real-life examples, Christy explains how foam harms marine ecosystems, why it’s rarely recycled, and how local and national bans are gaining momentum.

Plastic pollution solutions begin with better policies, informed choices, and collective action. Christy walks us through Oceana’s campaign victories, the data behind foam bans, and how individuals can help push corporations and governments to make the switch to reusable and compostable alternatives. Whether you’re a policymaker, a concerned citizen, or someone just learning about this issue, this episode will give you clear actions to take and hope for change.

Link to report: https://usa.oceana.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/2025-Foam-Report-FINAL.pdf

Link to Oceana: https://usa.oceana.org/

Shark Week 2025 opened with a spectacle that left many conservationists and shark advocates frustrated. The premiere episode, Dancing With Sharks, featured handlers hugging, hand-feeding, and even riding sharks—behaviors that distort shark biology and promote a dangerous misunderstanding of these wild animals. In this episode, we examine how the use of tonic immobility and forced interactions undermines shark conservation and sends the wrong message to the public.

Shark conservation deserves better than spectacle. Instead of relying on shock-value stunts, media like Shark Week should highlight real science, elevate expert voices, and promote respectful interactions with apex predators. We explore how better storytelling can change public perception and help build a future where sharks are protected, not exploited.

How to Protect Sharks isn’t just about banning shark finning or posting awareness videos. It’s about understanding what really works—supporting science-based policies, enforcing marine protected areas, backing local researchers, and stopping the spread of misinformation. In this episode, we clear up the confusion around shark conservation and focus on the actions that actually make a difference.

Shark conservation efforts must move beyond clickbait and into impact. From choosing ethical shark tourism operators to pushing for sustainable fishing reforms, this episode walks you through the most effective ways to help sharks and their ecosystems survive. Whether you’re a diver, educator, or ocean advocate, you’ll learn how to avoid the noise and support shark conservation that’s grounded in science and ethics.

How Marine Conservation Works is the foundation for protecting our oceans, but it’s often misunderstood. In this episode, we break down how marine conservation really happens—from grassroots community efforts and local fisheries management to scientific input and national policies. You’ll learn why effective conservation requires more than just good intentions—it takes collaboration, long-term planning, and strong social and political support.

Texas Flood 2025 revealed just how urgently we need smarter tools in disaster response. In this episode, Dave Jones, founder of StormCenter Communications, explains how his team used satellite imagery and real-time mapping to support emergency responders during the catastrophic floods. Their data helped identify stranded residents, blocked roads, and the areas most in need—turning science into life-saving action.

Satellite technology for disaster response is revolutionizing real-time crisis management. Dave shares how open-access Earth observation data, localized GIS tools, and close coordination with emergency services are building more resilient communities as climate change amplifies flood risks.

Conservation is about collaboration, and collaboration is what we are discussing today.

Ocean collaboration is at the heart of many conservation success stories, but what happens when it breaks down? In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin talks with Bart Oor, the founder of Balean, a platform created to support independent ocean conservationists by giving them the funding, structure, and digital tools to succeed. They dive into the barriers many changemakers face when working outside of traditional institutional channels and how a lack of communication and community support often holds back ocean progress.

Balean’s mission is to foster a decentralized, human-centered support network for ocean missions. Bart shares how his background in engineering led him to build Balean as a solution to the gaps he witnessed in ocean collaboration. This episode also reflects on Andrew and Bart’s own partnership and how aligned values and open communication can shape stronger ocean solutions. Whether you’re an early-career marine conservationist or a funder looking to empower grassroots initiatives, this conversation is a powerful call to action.

Website: https://www.balean.org/

Orca Allokelping is the newly documented behavior where southern resident killer whales use bull kelp as a tool to rub against each other—possibly to remove dead skin and soothe irritation. Captured via drone, this social spa-like behavior, known as allokelping, reveals a rare example of cooperative tool use in the wild. Scientists believe it serves both physical and social functions, strengthening bonds within pods and supporting skin health.

Kelp grooming is more than just orca hygiene. It highlights the intelligence and cultural complexity of these endangered whales. The discovery comes with a reminder: kelp forests and Chinook salmon are essential for these behaviors to continue. As habitat and food sources decline, so too may the traditions that define this population. This episode breaks down the science behind the behavior and why it matters for conservation.

All The Sharks Netflix finally delivers what ocean lovers and science communicators have been asking for: a show that gets shark science right. In this episode, Andrew breaks down how the new game show sets itself apart from misleading content like SeaSpiracy and Shark Whisperer, and instead showcases real marine scientists, environmental journalists, and shark conservationists doing meaningful, ethical work.

Sharks have long suffered from misrepresentation in popular media, but All The Sharks flips the script. With entertaining competition, engaging underwater footage, and actual experts driving the narrative, the show combines education with action in a way that makes conservation both fun and credible. This is the kind of storytelling that builds trust and gets audiences inspired to protect the ocean.

Ocean careers are often imagined as adventurous and exciting, but what does it actually mean to work in the ocean every day, especially in the deep sea? In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, Andrew speaks with Megan Paulson from Ocean Networks Canada, Josh Tedarenko from Campac Marine Services, and Dirk, who all work in partnership on deep-sea observatory operations and ROV missions. They share their unique experiences, challenges, and the incredible coordination required to operate in high-pressure ocean environments.

Deep-sea technology plays a crucial role in their work—from deploying and maintaining underwater observatories to remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) capable of diving to 6,000 meters. You’ll learn about the science, logistics, and passion behind careers that support ocean research and monitoring. Whether you’re curious about marine tech, deep-sea exploration, or launching your own ocean science career, this episode will give you an insider’s view of life under the surface.

Website: https://www.oceannetworks.ca/

Ocean Ramsay's new documentary, called Shark Whisperer, is out on Netflix, and this is my review. This episode investigates Ocean Ramsey’s viral shark interactions, including her approach of touching and redirecting sharks in open water. We explore how these encounters influence shark behavior and why marine scientists warn about potential stress, habituation, and public safety concerns when sharks associate humans with food or physical contact.

Shark Conservation: We break down Ramsey’s role in raising awareness for shark conservation and her contributions to Hawaii’s 2021 shark fishing ban. While supporters credit her high-profile advocacy with inspiring public action, critics question whether her methods overshadow the Kanaka-led cultural and scientific leadership behind the legislation.

Shark Touching: We examine the controversy surrounding Ramsey’s touching of sharks, allegations of chumming or handfeeding, and inconsistencies around her educational credentials. We also highlight how her large online following can inspire positive ocean awareness but sometimes leads to online attacks against scientists working on shark conservation through rigorous research.

Ocean Conservation Disconnect defines the state of ocean conservation today, where public enthusiasm rarely translates into real impact. The viral plastic straw campaign proved that a simple symbol could spark global conversations, yet it shifted focus away from the systemic changes needed to reduce ocean plastic. Swapping plastic for metal straws may feel empowering, but it does not challenge the corporations and industries fueling the crisis.

Ocean Ramsey represents a modern paradox: charismatic advocates who bring sharks to mainstream attention, but sometimes offer shallow solutions. As her upcoming Netflix documentary looms, we must question how much these stories drive meaningful conservation or simply entertain. Coupled with the lack of access to primary science locked behind paywalls, the public is left inspired but uninformed, unable to engage beyond surface-level actions. This episode explores why these barriers persist and how we can bridge the gap between ocean science and society.

Tuna sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a complex challenge tackled head-on by the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). In this episode, Susan Jackson, ISSF President, joins host Andrew Lewin to unpack their groundbreaking 2024 Annual Report. From developing biodegradable jelly-FADs to advancing electronic monitoring standards, Susan explains how ISSF works with fishers, corporations, and NGOs to make global tuna fishing more sustainable and transparent.

Electronic monitoring takes center stage as Susan discusses how vessel-level cameras and sensors are reshaping compliance in tuna fisheries. She also highlights the Proactive Vessel Register (PVR), which now includes over 1,700 vessels committed to ISSF conservation measures. We dive deep into how financial investments, stakeholder workshops, and scientific research are creating real-world change in the oceans—plus ISSF’s ambitious goals for 2025.

Website: https://www.iss-foundation.org/