Deep sea mining and domesticated cats do not seem like they belong in the same story… but they are.

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean Podcast, Andrew Lewin sits down with deep-sea ecologist Dr. Andrew Thaler to explore one of the most unexpected stories in ocean science. What starts with mining minerals from the deep ocean quickly turns into a journey through ancient trade routes, maritime history, and the surprising role the ocean may have played in how cats became one of humanity’s closest animal companions.

Dr. Thaler shares a fascinating narrative that connects deep-sea resources, seafaring civilizations, and the spread of cats across the world. It is a reminder that the ocean has influenced human history in ways we rarely think about, and that even modern debates like deep-sea mining are connected to much bigger stories about exploration, trade, and human society.

If you enjoy ocean science, unusual scientific connections, and great storytelling, this episode will give you a completely new way to think about both the deep ocean and the animals that now live in our homes.

Listen now to discover how an ocean story thousands of years in the making might explain why cats and humans share such a unique relationship.

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin explores the potential risks of deep-sea mining and why it may not be a good idea. He discusses a recent study that highlights the importance of protecting deep-sea biodiversity for potential medicinal benefits. Andrew emphasizes the need for further investigation before engaging in deep-sea mining, as valuable discoveries could be overlooked. Listeners are encouraged to take action and protect the deep sea.

Link to Article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/16/ocean-fungi-from-twilight-zone-could-be-source-of-next-penicillin-like-drug?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_cu78u4kvyz

The episode also emphasizes the importance of protecting the deep sea and its biodiversity for potential medical advancements in the future. The host mentions that deep sea exploration for mining and the lack of proper marine protected areas pose threats to biodiversity and the discovery of species with medicinal properties.

The host underscores the need for further exploration from a biodiversity and environmental perspective to uncover the potential benefits of the deep sea. They mention the possibility of finding species that could provide significant medical assistance. However, the host also raises concerns about the consequences of cultivating and collecting these species, emphasizing the need to determine how to protect and process these discoveries in the future.

Furthermore, the episode discusses the role of technology, such as AI and supercomputing, in advancing our understanding of the deep sea and its potential medical properties. The host emphasizes that protecting the deep sea is crucial for preserving biodiversity, which in turn increases our access to different species that could contribute to medical advancements. The host mentions the potential of these discoveries to aid in the treatment of diseases like cancer and malaria.

Overall, the episode highlights the importance of protecting the deep sea and its biodiversity to unlock the potential of medical advancements in the future. It emphasizes the need for further exploration, the implementation of marine protected areas, and addressing the ethical considerations surrounding the cultivation and collection of species with medicinal potential.

In today's episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin provides an update on deep sea mining. With the increasing talk about this controversial practice, Andrew addresses the confusion surrounding its current and future status, as well as the countries that support or oppose it. He also shares a link to a critical interview on the history of deep-sea mining. Tune in to stay informed and learn how to speak up for the ocean.

Mongabay News Article: https://news.mongabay.com/2023/08/the-deep-sea-is-vital-to-protect-the-ocean-qa-with-frances-herve-berville/

Dr. Andrew Thaler's episode on Deep-Sea Mining: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/speak-up-for-the-ocean-blue/show-55/

Deep-sea mining is being evaluated and negotiated for the High Seas. It's predicted that is will commence near the end of the decade, but there are many concerns that we don't know enough about the Deep-Sea before we start to extract minerals from it. 

A new study that mapped Deep-Sea Corals around the world using existing data is trying to share the amount of habitat that is known on the deep-sea bottom so we can make sure that we protect it from destructive practices such as mining.

Links:

Press Release: https://www.conservation.org/press-releases/2020/09/14/mapping-coral-reefs-on-the-high-seas-a-lifeline-for-ocean-biodiversity

Study: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.567428/full

Do you think Deep-Sea Mining will destroy the seabed? Share your thoughts in 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
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk

Madame Curiosity
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xUlSax
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2V38QQ1

ConCiencia Azul:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf

Dugongs & Seadragons:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt

Environmental Studies & Sciences
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh

Marine Mammal Science:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

Projects For Wildlife Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Oc17gy
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/37rinWz

Ocean Science Radio
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3chJMfA
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3bnkP18

The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/31P4UY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3f7hDJw