Northern Right Whale crisis: For years, scientists and advocates have watched this critically endangered species decline due to ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and rapid ocean change. This episode asks a crucial question: Does the first population increase in years signal real recovery or just a temporary pause in a long-term crisis, and what must change now to keep that number rising?

Whale conservation stories: Oceana campaigner Nora Ives brings clear insights into how monitoring efforts and shifting whale behavior shape our understanding of their future. She explains how storytelling has become a powerful tool for connecting people with an animal most will never see in person. She also shares a moving moment from the field, the unexpected birth of a calf from an older mother, a surprising and emotional reminder that hope can appear when least expected.

Oceana advocacy: The episode explores vessel slowdowns, fishing gear solutions, and the policy gaps that still threaten these whales. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of what is working and what is urgently missing from the conservation conversation.

Fish Farm Clean Up reveals the hidden reality beneath a quiet coastline in Methana, Greece, where a ghost fish farm left behind more than forty tons of plastic cages, nets, metal frames, pipes, and even sunken boats. What looked peaceful on the surface hid a toxic underwater scrapyard that had been breaking apart and polluting the Saronic Gulf for years.

Shocking Footage from this cleanup shows how abandoned aquaculture sites become long-term pollution hotspots. The divers, Healthy Seas Foundation, and the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation worked together to cut, lift, tow, and haul massive amounts of debris out of the ocean, revealing how ghost farms threaten coastal ecosystems, fish habitats, and water quality.

Marine Conservation efforts like this show why cross-sector collaboration matters. From recycling nets into ECONYL yarn to educating local communities and cleaning beaches, this operation highlights how recovery, restoration, and better oversight must become the global standard for aquaculture waste.

Healthy Seas: https://www.healthyseas.org/

Fish feed in aquaculture is at the center of a complicated global story that most people never hear about. In this episode, Andrew sits down with marine biologist and policy expert Marine Cusa to explore the hidden world of fishmeal, fish oil, feed ingredients, and the surprising connections between aquaculture, wild fisheries, West African communities, and even penguin populations in Antarctica. 

Marine breaks down what actually goes into the pellets fed to farmed fish, why transparency is lacking in the supply chain, and how her genetics research is uncovering the real species being used in fish feed. The conversation reveals why feed matters for sustainability, human nutrition, local livelihoods, and the future of aquaculture as demand for seafood continues to grow. Whether you’re new to the topic or already deep in fisheries science, this episode opens the door to a critical but overlooked part of marine conservation. 

Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass

Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet overlooked ecosystems on our planet. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explores a new 19-year study from Moreton Bay, Australia, which shows that seagrass coverage and diversity are declining over time despite short-term recovery periods. This long-term research reveals that while short-term studies might show seagrass bouncing back after storms or floods, the bigger picture tells a story of gradual loss and ecological transformation.

The episode also highlights why this decline matters: seagrass meadows are nurseries for fish, homes for turtles and dugongs, and major carbon sinks that help buffer climate impacts. Andrew connects the findings to global conservation lessons and introduces The Seagrass Effect, a new project and podcast dedicated to sharing research, restoration stories, and action opportunities for protecting seagrass ecosystems worldwide.

Do you want more seagrass content? Help Fund the Seagrass Effect Podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass

Bill Gates and Climate Change have become a trending topic after the billionaire philanthropist argued that the world is too focused on cutting carbon emissions and not focused enough on improving human welfare. In this episode, I unpack what Gates said, why it caused such a reaction, and how his argument connects to decades of work in climate justice and climate equity.

Many climate justice organizations have long emphasized that people struggling with hunger, illness, or poverty cannot prioritize environmental action until their basic needs are met. Gates’s claim—that people fighting to survive won’t care about climate change—has reignited a long-standing debate: should the global focus be on saving people now or saving the planet long-term? I explore what this means for climate policy, philanthropy, and how we communicate solutions for ocean and human health together.

You’ll also hear how these conversations tie back to ocean conservation, coastal communities, and the delicate balance between adaptation, mitigation, and justice.

Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary has officially received provincial approval, marking a monumental step toward creating Canada’s first ocean refuge for retired whales. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explains how this decision moves the Whale Sanctuary Project closer to reality, what challenges remain before the sanctuary opens, and why this could change the way the world cares for marine mammals.

Andrew also dives into how the Whale Sanctuary Project built the foundation for this historic milestone through years of environmental assessment, scientific planning, and local engagement. He reflects on his own experiences as a marine biologist and communicator, sharing why the sanctuary represents more than just a safe haven for whales—it’s a sign that humanity is learning to live in balance with the ocean once again.

Green sea turtle conservation shows us what’s possible when people, policy, and passion align. Once nearly wiped out by overharvesting and habitat loss, the green sea turtle has made an inspiring recovery after decades of global protection. In this episode, Andrew Lewin shares a deeply personal story of encountering a turtle nest in Florida with his daughters and reflects on how that moment connects to today’s IUCN Red List update.

But while the turtle story offers hope, the latest report warns of darker trends. Arctic seals like the harp, hooded, and bearded seals are now at greater risk as melting sea ice robs them of essential habitat, and 61 percent of the world’s bird species are in decline due to deforestation, agriculture, invasive species, and climate change. Andrew breaks down how the balance between success and loss reveals both the fragility of nature and the power of sustained conservation.

This episode isn’t just about wildlife; it’s about people choosing to act. Andrew explains how individual and collective choices—from voting and policy advocacy to supporting community-based conservation—can determine which species recover and which fade away.

Vaquita stands as one of the rarest marine mammals on Earth, with fewer than 20 left in the wild. In this episode, we explore what the near-extinction of the vaquita teaches us about the future of sharks and why their survival is critical to the health of the ocean.

Sharks play an essential role in keeping marine ecosystems balanced, yet they face many of the same threats that doomed the vaquita: bycatch, overfishing, and weak enforcement. This episode dives into the parallels, the urgency of acting before it is too late, and how the loss of sharks would ripple into every part of our lives, from food security to coastal protection.

Melissa Marquez's article in Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissacristinamarquez/2025/09/30/what-the-vaquitas-fate-warns-about-sharks/

Shark conservation: All The Sharks brings you into the water with filmmakers and scientists, exploring how camera choices, site selection, and safety shape close encounters with tiger sharks, hammerheads, white sharks, and whale sharks. You will hear candid stories about reading shark behavior, managing lighting on fast passes from silky sharks, and turning footage into conservation wins that help real populations.

Underwater cinematography: From South Africa to the Bahamas and Bimini, we compare scuba and freedive tactics, frame sharks without stressing them, and translate field lessons into science communication that actually moves people. The team breaks down filming ethics, bycatch and fishing pressure, and what Shark Week gets right and wrong, all to help the audience understand sharks and support smarter protection.

Shark Docs: https://www.sharkdocs.org/ 
Chris Malinowski's Website: https://www.chrismalinowski.org/
Brendan Talwar's Website: https://talwarbrendan.wixsite.com/btalwar

Marineland Beluga exports have been denied by Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans, igniting national debate over animal welfare, legality, and ethics. In this episode, Andrew Lewin breaks down what the 2019 law banning cetacean captivity means, why DFO refused Marineland’s permit to sell 30 belugas to China, and what options exist for the facility and the animals now caught in limbo.

Marineland Beluga care has become an urgent issue as the park claims it cannot afford to maintain the whales, warning of potential euthanasia without government help. Andrew explores whether Marineland should be required to care for the animals it profited from, or whether public intervention is necessary to ensure the whales’ welfare. This episode blends law, compassion, and marine science to uncover what ethical responsibility looks like when conservation meets crisis.

Shark Docs: https://www.sharkdocs.org/ Chris Malinowski's Website: https://www.chrismalinowski.org/ Brendan Talwar's Website: https://talwarbrendan.wixsite.com/btalwar

Sustainability business: In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin talks with Lee Stewart about how businesses can make sustainability a practical, measurable part of their operations. They explore how carbon tracking, waste reduction, packaging design, and supply chain improvements can build resilience while cutting costs.

Ocean literacy: Lee shares experiences from Australia, Tonga, and New Zealand that show how business practices directly connect to the ocean’s health. They also discuss the lessons learned from an international shipping case study in Malaysia that reveals how logistics and sustainability intersect.

ESG reporting: The conversation focuses on keeping sustainability simple—using dashboards, certifications, and team culture to drive consistent progress. Whether you’re leading a company or just beginning your sustainability journey, this episode offers the clarity and motivation to start today.

Mentors: climate change is hopeless—at least, that’s the message many young scientists are hearing from the people they were told to admire. But what if giving up isn’t the only option? In this episode, I respond to a heartfelt email from a marine science student who refuses to stay silent, even when senior scientists tell her that solutions to climate change are naive, misguided, or politically inconvenient.

Mentors: climate change is hopeless may be the mantra of a tired system, but this generation of scientists has grown up under the weight of ecological crisis—and they’re ready to do something about it. I share concrete advice for early-career changemakers who want to be bold, build community, speak truth to power, and help people understand real climate solutions despite institutional apathy. If you’re frustrated, fired up, and looking for a way forward, this one’s for you.

Explore the ocean floor is more than a scientific ambition, it is a global necessity. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin speaks with Tim Kearns, Executive Director of Map the Gaps, about the upcoming Ocean Floor Explorer conference in Victoria, BC. They discuss why mapping the seabed is vital for science, conservation, and society, while uncovering how challenges like funding and technology can be turned into opportunities for global collaboration.

Mapping initiatives are not only about science but also about storytelling, communication, and inspiring action. Andrew and Tim highlight how diverse communities can play a role, from students and researchers to policymakers and entrepreneurs. The conversation explores how events like this conference bring people together to tackle some of the biggest challenges in deep-sea exploration while building networks that fuel long-term solutions.

Find out more about the conference: https://www.oceanfloorexplore.org/ 
Register for the conference: https://www.oceanfloorexplore.org/register

Fighting overfishing with AI is transforming how we protect the ocean. A new study revealed that nearly half of all coastal marine protected areas (MPAs) showed fishing vessel presence, with many ships operating “dark” without AIS tracking. This means that even in places meant to be safe havens for biodiversity, industrial fishing has been creeping in unnoticed.

Satellites and artificial intelligence are changing that reality. By detecting untracked vessels and guiding patrols, this technology is already leading to arrests in Gabon, better enforcement in Palau, transparency in Chile, and effective oversight in the UK Blue Belt program. In this episode, I’ll break down the science behind the study, the risks remote MPAs face, and the real-world success stories that give us hope.

Ocean Book you need to read introduces listeners to Sea Change by Amanda Leland, a powerful and hopeful exploration of how individuals and communities can unite to protect our oceans. Amanda draws from her expertise and experience to highlight the urgency of tackling climate change, overfishing, and pollution, while also showcasing the innovative solutions already underway.

Ocean conservation is not only about science, it is about people taking action. In this episode, Amanda shares inspiring stories of collaboration and resilience that prove change is possible. From grassroots initiatives to global policy shifts, Sea Change reveals how the choices we make today will shape the oceans of tomorrow.

Buy the book: https://www.edf.org/sea-change

Great white shark DNA is one of the most puzzling mysteries in marine biology. Recent research has revealed that despite being one species, great whites have split into three distinct genetic groups across the globe. What’s even stranger: their nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA tell conflicting stories, leaving scientists scratching their heads.

Shark philopatry—the tendency of females to return to their birthplace to give birth—adds another layer to this mystery. While philopatry has been well documented in species like lemon sharks and blacktip sharks, great whites show patterns that don’t neatly fit the rules. This episode unpacks how philopatry and DNA research intersect, why sharks defy easy explanations, and how these puzzles matter for conservation.

Shark conservation depends on solving these mysteries. If different populations are genetically distinct, protecting one region isn’t enough. By understanding how sharks move, breed, and adapt, we can build stronger policies, create better marine protected areas, and ensure these apex predators survive in a rapidly changing ocean.

Link to article: https://www.sciencealert.com/the-dna-of-great-white-sharks-defies-explanation-heres-why?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Advocacy for scientists is a skill that can transform how research impacts the real world. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin reflects on an article by Melissa Varga from the Union of Concerned Scientists that encourages scientists to step into advocacy roles. Andrew shares why many researchers hesitate to speak out, the cultural challenges within academia, and how advocacy can be integrated into a science career without sacrificing credibility.

Ocean conservation also depends on people outside the scientific community. Andrew emphasizes that anyone, scientist or not, can play a role in advocating for the ocean. From joining local campaigns to supporting policy initiatives, small steps build a movement that strengthens the voice for conservation. This episode highlights how advocacy can feel intimidating at first but ultimately becomes a natural extension of caring for the ocean.

Website: 

https://blog.ucs.org/melissa-varga/new-to-advocacy-3-tips-for-early-career-scientists/

Sustainable fashion is more than a trend, it is a movement that connects what we wear to the health of our planet. In this episode, Andrew Lewin speaks with Courtney Barriger, CEO of Holding Court Inc., about how clothing design can reduce waste, prevent microplastic pollution, and empower people to make responsible choices. The discussion reveals the hidden costs of fast fashion, from synthetic fibers shedding microplastics into waterways to the massive environmental toll of textile waste.

Ocean protection is at the heart of this conversation. Courtney shares her journey of creating stylish, environmentally conscious fashion that looks good while doing good. She explains why rethinking our clothing habits can help reduce plastic pollution and highlights innovative solutions in textile production. If you’ve ever wondered whether your wardrobe impacts the ocean, this episode will show you how fashion choices can truly protect marine life.

Website: https://holdingcourtinc.com/

Shark Meat Fed To Students in Brazil’s public institutions has sparked outrage after Mongabay uncovered thousands of tons of mislabeled shark meat, including endangered species like angelsharks, being served in schools, hospitals, prisons, and elderly care centers. Labeled as “cação” or “angel fish,” these meals were consumed by thousands of unsuspecting Brazilians, raising urgent concerns for both public health and ocean conservation.

Shark meat in Brazil carries dangerous risks due to high levels of mercury and arsenic that accumulate in these apex predators. Scientists warn that children and vulnerable populations are especially at risk, while conservationists highlight the devastating impact on shark populations that have already declined 71% in open oceans. Lawmakers are calling for hearings, industries are pushing back, and the global conservation community is debating how to respond. This episode investigates how a school lunch scandal reveals the larger crisis of food security, seafood mislabeling, and biodiversity loss.

Mongabay articles:
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/08/brazil-serves-potentially-contaminated-shark-meat-to-children-in-public-schools/

https://news.mongabay.com/custom-story/2025/08/revealed-brazilian-state-buys-endangered-angelsharks-for-school-lunches/

https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/08/brazils-shark-meat-problem/

https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/08/brazil-cities-order-endangered-angelshark-meat-despite-fishing-ban/

https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/08/brazil-cities-vow-to-stop-buying-threatened-shark-meat-after-mongabay-probe/

https://news.mongabay.com/2025/08/mongabay-shark-meat-expose-sparks-call-for-hearing-and-industry-debate/

Oceana, working to protect endangered species, is at the heart of this powerful episode featuring Tara Brock, an environmental lawyer advocating for ocean life. Tara unpacks how the Endangered Species Act is used to protect humpback whales and sea turtles, and how legal tools like this remain essential to ocean conservation. As threats like ship strikes, climate change, and bycatch continue to rise, Tara explains why this legislation is still one of the strongest protections we have—and how it’s enforced.

Throughout the episode, we explore Oceana’s litigation strategies, real-world wins in protecting marine life, and the ways the law intersects with fisheries, policy, and public engagement. Tara’s stories and insights offer a clear call to action: the ocean needs legal defenders, and everyone has a role to play in protecting it. If you care about protecting species on the brink, this conversation will inform and inspire you.

Oceana's Website: https://usa.oceana.org/

Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument: For over a decade, these waters stood as one of the largest no-take zones on Earth, safeguarding corals, fish, and migratory species. But on day one of his presidency, Donald Trump erased the U.S. commitment to 30x30 and soon after issued Proclamation 10918, opening parts of the monument to commercial fishing.

Marine conservation at risk: The rollback sparked lawsuits and reignited the debate over whether U.S. marine protections are too vulnerable to political swings. Just two weeks ago, a court overturned Trump’s proclamation on a technicality, reclosing the area to fishing. In this episode, we break down what happened, what’s at stake, and how the U.S. can rebuild trust in its marine conservation commitments.

The future of 30x30: We explore the tension between conservation science, fishing industry pressure, and fragile presidential protections. The conversation highlights why codifying protections into law may be the only way forward to safeguard biodiversity hotspots like Wake, Johnston, and Jarvis.

Plastic pollution in the ocean is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis and an economic threat. In this episode, I break down the latest updates from the UN negotiations on a global plastics treaty, explaining why the talks in Geneva this month could set the course for the next generation’s relationship with plastic. From production caps to industry lobbying, the fight over how to address the problem is as intense as ever.

Plastic pollution in the ocean also raises questions about equity, with developing nations calling for solutions that protect both the environment and their right to grow sustainably. I share shocking new research on how microplastics are showing up in human bodies, costing trillions in healthcare, and why activists believe this treaty is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to act.

Scientist Identifies New Manta Ray Species—the Atlantic Manta Ray, Mobula yarae—in a groundbreaking announcement from Dr. Andrea Marshall and her team at the Marine Megafauna Foundation. In this episode, Andrew Lewin shares the story of how Dr. Marshall, already renowned for identifying two distinct manta species in 2009, confirmed a long-suspected third species after years of meticulous observation, genetic analysis, and global collaboration.

Listen to this remarkable story of how this new species was first spotted off the Yucatán Peninsula, how it differs from other mantas, and why its recognition is a crucial win for marine conservation. Andrew also reflects on the significance of species discovery for protecting vulnerable marine life and the importance of scientific persistence in the face of challenges.

Link to Article: https://marinemegafauna.org/news/third-manta-ray-species-mobula-yarae-discovered-in-atlantic-ocean

Map the Deep Sea to protect what we don’t yet understand. In this episode, Andrew Lewin speaks with Tim Kearns from Map the Gaps, a global initiative working to close the knowledge gap beneath the waves. With over 75% of the seafloor still unmapped in high resolution, the ocean remains Earth’s final frontier—and unlocking its secrets is essential for biodiversity, disaster planning, and climate action.

Ocean mapping is more than bathymetry. It’s a tool for social justice, environmental stewardship, and informed decision-making. Tim shares how Map the Gaps supports small island nations, Indigenous communities, and global science efforts through collaboration and cutting-edge technology. From an exploration policy perspective, this conversation makes a clear case: mapping the deep sea is the foundation for a sustainable ocean future.

Website: https://www.mapthegaps.org/

Map the Gaps Website: https://www.mapthegaps.org/symposium

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.

Andrew Lewin interviews Josh McInnes from the University of British Columbia about his groundbreaking research on killer whales. They discuss Josh's work on transient orca populations and the discovery of a potential new orca population in oceanic waters. Learn about Josh's background, including his experience working on whale watching boats and delivering lectures on orcas. Dive into the reasons behind Josh pursuing a master's degree and explore the fascinating world of orca research and conservation.

Tune in for an insightful look at orcas and the exciting discoveries in marine science!

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-mcinnes-69236197/

Discovery of a Potential New Oceanic Population of Killer Whales

The podcast episode highlighted a significant observation regarding the potential discovery of a new oceanic population of killer whales. The observation dates back to 1997 when a large herd of female sperm whales was encountered 200 kilometers off the California coast. Renowned cytologist Bob Pittman observed these sperm whales being attacked by a group of 35 unknown killer whales, exhibiting cookie-cutter bite marks, indicating a unique and unidentified population.

This initial observation led to further research into these unknown killer whales. Subsequent fieldwork off the California and Oregon coasts revealed more interactions with these mysterious killer whales that did not align with the typical descriptions of resident or transient killer whale populations in the area. These findings have sparked the development of a potential new oceanic population of killer whales.

The significance of this discovery lies in shedding light on previously unknown or poorly understood killer whale populations. Understanding the presence and behavior of these new populations is crucial for conservation efforts and marine ecosystem management. By identifying and studying these unknown killer whales, researchers can gain insights into their ecological roles, interactions with other species, and potential threats they may face. This information is vital for developing targeted conservation strategies to protect these newly discovered populations and ensure the overall health of marine ecosystems.

• The designation of protective status for orcas in the state of Oregon, in addition to federal protection, is crucial for emphasizing the need for conservation efforts at both state and federal levels. State-level protection in Oregon signifies a proactive approach towards safeguarding the orca population within state waters, complementing existing federal protections. This dual protection ensures that orcas are safeguarded against various threats, including ship strikes, vessel noise, pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation.

• The state-level protection in Oregon is particularly significant due to the state's unique role in providing essential habitat for orcas, such as the Columbia River Chinook salmon population, which is crucial for the Southern resident killer whales. By designating orcas as protected species within state waters, Oregon can enforce regulations and management strategies to mitigate threats and ensure the conservation of these iconic marine mammals.

• The collaboration between state and federal authorities in protecting orcas sets a precedent for effective conservation efforts that recognize the importance of addressing threats at multiple levels. By working together, state and federal agencies can coordinate conservation measures, share resources, and implement comprehensive strategies to protect orcas and their habitats. This integrated approach enhances the effectiveness of conservation initiatives and promotes the long-term sustainability of orca populations in Oregon and beyond.

• Overfishing: Josh mentions that overfishing is a significant threat to killer whales, especially for populations like the Southern Resident killer whales that rely heavily on Chinook salmon for their diet. Declining fish stocks due to overfishing can lead to food scarcity for killer whales, impacting their energetic and caloric intake. This highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices and effective fisheries management to ensure an adequate food supply for killer whales.

• Vessel Noise: Another threat discussed during the interviewis vessel noise, which can disrupt the communication and hunting behaviors of killer whales. The increasing number of boats, including whale-watching vessels, can contribute to underwater noise pollution, affecting the ability of killer whales to navigate, communicate, and locate prey. Mitigation measures such as reducing vessel speed, implementing noise-reducing technologies, and establishing marine protected areas can help minimize the impact of vessel noise on killer whales.

• Pollution: Josh also mentions the presence of pollutants in killer whales, including new toxins from sources like wildfires. Pollution can accumulate in the blubber and bodies of killer whales, affecting their endocrine systems and overall health. Addressing pollution sources, implementing stricter regulations on chemical discharges, and promoting ecosystem health can help reduce the exposure of killer whales to harmful pollutants and ensure their well-being.

• Hatchery Salmon Quality: The quality of hatchery salmon is highlighted as a concern for killer whales, as hatchery fish may not provide the same nutritional value as wild salmon. If hatchery salmon outcompete wild salmon, killer whales may receive fewer nutrients from their primary food source, impacting their overall health and reproductive success. Ensuring the availability of high-quality wild salmon through habitat restoration, sustainable fisheries practices, and monitoring hatchery operations can support the dietary needs of killer whales.

In conclusion, the various threats faced by killer whales, including overfishing, vessel noise, pollution, and hatchery salmon quality, underscore the need for comprehensive conservation strategies. These strategies should focus on sustainable fisheries management, reducing anthropogenic disturbances, addressing pollution sources, and promoting the health of marine ecosystems to safeguard the well-being of killer whale populations.

One way to repair these relationships is to conduct a study that incorporates all parties at the same table. The Apoqnmatulti'k project combines Indigenous knowledge, Western science, and local knowledge to gather information about three important marine species in Nova Scotia, Canada. 

Find out why this partnership has become successful.

Mongabay Article: https://bit.ly/3ChnZT7

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

You just know I had to get the Executive Director, Natasha Tucker, on the podcast to talk about her organization and get the details on the federal government's promise to ban certain single-use plastics in Canada.

Links:
Website: https://bit.ly/35DFOiU
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3AYgj7z
Tweet: https://bit.ly/3B0nE6z
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3HtSY06

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

The scientists observed the hunting events in Bremer Bay (South West Australia) where three orcas lined up along the side of the blue whale and pushed it underwater while two orcas would bite at its head. 

The hunts are part of nature and solidify orcas as THE apex predator of the ocean who has been observed to eat the livers from great white sharks. 

Orcas enjoy swimming in the mouth of the whale to eat its nutrient-rich tongue. 

Links to articles:
Paper: https://bit.ly/3obMOKc
Media Article: https://bit.ly/3GfOgS0

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc  

Rosie Sherwood is an artist who would like more people to understand blue carbon and the role it plays in fighting climate change. She is working with the Plymouth University's Marine Institute as a resident to help the people of Plymouth understand the role seagrass plays in capturing carbon from the atmosphere.

Check out the links below:

A study based in Seychelles found that there some fish species will remain on a reef after the corals have bleached, which could help maintain fisheries and some form of nutrition for humans. 

Coral reefs are at risk from or are bleaching in many parts of the world, which could have negative implications on the fish communities and the human communities that rely on them for food.

The study identified five micronutrients that are found in a diverse array of fish (zinc, iron, calcium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids) that live on coral reefs. However, when the reefs bleach, only two micronutrients are commonly found (zinc and iron), which could affect the human population that relies on them.

Link to article: 
Mongabay: https://bit.ly/345ZBqv

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc  

A Greenpeace research vessel discovered a new colony of Gentoo penguins in Antarctica. It is the only colony that has been detected this far south on the icy continent. It's an important discovery because Gentoo penguins prefer low-lying, rocky areas that have no ice. 

The ice in Antarctica is melting six times faster than it was in the 1970s due to climate change. Melting ice will have an effect on global sea rise, weather patterns, and prey availability (krill). 

Greenpeace and other organizations are calling for the nations of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to implement a network of Marine Protected Areas in Antarctica to relieve fishing pressure on the habitats. 

Links to articles:
1) Mongabay article: https://bit.ly/3KzSN5l
2) Gentoo Penguins: https://bit.ly/3GXIC8u

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

There was a headline on Rollingstone magazine (link below) that mentioned the Doomsday Glacier was on the verge of melting. The headline didn't make me feel good about where we were at on reducing climate change, but it also didn't motivate me to do anything about it because the problem seemed too big. 

Conservation optimism is important when trying to change people's behaviour to live for a better ocean. Optimistic stories can inspire people to do more for the ocean. 

Reading the headline "'the fuse has been blown' and the Doomsday glacier is coming for us all" does not seem to instill inspiration, but more apathy. 

The headline proves that the movie "Don't Look Up!" is less of a satire than it intended. 

Link to article: https://bit.ly/3nJxqVn

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/speakupforblue 

Did you ever wonder what happens to your pee and poo after you flush the toilet? I bet you never thought you would read those words on this podcast, but the fact of the matter is our water quality is dependent on how well our sewage treatment plants can stop nasty stuff that we excrete from getting into our waterways, including the ocean.

Mongabay posted a great editorial about how the world is dealing with preventing pharmaceutical waste that we excrete from getting into our water. It doesn't look like we are doing a great job. 

Many places around the world cannot treat their sewage with the basic process let alone afford to implement the technology to treat pharmaceuticals. 

The sludge that does get produced after some sort of treatment gets added as a fertilizer on farmland, which means pharmaceuticals are in our fertilizer that helps produce the food in which we ingest. 

Pharmaceuticals are also affecting fish behaviour and physiology. I discuss two examples of studies that look at how elevated levels of estrogen (from birth control) and behavioural changes from psychiatric medicine affect fish in aquatic systems. 

The technology to treat pharmaceuticals does exist but has not been widely implemented. 

Link to article:
1) Mongabay: https://bit.ly/3IiJg0m
2) Fish paper: https://bit.ly/32faSEu

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
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New Zealand is sending rescuers and supplies to help the nearby island but is having trouble communicating with the island.

A volcanic eruption is violent and destructive, but it is also part of the ocean's process to constantly evolve. I discuss the ways that underwater volcanos lead to biodiversity over time. 

Link to articles:
1) Volcano eruption: https://bit.ly/33jYmUP
2) Undersea Volcanos: https://bit.ly/33kttQ6

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Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
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However, are you aware that your coffee pod may not be recyclable even though it says it is on the packaging? Keurig Dr. Pepper Canada claimed that their K-Cups were recyclable all over Canada, but most places outside British Columbia and Quebec would not accept them in their facility. 

K-Cups are made from polypropylene #5, which is rarely recycled in Canada. Keurig Dr. Pepper Canada had to pay $2.3 million in fines and $631 thousand in donations to environmental charitable organizations for misleading consumers. 

The incident begs the question: Are your coffee pods recyclable in your area?

Link to articles:
1) Keurig Dr. Pepper Fined: https://bit.ly/34UaVXn
2) Keurig Dr. Pepper Go Green: https://bit.ly/3I0wWBS
3) Canadian Plastics Defined: https://bit.ly/3KaTn9l

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A friend recently recommended a podcast to me where the host interviewed Dr. Jane Goodall. Dr. Goodall is a terrific scientist and is known for her studies on great apes where she lived with apes in the wild for many years. 

During the podcast, the host, Jay Shetty, discussed how hope could help fight the war on nature. I've heard from family and friends that they lose hope after hearing the doom and gloom of nature, yet Dr. Goodall suggests that they people can get their optimism back through local actions. 

I talk about how hope should be part of every nature message if we want to end this war on the environment.

Link to podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jane-goodall-on-winning-the-war-on-nature-how-simple/id1450994021?i=1000538899362

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We need to do many things to reduce Climate Change and there are companies that are working around the clock to help bring renewable energy to the forefront in order to get them online. 

You may notice more windmills in the Ocean or near highways and the acres of land dedicated to solar panels. The latter is the focus of today's episode, solar panels. 

One of the major challenges to adding more solar panels is finding the space to put them. Deserts seem to be a good area, but one company is also looking at floating solar panels to decrease the risk of competing for space, but is adding a number of floating panels good for the habitats underneath the surface of the water?

Link to website: https://www.ciel-et-terre.net/

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The people are fed up with the broken promises of climate action by governments and will eventually resort to violence if the government doesn't clean up its act with the oil and gas industry. Dr. David Suzuki thinks that blowing up pipelines is inevitable if governments continue to ignore the people's wishes of climate action now. 

The speech is getting a lot of heat from conservative-leaning media as they think the words will lead to environmental terrorism. 

What are your thoughts?

Link to article: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/pipelines-will-be-blown-up-says-david-suzuki-if-leaders-dont-act-on-climate-change

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Deep-sea mining is on the minds of many mining and tech companies as there is a potential to mind the metals that are so badly needed for computer chips that power the very devices you are using to listen to this podcast. However, we are not aware of the ramifications of mining unique areas such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents. 

A PhD candidate in deep-sea biology for Queen's University Belfast, Elin Angharad Thomas, conducted an analysis to assess whether the species that are found in hydrothermal vent habitats would be threatened by deep-sea mining. She used the criteria for the IUCN Red List to determine whether the species would be considered "at risk." 

The results of her analysis revealed that 2/3 of the species analyzed would be considered endangered by deep-sea mining and 20% of the species would be considered critically endangered.

The results of the study make more of a case to avoid deep-sea mining to preserve biodiversity in the deep sea. 

Link to article: https://www.theinertia.com/environment/deep-sea-mining-may-wipe-out-species-we-have-just-discovered/

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NFTs are all the rage in the cryptocurrency world these days. Many artists, digital creators, and even marine organizations are making money using NFTs. However, the way NFTs are processed could have implications for increasing climate change.

NFTs use the Eurythreum cryptocurrency, which is controlled by users (called miners) having to solve complex puzzles to gain tokens. Solving the puzzles take up a lot of energy which emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 

The entire Eurythreum cryptocurrency uses as much electricity as Libya. 

There are ways to reduce the emissions to almost zero by switching the manner in which the currency is controlled. 

Link to articles:
1) https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/15/22328203/nft-cryptoart-ethereum-blockchain-climate-change
2) https://ecotrust.ca/latest/media/blockchain-for-climate-foundation-launches-bitmo-platform-at-cop26/

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The Indonesian government took coal ash off the list of hazardous materials even though there is evidence that there are harmful metals such as mercury and arsenic that can leech into the environment. The coal industry lobby worked with the government to get the removal passed. 

The government followed up with a policy where the fisheries ministry would by bricks made from coal ash and use them as bricks in the foundation for coral transplantation.

I can't make this stuff up!

Link to article: https://news.mongabay.com/2021/12/indonesias-new-plan-for-coal-it-pollutes-land-and-air-so-why-not-the-sea-too/

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There are many designation categories for protected areas in the ocean; however, they are often lumped into one category: Marine Protected Area. Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a term that has a very specific definition that is different from other protected area categories. 

A marine protected area is an area in the ocean where no extractive activities are allowed.

Some parks are called MPAs, but they allow extractive activities so they don't count as an MPA. 

Why is this important? If we want to protect the ocean, then we will need to have MPAs where no extractive activities are permitted to ensure there is protection. Some parks allow trawling to occur. Other parks allow oil and gas exploration and extraction. 

It can be confusing for us all to keep up with the protected area designations, but it's important to know what areas are truly protected. 

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In May 2021, a container ship called the X-Press Pearl caught fire and sank off the coast of Sri Lanka spilling large amounts of toxic chemicals in the form of fuel and a high concentration of microplastic pellets, called nurdles. 

These nurdles can wreak havoc on ocean habitats as they are made from fossil fuel chemicals and break down once in the water. The nurdles are ingested by sea turtles, marine mammals, seabirds, and fish where they can cause choking and/or leech chemicals into the animals' bodies. The spill of nurdles has also caused 20,000 fishers to stop fishing in Sri Lanka. 

The X-Press Pearl spill is a current example that nurdles need to be classified as hazardous materials. Unfortunately, the International Maritime Organization put off addressing the issue until next year opening the way for more spills to occur over the next year. 

Over 230,000 tons of nurdles enter the ocean every year. 

Link to article: https://grist.org/health/nurdles-the-worst-toxic-waste-youve-probably-never-heard-of/

Join the Plastic Pollution Coalition: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/the-coalition/

Petition against nurdles: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/982/791/665/

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New research published in the Journal of Heredity identified 3 new genetically distinctive populations of tiger sharks: one population is in the Indo-Pacific Ocean basin; one is in the Atlantic Ocean basin, and the third is in the waters surrounding the Hawaiin Islands. 

The new populations will no doubt add a call to protect the distinct population keeping in mind that tiger sharks are mass migratory species.

Link to Article: https://news.mongabay.com/2021/11/geneticists-have-identified-new-groups-of-tiger-sharks-to-protect/

https://news.mongabay.com/list/ucsc/

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Polish researchers observed a young female polar bear chasing a reindeer into the ocean, drowning it, and feeding on it. 

The observation in addition to another observation of the same young female feeding on a different reindeer carcass in the same region sparked a wonder as to whether polar bears were altering their diets in the Svalbard region because there was less ice. 

Other researchers disagree with that line of thinking as the bears have been seen feeding on reindeer since the 1950s and 60s on occasion. They think that more people are able to document the observations with phone cameras to post on social media making it seems as though polar bears feeding on reindeer occurs more often than we think.

Link to Article: https://bit.ly/3pcuQat

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Did you ever wonder how well your State is managing your beaches? Your state has a coastline along the ocean or the Great Lakes which can be a dynamic place. Coastlines are always changing, usually slow changes, but they are changing. Your state and local governments are in charge of how your beaches are managed and adapted to any changes that might occur but are they managed well?

There are so many laws and policies that can contribute to the management of beaches that it can be difficult to find a good indicator of how well they are managed. Luckily, there is a great organization and assesses the management of the beaches in each state annually, Surfrider. 

I am joined by Surfrider's Stefani Sekich-Quinn, who manages Surfrider's annual State of the Beach report. Stefanie joins me today to discuss the results of this year's report and reasons we can be hopeful for the future of our beaches...BUT we will have to keep up the pressure. 

Link to the report: https://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/surfrider-foundations-5th-annual-state-of-the-beach-report

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There have been over 1,000 manatees that have died in 2021. Most of the manatees died of starvation due to the lack of seagrass available for food. 

This episode explores why the seagrass disappeared over the past decade and suggests what needs to be done to protect the manatees better. 

Link to article: https://www.ecowatch.com/florida-manatees-starvation-feeding-2655776281.html#toggle-gdpr

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The North Atlantic Right whale's population dipped from 366 to 336 from 2019 to 2020 making it the lowest it has been in 20 years. Whale entanglement is the leading culprit in the North Atlantic Right Whale's mortality off the coast of Maine. Lobster fishing gear tends to be the gear that entangles the whales. 

A court recently ruled on whether the government should implement a 4-month ban on offshore lobster fishing in Maine to protect migrating North Atlantic Right whales that travel through the area. The court ruled against the ban on lobster fishing to protect the $1.4 billion fishing industry citing the data presented by the government was not sufficient enough to show a risk to the whale population in the area. The government is appealing the decision. 

Conservationists are calling for more collaborations between conservations and fishers to help make new technologies safer and more affordable gear (such as lineless lobster traps.

Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/12/maine-lobster-fishers-fight-conservationists-entangled-whales?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

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This interview with Alifa Haque is a sample of the second episode of season 2 of the Beyond Jaws podcast about the science and conservation actions for wedgefish and guitarfish. 

Alifa is a doctoral candidate at the University of Oxford and is studying shark catches in Bangladesh, her home country. 

In this episode, Alifa tells the story of how she wanted to learn more about the shark fishery in her country after observing how many sharks the fishers catch. Alifa built relationships with the fishers and formed her own citizen science project that had volunteers work with fishers at various sites along the coastline. 

Find out how her data is being used to inform future policy. 

Follow the podcast here:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/beyond-jaws/
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DnGntm
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FnQ9MB
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3ozRFEC

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My co-host for the Beyond Jaws Jaws podcast, Dr. David Ebert, joins me on the podcast today to discuss the new season of our podcast discussing wedgefish and guitarfish science and conservation. Wedgefish and guitarfish are commonly known as rhino rays or shark rays due to their long rostrum and uniquely shaped bodies.  

This season of Beyond Jaws features interviews of shark scientists from all over the world that are studying the life history, ecology, and the conservation of these species. 

Follow the podcast here:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/beyond-jaws/
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DnGntm
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FnQ9MB
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3ozRFEC

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OceanEye, a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea to understand the level of pollution, has contributed data and results to international bodies such as the IUCN and UN for their reports. The reports address the plastic pollution problem in the sea that is bordered by 22 countries. 

Each country has its own policies to dispose of its trash; however, some of its waste management systems are not up to par to prevent the trash from entering the Meditteranean Sea. 

Now that there is more data available, governing bodies and non-profit organizations can work with countries to help assess their plastic pollution problem.

Links:
Article: https://news.mongabay.com/2021/11/despite-deals-plans-and-bans-the-mediterranean-is-awash-in-plastic/
OceanEye: https://www.oceaneye.ch/

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Brynn found more hope in local action and less hope in federal announcements. Cities tend to take a more action-based approach to climate change as their problems affect their citizens faster and at a local level. 

I also discuss some criticism I received in an email about a recent episode on the Fore Islands and the dolphin hunt. 

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COP26 is all about the big announcements and Canada definitely made a big one. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will cap emissions on the oil and gas industry, but the cap won't affect the production of oil and gas. 

Canadian scientist and environmentalist, Dr. David Suzuki, did not attend COP26 this year because he is tired of empty promises. He is happy that the government made the announcement to cap oil and gas emissions, but would hope to see action soon. 

Indigenous groups were divided on the meeting. Some past attendees opted to stay in their communities to implement community action for a better climate while others attended the meeting as they thought it was their duty to represent their communities. 

What do you think of the announcement? Have your say by leaving a voicemail here: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/speak-up-for-the-ocean-blue/

Links to articles: 
1) https://www.cbc.ca/radio/sunday/the-sunday-magazine-for-october-31-2021-1.6229995/why-david-suzuki-skipped-cop26-and-where-he-sees-glimmers-of-hope-in-climate-action-1.6235757

2) https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/what-on-earth-indigenous-climate-action-cop26-1.6237216

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Good ol' COP26, the Climate Change meeting, is happening again and there were some major announcements made at the meeting by countries such as the US, India, and Canada. I will cover the Canadian announcement in the next episode. 

The announcements sounded great, but what do scientists think about the announcements.

Link to article: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03034-z

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I answer a listener question from a voicemail I received about how people who communicate science can get their message across to their target audiences about Climate Change. 

There is a long history of messaging about climate change and how scientists were late to the game in getting the message out about a topic that is affecting all of us today. 

I discuss why scientists were late to the game to speak out about climate change and how today's social media tools are allowing more scientists to discuss their research and projects easier than ever. 

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I received a question from Josie Greenston who asked me (I am paraphrasing):

Where do I begin with helping with the Ocean? There are so many things that are harming the ocean (climate change, over-fishing, plastic pollution, etc.) that I don't know where to begin helping the Ocean.

Josie asks a great question that I've heard before. I wanted to take this episode to address how people can help the ocean with various levels of available commitment. 

You can choose any one of the options or combine them depending on your interest and commitment level. 

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/
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There was a cull of 1400 white-sided dolphins in the Faroe Islands recently has some people wanting to know if it was legal. 

Whaling of pilot whales and other small cetaceans is legal in the Faroe Islands as the local community relies on whale meat as their primary protein source. The small island autonomous territory has been culling whales for centuries. The meat is processed in the open bays and handed out for free to the local community. 

The average catch per year is approximately 800 pilot whales and 250 white-sided dolphins; however, the total number of dolphins killed was 1400 individuals. That is 6 times the normal amount of dolphins and almost twice as many individuals as pilot whales.

There seemed to be a number of questions surrounding the cull of the dolphins including: were there enough killers present, did some boats run over the dolphins,  was all of the meat used, etc. 

You may feel that the cull is inhumane, but I ask you to keep an open mind to some of the questions and understand that these are people on a small island with access to very little natural resources in food other than the oceans. 

I should also mention that I am not for cetacean hunting. I just found this story interesting to look at from a different perspective. 

Link to article: https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/europe/faroe-dolphin-killing-record-scli-intl-scn/index.html 

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We are continuing our series in partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance to discuss Marine Conservation and how that will move forward in order to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. 

Incorporating People, Knowledge, and Networks in Ocean Conservation will be crucial to implement successful marine conservation strategies. 

I am joined by Kate Brown (Global Island Partnership in New Zealand), Coral Pasisi (Tofia Niue from the Island of Niue) and Ginny Farmer (Blue Nature Alliance based in the US) on the podcast to discuss their experiences in marine conservation and how people, knowledge, and networks help in ocean conservation.

Video podcast: https://www.bluenaturealliance.org/iucn-wcc-2021-podcast-series

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

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My recent adventure with trying to get my Provincial Government from taking away powers from Conservation Authorities to protect floodplains and protected areas from developers made me realize that I had the ability to help my local environment by becoming a local advocate. 

As I feel inspired to become a local activist, I wanted to provide you with some key advice that helped realize my potential and help you help your local environment. 

The first thing you need to do is stay aware of what is happening to your local environment. You will need to subscribe to some newsletters from local organizations (government and non-government). You may want to talk to the staff directly or just stay aware by reading their newsletter. 

The next and most important thing is to create positive relationships with local, state/provincial, and federal politicians. Whether you voted for your representatives or not, you can keep a good relationship with your local politicians. These relationships will come in handy when you would like to discuss any environmental changes to the legislation or push for a new change to better protect the environment. 

Building this relationship takes time and effort on your part because it is up to you to bring items of action to your local representatives.

Check out how I built relationships with my local politicians. 

Have you tried to build a relationship with yours?

Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference: 
https://www.absolutelysmashingllc.com/mindful-conference

Want To Talk Oceans? Join 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

We all know, love, and sometimes fear sharks for their predatory nature; however, we never really feat a swordfish. We tend to be in wonder and ah when with see this fish in the wild. Maybe it is because we only see them when they are being caught by recreational fishermen when they go deep-sea fishing. Swordfish are predators and they are quite effective predators with their unique bill. 

Swordfish swim actively around their prey, which forms a "bait ball" by grouping in a ball swimming close together in the same direction in a massive ball. The swordfish jet around the bait ball at high speeds. They use their "sword", or bill, to hit a few fish out of the ball separating them from the school and stunning them. They gobble the fish up and do the process over and over until they had their fill or the entire school is gone. Scientists thought the manner in which the swordfish, and other billfish, used their bills was pretty much the only way they use it. They were wrong. 

Sharks have been washing up on beaches along the Mediterranean coastline dead with the tips of swordfishes' bills in their head or in their backs. Researchers are trying to figure out why swordfish are impaling the predator as a broken bill does not grow back. 

More research needs to be conducted to understand why swordfish are behaving in the manner. Are adults warding off attacks from predators competing for bait balls? Are juveniles impaling sharks because their bills are still growing? these are the questions being asked by researchers to get more insight. 

Why do you think this is happening?

Link To Article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/27/science/swordfish-stabbing-sharks.html

Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference: 
https://www.absolutelysmashingllc.com/mindful-conference

Want To Talk Oceans? Join 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

Originally, I was going to do an entrie episode on the State of the Ocean in 2019, but I was worried it would be too depressing. Therefore, I decided to add the outlook of the Oceans for 2020 in the same episode to inspire hope. 

Do you agree with my assessment of the Ocean in 2019 and my outlook for 2020? Let me know 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.

Feel free to email me: andrew@speakupforblue.com

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

This episode is the second part of my interview with Dr. Nathan Robinson who was one of the two marine scientists who video recorded the second only live recording of a live Deep Sea Giant Squid EVER!!!

Nathan discusses the events surrounding and during the analysis of the video. It's quite the story, especially how he describes how he felt when he first saw the footage after 100 hours of dull video viewing nothing, but dark deep-sea.

YouTube links:

Sea Turtle With Straw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wH878t78bw

Sea Turtle With Fork: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRiTABRQOjk

Nathan's YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQBDrSME4ohP7gHFCp5j6w

What do you think of the discovery? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.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

The Government Of Canada has reported six Northern Right Whale Deaths in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Four of those deaths came in 48 hours. The Department of Transportation has announced a temporary reduction in ship speed in the area to avoid any future deaths. This action is the same action that the government took two years ago which seemed to work. So why did the government revert back to old ways? 

Do you think the speed should be reduced permanently (or seasonally)? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.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 Cephalopod Week (June 15th to June 22nd) so Speak Up For Blue will focus this week on all things Cephalopod. 

In this episode, we chat with Thomas Clements, who just passed his defence for his PhD, about how Cephalopods were different millions of years ago compared to today's species in the group. 

Thomas also goes into wonderful detail about how fossils are formed. This will be a great episode for Cephalopod enthusiastes and Paleontology enthusiasts. 

Thomas Clements' Twitter

Thomas Claments' Website

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

I focus on how businesses are approaching Marine Conservation in this episode. our three stories cover different ways businesses are adapting to changing times.

Our first story is about two businesses who make it easier and more cost effective for oil companies to drill in Alaska (The Bad).

Our second story involves companies like IKEA, Royal Caribbean and SeaWorld (yes, even SeaWorld!!!) leading the charge in getting rid of single-use plastic straws and bags in their companies. 

Our last story for this episode covers an art project by the Caption Boomer Belgian Art Collective that placed a sperm whale sculpture on a beach by a lake in the French Alps (800m above sea level) to connect people living inland with the trials and tribulations that face the Ocean.

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

This Episode of Ocean Talk Friday was recorded live on the Facebook Fan Page where I discussed how the US Senate Science Committee might be delaying the country's Climate Change adaptation by bringing up ridiculous reasons to deny the human effects on climate change.

I also discuss a new genetically unique population of Blue Whales that were discovered in New Zealand and how this discovery will drive policy in relation to oil and gas exploration that has opened up in the country.

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

I recorded Ocean Talk Friday in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group on Wednesday, which I plan on doing from now on. If you want to take part then join the group and attend every Wednesday at 7pm EST to have a chance to get on the episode.

Today, I chat with fellow SUFB members about:
1) Sea World failing an Animal Welfare Audit of a Tour Guide; and,
2) Florida Mangroves in the Everglades are Disappearing because of Sea Level Rise and Mismanagement for profit.

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

Today's episode is all about my vacation to Hawai'i. I'm here for a wedding, but used the opportunity to get some Marine Conservation done in the best way I know how, I volunteered to monitor Green Sea Turtles that would bask in the sun on the beach. I tell you all about it in this episode.

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

I am very happy to be discussing Harbour Seal behaviour with my new friend Shea Steingass who has the pleasure in conducting these captivating animals. She discusses how she uses stable isotope analysis using Harbour Seal whiskers. She also talks about the interesting way that she and her colleagues capture the seals to collect the information.

Shea is going to be a superstar in this field and I can't wait to have her on again to see what she is up to next. 

Follow her on Twitter to see what she does next

And ask her questions about her research in our Facebook Group.

Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts?

Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Shea and I sit down to decompress and discuss the past four days at OceanDotComm 2018. We chat about we loved the challenge on taking on the Southern Louisiana Coastal Optimism project and incorporating it into the podcast. We also discuss how Shea was psyched to work on the podcast with me...I think she did a pretty great job don't you?!

We also get into how impressed we were with all of the people we interviewed and we are very optimistic that the people of Southern Louisiana will be able to adapt to their changing coastline!

On today's Ocean Update Episode I chat about why 1000s of starfish wash ashore dead along the UK coastline; why the Trump Administration is trying to silence scientists that want to alert the public about dramatic decreases in glacial coverage; and, I highlight two Emperor Penguins that have fun with a camera in the Antarctic. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, but are worried that it might be too difficult, take the Podcast for the Environmental Communication Course at Duke University's Executive Education Program. Click here to register.

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Dr. Lyne Morissette joins me on the podcast today for another episode of Ocean Talk Friday. We sit down to chat about Sea Level Rise in San Francisco Bay as well as how much of the land is sinking exacerbating the effect of salt water creeping onto land. We also get philosophical by answering two questions: 1) Should Seafood Corporations be responsible for funding conservation programs for fisheries and the habitats that they affect with their practices; and 2) Should marine scientists and conservationists become vegans and fly less to lead by example?

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, but are worried that it might be too difficult, take the Podcast for the Environmental Communication Course at Duke University's Executive Education Program. Click here to register.

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

No interview today (my apologies). Instead I cover some news items including a diver's video of underwater trash goes vital; an Indian natural wastewater treatment system treats 198 million gallons of water; and, Canada confirms commitment to Paris Climate Accord Agreement even though they are upping their greenhouse gas emissions.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, but are worried that it might be too difficult, take the Podcast for the Environmental Communication Course at Duke University's Executive Education Program. Click here to register.

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

This is a motivational rant to inspire you to get moving on your science communication efforts. The world needs more people to inspire the public to do better. Publications are just a tiny portion of SciComm since most people don't read journal articles due to accessibility and...well, they just aren't interested. Online communication is the new platform to reach millions of people. So build your online presence, get your message out and change the world!!!

Enjoy the Podcast!!! 

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, but are worried that it might be too difficult, take the Podcast for the Environmental Communication Course at Duke University's Executive Education Program. Click here to register.

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Doug Parsons, producer and host of the podcast America Adapts: A Climate Change Podcast, joins me on the podcast to discuss the importance of science communication and why he invited a climate change denier on his podcast. I have to admit, bringing on a climate denier as a guest for a climate adaptation podcast was a great move. It showed us all why it is important to listen to the other side and understand their motivations. Understanding (not necessarily agreeing) is an important aspect in Marine Science and Conservation applications, especially when it comes to engaging with the public and stakeholders.

America Adapts Website

America Adapts: The Climate Change Podcast (iTunes)

America Adapts: The Climate Change Podcast (Spotify)

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, but are worried that it might be too difficult, take the Podcast for the Environmental Communication Course at Duke University's Executive Education Program. Click here to register.

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

I cover a lot of information in this week's Ocean Update episode. First, I discuss how the Seychelles worked with The Nature Conservancy to refinance their nation debt in exchange for designating 30% of its EEZ as a Marine Protected Area. Second, I give my opinion on how to fight pseudoscience, such as the flat earther movement, with scicomm (Science Communication). Lastly, beluga whales have been found to be diving deeper and longer for food when there is less sea ice. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

On today's episode of Ocean Talk Friday, I talk about Science Communication in the Marine Science and Conservation field, focusing on how we need to dedicate more time on communicating our projects and people online via social media. I suggest going beyond just pushing information to the public and engage with followers and build a stronger, more engaging follower base by revealing the people within your organization. I also suggest that organizations make it a priority to scicomm and spread the workload across the people within your organization. 

Check out what I have to say and let me know how you feel about it.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Dr. Andrew Wright joins on the podcast to discuss his experience working in the Antarctic collecting acoustic information on Type C Orcas within the newly implemented Ross Sea Marine Protected Area. He tells us how he got there, what he saw, what saw him, safety precautions he had to take and more!!! If you want to be a field biologist, you need to listen to Andrew's interview!!!

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

On today's Ocean Update Podcast, I chat about a Mongabay article that reveals a decline in protected Queen Conches in the Bahamas due to fishing upstream; I give my opinion on the power of Celebrities in Ocean Conservation; and, I talk about an article revealing that your shampoo may be causing air pollution...and it could be a good thing!!!

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Nathan Johnson is back on Ocean Talk Friday to talk about some Marine Science and Conservation and some invertebrate species!!! Here are the topics for today:
1) How Conservationists Can Overcome the Awareness-Action Gap;
2) Female Mutant Crayfish Clones to reproduce and is an effective invasive species;
3) Maine Lobster fishers conserving for the future; and,
4) Melting of Antarctic Ice Sheets Allows Scientists to explore the deep sea.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

The Fisheries Act has been a crucial piece of legislation that has helped protect the Canadian aquatic environment for decades. The Act has been cumbersome to natural resource businesses as well. In 2012, the Canadian Government lead by then Prime Minister Stephen Harper changed the Fisheries Act to help the oil and gas industry build their pipelines faster to "help" the economy. The Act was left a gutted version of it's former self until recently. 

The Canadian Government led by current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed to change the Fisheries Act back to its original wording and to make it better. Scientists and Conservationists have been waiting a long time for this (since Trudeau became Prime Minister in 2015) to see the changes made. 

Last Tuesday, February 6, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dominic LeBlanc, announced the new suggested changes for the Fisheries Act. I can say that Scientists are quite happy!!!

I asked Dr. Brett Favaro, who was involved in providing feedback during the process and has been tweeting up a storm on the new changes, to come on the show and tell us about the changes and give us his thoughts. 

Brett has some optimistic thoughts with some suggestions for some improvements. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Today's Ocean Update Episode has two stories and book-ending my weekly opinion piece: 1) Patagonia releases project to match Environmental Organizations with wannabe Activists; 2) Content Should Always be King and we need to release ALL information; and, 3) Jellyfish are causing trouble for Norwegian Fish Farms and it may happen again.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Dr. Lyne Morissette joins me on the podcast to discuss 3 stories that were in the news this week: 1) The Mediterranean Sea and the Great Lakes are experiencing higher eutrophication levels than ever before due to poor water management and climate change; 2) EPA head, Scott Pruitt, says Climate Change will benefit humans because we've always thrived in warm temperatures; and, 3) The Queen of England bans plastic straws in her properties and the city of Seattle bans straws...there is a movement happening!!!

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Traveling to any place around the world is an exciting adventure full of positive thoughts about travelling, enjoying foreign cultures, food and drinks. Yet there seems to be little thought on Environmental Protection when we search for hotels or other places to stay. Perhaps because we don't want to think about the things that were done to create the "paradise" advertised online, in a magazine, or on TV. 

Do you ever wonder what habitat existed where your hotel is now? How many animals were displaced when the hotel was built? 

I thought about these questions and more during my trip to Mexico where my family and I stayed at the Moon Palace (the same place where COP3 took place). Today's episode is dedicated to reviewing the resort in terms of Ocean Health.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

I'm back from my Mexico trip with the family and I can't wait for you to hear today's episode. In this episode, I talk about the results of the first 5 years of 83 marine reserves in Southern Australia and their status and why adaptive management plays such an important role with stakeholders (the abalone fisher group in particular). I also give a bit of a rant on how we can communicate Marine Science and Conservation stories better based on a couple o books I read on social media marketing. Finally, I follow up on a story about an aquaculture company who got in big trouble in Puget Sound for allowing Atlantic Salmon to escape their nets and invade the Pacific Ocean (it turns out it was their fault after all!!!).

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

On today's episode for Ocean Talk Friday, I discuss 3 stories that I think you should know about: 1) The Australian Government may be wasting $60 Million on ineffective projects, according to expert panel; 2) Scientists determine plastic pollution can kill corals; and, 3) New Antarctic Sea expedition could provide the evidence necessary to protect 1.8 square kms of diverse habitat.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

I am proud to have Dr. Dave Ebert back on the podcast to discuss deep-sea sharks from around the world. Dave gives us career advice, tells us a story about how he and colleagues discovered a species of skate in the North Pacific (that was more abundant then originally thought) and talks about his upcoming expedition to Sri Lanka to look for deep-sea sharks. 

You will not want to miss this episode!!!

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

I am covering 3 Ocean News stories for today's episode: 1) There were 300 dead thresher sharks found on the side of the road in Mexico and investigators are saying it has to do with organized crime; 2) A fisher in Costa Rica was surprised to see plastic pieces, including a lighter, after he cut open his catch...a mahi-mahi fish; and, 3) A Right Whale was spotted off the coast of Naples, Florida which counts as only the 5th sighting of these marine mammals since 1963.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

On today's episode for Ocean Talk Friday, I talk about 2 important issues that came across my desk this week. Trump implemented a 30% tax on Imported Solar Panels from China to protect American Jobs; however, the move will likely kill over 20K American jobs. 

The second story I cover is about the Pay-for Internship/Volunteership that is designed to give early career scientists/conservationists experience so that they can get jobs. The problem is that not many people can afford to pay the thousands of dollars for these programs making marine biology more for people that can afford the programs. Is this a case of segregation based on financial status?

Click here for more detailed show notes

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Melina Soto from Healthy Reefs, a non-profit organization based in Mexico, is here to talk about the health of the Mesoamerican Coral Reef that spans 4 countries: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. We talk about the rapid decrease from the 1990s to 2006 that triggered a multinational coastal monitoring program to help inform managers and politicians on how they could make better decisions to help the reefs. 

This episode is jam packed with information. You might want to listen to it more than once...I know I did!!!

For more detailed show notes and link to the articles, click here

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Right Whales may have their day in court, how to get over the depressing part of conservation and is this the beginning of the end for single use plastic (I certainly hope so!!!) are the topics that I am covering today on the podcast. 

For more detailed show notes and link to the articles, click here

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Dr. Lyne Morissette joins me today for Ocean Talk Friday where we discuss the East China Sea Ship Collision and Oil Spill that occurred last week. 

We also discuss the Vancouver Aquarium's announcement that they are ending their captive Cetacean program. We talk about the difference between captive cetaceans for entertainment vs rescue and rehabilitation. It's an interesting conversation. 

Click here for the blog post.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Chris Cilfone and he team are on the quest to accomplish the impossible, filming the birth of a Humpback Whale in the Ocean. Filming an event like this has never been done before so the Kohola (Meaning Whale) team has a huge challenge in front of them. However, National Geographic believe in the them as they provided a small grant to set them on their way and NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association) has granted the team a permit to approach the whales to get the right shot. 

Now they are looking to you to help them get on the water and stay there so they can capture this epic event. They are crowdfunding for the rest of the campaign to pay for a boat, gas, and other equipment to get them on the water as long as possible. 

Check out their Go Fund Me Page to be a part of the film!!!

Click here for the blog post and to watch the video trailer for their go fund me page.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Happy Monday Folks! Today's episode I chat about: 

1) Wether a whale saved a marine biologist from a tiger shark (8:52);

2) Why the Trump Administration gave Florida an exemption from oil and gas exploration/drilling and not other states (18:19); and,

3) Why Blue Crab pee can be good for the health of oyster habitats in Georgia. (28:00)

Enjoy The Podcast!!!

Check out more detailed show notes on our website.

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Melissa Marquez joins me on the podcast today to discuss the hot topics of the week in Marine Science and Conservation. This week, we discuss a push to ban plastic straws in the UK and how Bonnethead sharks have been found to ingest as well as digest seagrass. 

But we first chat about how Melissa is creating the Spanish version of the Speak Up For Blue Podcast called ConCiencia Azul. We talk about how the idea came about and what she is going to be talking about on the podcast. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Check out more detailed show notes on our website.

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Hypoxic, or oxygen-depleted zones, are growing in size and number around the world. I cha about why this is happening and my experience working with a research team that measured the extent of the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico stemming from the Mississippi River. 

I also chat about an article shared by one of our Facebook Group members about how Climate Change is affecting the ratio of males and females of green sea turtles in the Great Barrier Reef. I tell you why this is happening and what the implications are. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Check out more detailed show notes on our website.

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

The Trump Administration has proposed to open 90% of US Outer Continental Shelf to Oil and Gas Drilling. I discuss what that means for the Marine Environment and its Conservation and how we can prevent these types of changes in the future. (14:53)

I also chat about a recent discussion on the internet about whether we should avoid citing people who have been outed as sexual harassers, sexual predators, or even people known to mistreat their colleagues and employees. (28:15)

Finally, I chat about a recent article that discusses what to do if you come across a cold-stunned sea turtle. (44:35)

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Check out more detailed show notes on our website.

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Science and Policy articles always give us an insight on how local communities depend on local resources. In today's episode, I discuss an article that studies how breastfeeding is a socio-economic driver for fishing effort. the article describes how malnutrition of impoverished fishing communities are working as a driver for fishers to spend more time trying to catch fish of which there are less because the fish population has been drastically reduced over time. This article proves how local communities prioritize their needs and how their decisions affect their natural resources (i.e. fish). 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Check out more detailed show notes on our website.

If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, then connect with me for my podcasting services so I can help you get started and connect with your audience. Email me at andrew@speakupforblue.com

Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.