Oceans Week 2021 has been a very busy week for me as I scheduled 4 Speak Up For Ocean Blue episodes and a number of episodes for my client podcasts (more on that another time). 

I also had the opportunity to take this podcast live on Earthx TV (earthxtc.com). I hosted 4 live episodes bringing on past guests of the podcast to do a video recording to discuss some of their new projects and strategies to help conserve the ocean. 

I finish off the episode with a major theme for the week which is behaviour change and how we need to rethink the way we approach conservation with more positive vibes and achievable goals.  

Check out all of our episodes on www.speakupforblue.com

Tune into Earthx TV Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm ET for Live Shows of Speak Up for the Ocean Blue Podcast: https://earthxtv.com/

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I read a number of articles this week about how corporations are working to get into protecting the environment game, but can they be trusted. 

In this episode, I discuss some of the tactics by some corporations that have given us reasons to distrust them in their intentions. 

Do you think we can trust many of these corporations to do the right thing for the environment? 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

I love hearing from the audience on how the podcast has affected you in different ways and/or what you thought about the podcast/episode.

I decided to talk about a message I received from a listen about how the podcast has affected her life. I love positive stories like this.

I also discussed feedback from another listener on Monday's episode (episode 941), where I used eating lifestyles as an example for the point I was trying to make about Science Communication. The listener made some great points and I gave them my response.

Let me know whether you agree with me or your fellow listener? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Community: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Or you can email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram

Speak Up For Blue Twitter

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

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

Today's episode is focused on an interaction that a friend of mine had on social media recently. Someone said that my friend was not a true scientist if she wasn't collecting data in the field or in a lab. This claim simply isn't true and has no bearing on the issue about which my friend was posting. 

The fact of the matter is that running an effective Marine Conservation project often requires professionals from all different professionals backgrounds to achieve a common goal. It is unfortunate that some people think otherwise (inside and outside of the industry); however, it is even more important for you to know that it takes all kinds of professionals from across the globe to protect our Oceans. 

Did you agree with what the person said about scientists? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram

Speak Up For Blue Twitter

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

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

I had a great conversation with a friend of mine on the weekend, where we discussed politics (I know, I know...it's a taboo topic for most people to discuss politics over drinks, especially between two people who have different views). However, the conversation was really good. There was no arguing. No personal attacks. No one was trying to change their minds. It was just two people, who were discussing their political views and events surrounding those views. 

I often get into conversations, where people have a different view as mine surrounding Marine Conservation. I tell you how I approach the conversation about Marine Conservation during this episode.

Take a listen.

Do you agree with my approach? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speeakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram

Speak Up For Blue Twitter

It's been a while since I've done an episode where I told you the purpose of this podcast and why I recently made the business, Speak Up For Blue Media and Communications Inc., real! 

I also wanted to do this because there are many new users as of late and I wanted to make sure that all of you know what Speak Up For Blue (SUFB) is about and why I made it a business. 

You also find out where I want to take this business in the future. 

If you have any questions about the me, the podcasts or the company, feel free to connect with me via email (andrew(at)speakupforblue.com). 

Join our Patreon Community to help our company create more content and grow the company. 

The International Marine Conservation Congress is known for having great exhibitors that have booths in the main hall of the conference. It gives a chance for each organization to discuss the great things that they are doing and connect with others who are interested in their work. In other words, they get great exposure.

I interview 3 of the exhibitors (From Malaysia, Bangladesh and the UK) today to give you a sense of what they do and show you how great these organizations are. Also, it goes to show how important it is to be an exhibitor.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists

Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. 

I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in.

Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts?

Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

It's Ocean Talk Friday where I record live in the Facebook Fan Page and Group so that people can take part in Speaking Up For Oceans. On today's episode, I talk about the following articles:

1) Sand Cloud, an apparel company, wants to create shirts out of recycled plastic, is that a good thing?; and,

2) We need to increase diversity within the Marine Science and Conservation field to increase the effectiveness of conservation actions.

I was very happy that Abby Roberts was able to give us some great information on textiles and the way shirts breakdown. She also gave us some great information on how consumers respond to different materials for their apparel.

Enjoy The Podcast!!!

Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. 

I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in.

Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts?

Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Recycling, Toxic Sunscreen and Sharks are the topics that I cover today. They are all different, yet they are all related as they have to do with Marine Conservation. Check out what they are all about!

Here are the links for today's episode:
1) 10 kinds of plastic that are a pain in the blue box; and,
2) Shark Clever Buoy Systems

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. 

I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in.

Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts?

Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Dr. Andrew Thaler is an expert in Deep-Sea Ecology and Marine Science/Conservation Communication. He has a PhD in Deep-Sea Ecology and owns and operates Southern Fried Science, one of the most popular Marine Science and Conservation Blogs on the web. He is also my friend and is on the podcast today!!!

I asked Andrew on the podcast because he just came back from the CNMI (Northern Mariana Islands) where is conducted an underwater ROV robotics workshop with some local leaders. The point of the workshop was to train people to train others in the community to ensure the use of underwater ROVs in the future, especially for Marine Conservation. Training to train others is a great way to ensure the continuation of Sustainable Marine Conservation and is a great model for moving forward. 

Check out the interview with Andrew for more. 

Here are some links to find out more about Dr. Andrew Thaler:

Twitter

Southern Fried Science

BlackBeard Biologic (Andrew's Company)

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in.

Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts?

Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

This show has grown immensely over the past month and a half. Ever since I attended the International Marine Conservation Congress and this podcast got accepted on iHeart Radio. the growth has come with many benefits. 

1) The growth of this community - I can only measure downloads to see how the podcast has grown. Since August, the podcast has doubled in daily downloads and sometimes tripled. I am quite excited about this as this is one part of the community growth: reach more people!

2) The interaction with you and the rest of the Speak Up For Blue Community - Over the past 2-3 weeks, I've asked you to schedule a call with me to find out how you can pursue a career in Marine Conservation. And many of you responded. This response has gotten me crazy excited!!! I actually get to chat with anyone who wants to chat with me about the Ocean. It's the true community feel. 

When people start a podcast, they want to get as many people to listen to it as possible. However, the true measure of building a community is the interaction you get from your audience. And this is what I am glad to say is starting to come to fruition. I want to continue to build that community and you can help. 

Email me to chat about the Ocean and the ways that we can reduce our impact on the Ocean andrew@speakupforblue.com.

Are you ready to pivot to a more meaningful career? 

Do you want to talk about how you can pursue a career in Marine Conservation? Send me an email and let's chat.

andrew@speakupforblue.com

Because I want to talk to you!

Instagram: @speakupforblue

Snapchat: @speakupforblue

SUFB Podcast: http://www.speakupforblue.com/podcast

Support our podcast: http://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

SUFB Website: http://www.speakupforblue.com

10 Ocean Tips to Conserve the Ocean: http://www.speakupforblue.com/wordpress/sufb_optinpdf

Nathan and I are back again this week with a FULL episode of Ocean Talk Friday. Last week we only got to cover 2 stories due to a bad Skype connection (podcasting problems), but this week we were able to really bring it this week!

Today's stories include:

1) How do Shark Teeth bite (talking about adaptation);

2) Do Ocean Acidification Laboratory Studies provide the same results as field studies (hint: no);

3) The Billion Oyster Program in New York City;

4) We are only starting to protect the Ocean;

5) Millennials are the future of our oceans? 

As usual, Nathan and I dive into the articles to translate what it means to Marine Science and Conservation. 

Are you ready to pivot to a more meaningful career? 

Do you want to talk about how you can pursue a career in Marine Conservation? Send me an email and let's chat.

andrew@speakupforblue.com

Because I want to talk to you!

Join the Arbonne Blue Team

http://www.speakupforblue.com/teamblue

Instagram: @speakupforblue

Snapchat: @speakupforblue

SUFB Podcast: http://www.speakupforblue.com/podcast

SUFB Website: http://www.speakupforblue.com

10 Ocean Tips to Conserve the Ocean: http://www.speakupforblue.com/wordpress/sufb_optinpdf

Nathan Johnson and I got together again to discuss (while fighting a bad Skype connection) some Ocean articles that we read over the past week. 

We were able to discuss 2 articles in particular:

1) Why the expansion of the Hawaiian National Marine Monument was just the beginning; and,

2) President Obama has a Hawaiian fish named after him.

Here are some articles that we didn't get to during the show that might be interesting:

1) Climate change is inhibiting the Ocean to protect us; and,

2) Oregon bans fishing for forage fish to increase their predator populations.

Do you want to talk about how you can pursue a career in Marine Conservation? Send me an email and let's chat.

andrew@speakupforblue.com

Because I want to talk to you!

Join the Arbonne Blue Team

http://www.speakupforblue.com/teamblue

Instagram: @speakupforblue

Snapchat: @speakupforblue

SUFB Podcast: http://www.speakupforblue.com/podcast

SUFB Website: http://www.speakupforblue.com

10 Ocean Tips to Conserve the Ocean: http://www.speakupforblue.com/wordpress/sufb_optinpdf

The Marine Conservation community is large and represented from all parts of the Earth. More and more people are entering this wonderful community every day, but they aren’t sure how they can help protect the Ocean to the point that they might give up because the problems are too big and they don’t think they can bring about change. Well, I can’t have that!

So I decided to list these 7 ways that you can help conserve the Ocean to prevent you from being too overwhelmed. There are many other ways that you can help conserve the Ocean, but I feel that these are good beginner steps to getting what you want and feeling good about what you are doing.

Don’t Panic, take a breath

I get many messages from the Speak Up For Blue Podcast audience members after they listen to a show where I describe an issue and send me an email saying that they can’t believe we, as humans, can be so stupid to treat our Oceans the way they do. They are angry and shocked and want to yell at the world! I promptly reply for then to not panic and take a breath. They don’t want to approach people who are doing something to contribute to an Ocean issue aggressively and make that person angry for being called out. This attitude will not change the way people act in their lives or towards the ocean.

Marine Conservation should be conducted in a positive way and provide the chance for people to change their habits. People contribute to Ocean issues without realizing they are doing anything wrong. You and I may be doing something that contributes to the problem every day, but we are unaware. For example, I did an interview with Stu Landesberg, CEO of the Grove Collaborative (formerly epantry), who sold certified eco-friendly cleaning supplies online. He described to me the way products on a store shelf differ from products sent via online purchases. The former has to compete on a shelf with other similar products and they have to last a certain time period on the shelf. The products are often sold in large, bright plastic containers that are not easily recyclable. They also contain chemicals that act as preservatives to ensure the product doesn’t spoil on the shelf. Those chemicals may not be as good for you as you thought (you would be surprised).

The point is we live in a world where we waste and consume products that are not good for us or the environment, including the Oceans. It’s good to understand the issues, but don’t get too caught up in the anger and use that anger to change behaviour for conservation.

Think Globally, act locally

Think Globally, act locally is a term you probably heard bused by many environmentalists around the world. It’s such a cat phrase that often people use it in jokes, but the statement is so very true especially in Ocean Conservation.

After you finish panicking, it’s good to take note of the major Ocean issues that we are facing: Plastic Pollution, Climate Change, Overfishing, Water Quality and Coastal Development are just a few of the major issues we not only face, but cause. Each issue is widespread enough that the consequences extend across the Ocean having a Global impact. Breakdown the problem by thinking how you can act locally that will remedy this problem. For example, decreasing overfishing will require you to eat seafood more sustainably and responsibly to avoid fish that are overfished. The Seafood Watch program will allow you to eat seafood with a conscious as the program is updated frequently to allow you to create informed decisions on your meals. I use my Seafood Watch App for my iPhone to ask the waiter or retailer whether the seafood was caught sustainably. If they don’t know, then I tell them that I don’t want the seafood because they don’t know how it was caught.

Start at home

It’s always good to start conservation at home as there are so many things that we can conserve including energy, water, plastic, and cleaning supplies covering four of the major issues I mention above. Each conservation action requires a change in behaviour by you and your family, but they don’t require a ton of changes. You can even start slowly by reducing the amount of plastic bags used in your home or eliminate plastic utensils from your house. You can buy a digital thermostat to control your heat/air conditioning by setting it at different temps throughout the day to save on energy.

Starting your conservation efforts are small but significant changes that can really reduce your Ocean Issue footprint. It just takes a little time to get used to some of the changes, but once you are in the full swing of things you feel better about yourself.

Become a leader in your community

Your leadership at home can transfer into your community through actions. It is easy to show others that you care about the state of the environment in your community whether you live by the coast or inland. Debris and plastic pollution is quite hi in the spring after the snow melts. This past spring, my wife and two daughters went out to clean a portion of our neighborhood (after the suggestion by my 6 year old daughter). A neighbor or ours loved the plan and her family joined us as well. We spent half an hour cleaning up and the results were spectacular (8 garbage bags!)!

Another neighbor, who we didn’t know, was driving by and asked us what we were doing. He thanked us for cleaning up as he saw the value of our efforts. We never expect people to follow after we clean something up, but we know we are leading by example when we do clean ups like these.

It doesn’t take a lot of time to show your neighbors that you care about your neighborhood, but the reactions are priceless.

Understand that change takes time

Rome wasn’t built in a day nor did the ocean change for the worse in a day, so why do we all think that our efforts will change all of the destruction (or stop the destruction) that we have done to the Ocean in one day. Marine Conservation takes time. Sometimes it takes time to see positive results in the Ocean from changes such as implementing Marine Protected Area and/or it could take time to change people’s behaviour that can cause a specific Ocean Issue to get out of hand.

Marine Conservation requires you to become persistent and patient when trying to change the way people behave (after all, behaviour is usually the problem). Dr. Naomi Rose is a great example of someone who has worked and continues to work hard at Marine Conservation. She works for the Animal Welfare Institute to get captive Orcas and Dolphins released into the wild. We have seen some great strides with captive animals and their road to release over the past year, but people like Naomi are the people who laid the ground work for all of this to happen and she continues to work to get the animals released into Whale Sea-Side Sanctuaries.  

You need to have patience but still be persistent in your quest to change things for the better in the Ocean realm.

Conservation is more than just science

You don’t need to be a scientist to be in Marine Conservation. There are many scientists out there who do some great work, but they would like to do work rather than take most of their time searching for funding. People with a background in finance, business, marketing, law and other non-science backgrounds can really help secure funding for scientific and conservation projects. Tradespeople can also play a crucial role in Marine Conservation. Science and Conservation require equipment to complete their projects so being an electrician, carpenter, plumber and being good with your hands with a creative mind can really come in handy.

Conservation is a discipline that requires all professions and backgrounds to become successful. Never count yourself out and be creative as to how you can help.

Never give up!

Ask Dr. Naomi Rose if she ever found it difficult to do what she does. Conservation is like an emotional roller coaster. It can be very difficult to reach your end goal. There are numerous challenges on the way to overcome to see small rewards. However, they goals can be reached through teamwork and support from other conservationists. The war to release Orcas is not over, but many battles are being won. Passion for the Ocean is what drives us forward and allows us to rise during the tough times.

Join the Arbonne Blue Team

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10 Ocean Tips to Conserve the Ocean: http://www.speakupforblue.com/wordpress/sufb_optinpdf

I was very busy this past week, which is why I was only able to post all 3 episodes. I was able to post Ocean Talk Friday with Nathan, so we were still able to provide you with some great content.

I wanted to take this episode to talk to you about how Marine Conservation really works because of two things that happened to me last week that I feel are extremely important to address with regards to Marine Conservation. The first has to do with a conference that I attended and helped organized called the Coastal Zone Canada Conference. I was able to meet a lot of people that work to conserve coastlines and zones and learn about the importance of communication among scientists and the public.

The second event that inspired me to record this episode was an online debate that happened the day i recorded this episode. The debate has to do with the movie "Finding Dory" and the potential increase in pressure of people who want Royal Blue Tangs, the fish species of the Dory character. I am all about discussing facts to help the Conservation of Marine Species; however, there are certain people who are so passionate that they don't let anyone else have an opinion unless they are in agreement with them.

Marine Conservation is about people coming together to manage the Oceans, not bullying people into trying to agreement. 

Take a listen to the podcast to find out how Marine Conservation can be successful.

10 Ocean Tips to Conserve the Ocean: http://www.speakupforblue.com/wordpress/sufb_optinpdf 

Welcome back to another Ocean Talk Friday with myself, Andrew Lewin, and Nathan Johnson. There were some great, powerful stories out this week that we just had to talk about. Here they are:

1. Study finds 5% of organizations get majority of the Funding and it hasn't been affective;
2. Cephalopod populations have been on the rise since the 1950s in the face of a changing Ocean;
3. A brewing company designed a six pack ring that is edible and biodegrable...it can save the Ocean Animals that eat it; and,
4. Mexican Cartels are smuggling cocaine in the swim bladders of the endangered totoaba fish. The fish is caught using gill nets that also catch the nearly extinct vaquita (less than 100 individuals left). 

Listen to the podcast to find out all the details. 

10 Ocean Tips to Conserve the Ocean: http://www.speakupforblue.com/wordpress/sufb_optinpdf