How To Protect The Ocean

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March 2024
S M T W T F S
     
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31

Syndication

I was invited to a conference by a listener of this podcast, Rachel Wheeler, that I've never attended before. The conference is called the Collision Conference, which involves solving a number of problems through technology. There are 500 speakers at the conference including Prime Minister Trudeau, Seth Rogen, the CEO from the Plastic Pollution Coalition, and the CEO from the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Needless to say, I am pretty excited; however, I am a little nervous as I don't know what to expect. 

This episode is how I am prepping for a new conference and what I will do with my media badge.

How do you prep for conferences? Share your strategies in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S788_PreppingForAConferenceThatIveNeverBeenToBefore.mp3
Category:Conferences -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Researchers have found a massive amount of plastic on a remote island in the Indian Ocean. The plastic and debris were not made or used by a population of 600 people that live on the island. It came from other countries generated by other people. 

Unfortunately, the local community will be affected by this plastic pollution for decades to come as it will take a lifetime to get rid of all of the plastic. The presence of plastic pollution will affect tourism and could affect the local economy.

Check out more details in the episode. How are you going to change your plastic usage in the future? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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


A new study has revealed a warming Climate has caused a change in the number, location, and intensity of Tornadoes in the US' Tornado Alley. 

I discuss how tornadoes have changed over the past 4 decades and what those ramifications could be for the average US citizen. I also discuss how Climate Change has affected other types of storms and their ramifications.

Take a listen and let me know whether you would live in an area where you know there are going to be more intense storms. Share in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S786_ClimateChangeCausingAShiftInTornadoAlley.mp3
Category:Tornado -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Recent laws that were made in the US regarding abortion made me think that we as citizens in our own countries need to pay attention to politics and how our elected officials vote on particular issues, especially issues that affect the Oceans. It doesn't matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, your elected officials should represent the values of their constituents. We need to monitor environmental issues closely.

In this episode, I discuss how we can do this to make sure laws involving environmental issues that are dear to us don't go the opposite of what we want. 

Take a listen to the episode and share your experiences on watching key issues that are important to you. Share them in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

 

Direct download: SUFB_S785_KeepAnEyeOnPolitics.mp3
Category:politics -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

During yesterday's episode, I talked about how we need to stop letting trash get in our Ocean by living an Ocean Lifestyle. It's a way to make sure that we ask ourselves if what we do, eat, or where will negatively affect the Ocean. 

An Ocean Lifestyle requires educating ourselves on how we can do better and what we can do or buy to make sure we are not having a negative impact on our planet, especially the Ocean.

Take a listen as to what I say in this episode and let me know in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group (http://www.speakupforblue.com/group) how you are living an Ocean Lifestyle.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S784_PursuingAnOceanLifestyle.mp3
Category:Ocean Lifestyle -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

It's amazing that we can find trash in the deepest parts of the Ocean. And when I say amazing, I mean that in the most depressing way!

Some people see the news of trash in the deepest parts of the Ocean and don't know what I do. Other people, like myself, see trash at the deepest parts of the Ocean and want to see action. 

I want to see myself and my community doing more to stop using wasteful products. I want to see us avoid buying products based on waste packaging. I want to see your efforts on social media. Tag me on Instagram, Tag me on Twitter, Post in the Facebook Group images of the type of eco-friendly products you use. Let's build a community of "Doers!"

Share your actions to Live For A Better Ocean in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

 

Direct download: SUFB_S783_ExplorerSetsDepthRecordAndFindsTrash.mp3
Category:Plastic Pollution -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

A recent opinion article that was written by George Monbiot in the Guardian told everyone to stop eating fish in order to save fish stocks. Monbiot listed a number of problems with the current fishing industry in the UK (and can be echoed around the world) and quickly dismissed the solutions that are being implemented to reduce and stop over-fishing. 

I disagree with some of the points made by Monbiot in regards to the success of the conservation solutions. Take a listen to the program.

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

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

 

Direct download: SUFB_S782_CanThePlanetStopEatingFish.mp3
Category:Sustainable Fisheries -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Dr. Johnny Briggs from the PEW Charitable Trust's Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Program to discuss his work on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs) in the UK and the Overseas Territories. The UK committed to protecting 60% of its coastline using a combination of MPAs and OECMs.

Take a listen to determine how PEW and their partners worked on achieving such an ambitious goal.

Do you think they will reach their goal? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

 


Punta Fuego is a Belizean Radio show that follows a fictitious character named Richie, who is a fisherman trying to stay on the right side of the law and abide by fisheries regulations. 

The radio show is designed to target fishing villages across the country to bring about the education of fisheries regulations of Marine Protected Areas. The show has made more fishers aware fo regulations and boundaries of the real MPA. 

Listen to this episode for more information.

Do you think there should be more radio shows that target fishers for conservation purposes? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S780_PuentaFuegoRadioIsHelpingProtectFisheries.mp3
Category:Radio -- posted at: 2:26pm EDT

Dr. Chris Parsons joins me on the podcast again today. This time Chris is discussing the results of a new report on the science of mortality and life expectancy of Marine Mammals in captivity compared to wild. 

There are many misleading "facts" out there regarding mortality and life expectancy so this report comes at the right time. 

Listen to Chris discuss the details now and let us know your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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


Last week a video surfaced of some boaters in Norway that came upon a Beluga Whale in the wild. the interesting fact about this video was that the Beluga Whale had Russian military straps on it. The internet became outraged that this poor Beluga whale was being used to spy for the Russian government; however, what many people failed to realize was that the US military also has a history of using marine mammals.

Dr. Chris Parsons agreed to join me (last minute!!!) to discuss the use of marine mammals in the military along with how they are treated and the protections for the marine mammals.

What do you think of the use of marine mammals in the military? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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


Imagine a life where all businesses go about their business with minimal impact on the Ocean and the Planet as a whole. It sounds like a great dream, doesn't it?! According to a recent UN Global Environmental Health Report, we will need to make serious changes faster to reach that dream, or else. 

The UN Report is a damning one that calls out deleterious human practices that have altered most of the Planet's habitats and put millions of species at risk of extinction as a result.

Listen to the episode for more details and how we enact change within our governments. 

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

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S777_UNGlobalHealthReportCallsForMajorChanges.mp3
Category:ocean -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Dr. Jane Lubchenko, the NOAA Administrator from 2009-2013 while President Obama was in power, called out the Trump Administrations new Nominee for the same position in an Oped in the New York Times.  

Her reasons? 1) He has no scientific background; and, 2) He has a serious conflict of interest. Tune into the episode to find out more.

Share your thoughts on the nominee in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S776_DrJaneLubchenkoWritesOpEdTellingUSSenateToRejectNOAANominee.mp3
Category:NOAA -- posted at: 9:47pm EDT

Large Basking Sharks have been spotted off the coast of Southern California. It's important to note that this has not happened in decades, according to this article. There has actually been an increase in sightings of Basking Sharks, which could mean two things: 1) More people are able to identify Basking Sharks and not mistake them for Great White Sharks; and/or, 2) There are more Basking Sharks coming to the coastline. 

Either one of those possibilities means good news for the Basking Shark population. Find out why by listening to the episode.

What are your thoughts on the episode? Share them in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S775_MoreBaskingSharksSeenOffTheCoastOfSouthernCalifornia.mp3
Category:Basking Sharks -- posted at: 9:13pm EDT

The Buzz Phrase on the month has been "Climate Change Emergency." Federal Governments, States/Provincial Governments, and Municipal Governments have declared Climate Change Emergencies all over the world. However, some governments may just be using it as a way to build a positive relationship with their citizens.  

I discuss 3 articles relating to Climate Change Emergency Declarations and Actions from China, the UK, and my city of Burlington, Ontario in Canada. Take a listen.

Do you think the Climate Change Emergency Declarations are an important step for governments to take in the fight against Climate Change? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S774_WhatDoesDeclaringAClimateChangeEmergencyActuallyMean.mp3
Category:climate change -- posted at: 12:56pm EDT

There are reports of Grey Whales washing up along the West Coast of the US dead. Necropsies were conducted on 20 individuals and the bodies were found to be emaciated, which means the whales have not been eating properly. 

This is a concerning situation because Grey Whales feed by scooping up the sediment and eating the crustaceans that lie within it. If there is not enough food within the sediment, then perhaps managers need to look at what is happening to the sediment such as trawling. 

Trawling can be a destructive practice whereby fishing gear scrapes along the ocean floor to catch bottom-dwelling species in their nets. 

There is a big need to find a solution to this matter as there is a good chance that it is due to human disturbance. 

What do you think is causing the Grey Whale deaths? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

 

Direct download: SUFB_S773_GreyWhalesWashingUpOnBeachDead.mp3
Category:Grey Whale -- posted at: 2:23pm EDT

You never know what is going to happen when you are working in the Marine Conservation Field. It doesn't matter if you are a scientist, a communicator or a marketer because your job could be gone at any moment. 

I'm not trying to scare you. I am trying to prepare you for what might happen to your career as it happened to me as well. 

Working in this field is not secure by any means. You work on temporary contracts, full-time contracts, permanent status, and more options, I'm sure; however, you have to be prepared to apply for jobs as soon as you either quit or lose a job. 

Keeping your resume updated will help you with getting the next job. In this episode, I talk about the many reasons why you need to keep your resume up to date and how you can do it. 

Take a listen to the episode to find out.

Do you keep your resume updated while you have a job? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S772_KeepYourResumeUpToDate.mp3
Category:Marine Conservation Careers -- posted at: 12:03pm EDT

Indonesia is home to the largest coastline in Asia and one of the most biodiverse areas in the Ocean, including the number of marine mammal species that occupy the coastline and deeper sea either for food, call it home or use the island as a migration area to get to their next location.

Unfortunately, the marine mammals don't always swim off into the sunset as they tend to strand quite a bit along the coastline of Indonesia. The citizens that live along the coastline do not always know how to help the stranded marine mammals and if they try to help, they could be doing more harm than good. 

The Government of Indonesia has been in the process of running trainings and workshops to help empower the local coastal communities to help when a stranding event occurs. 

Check out the episode for more detail.

Would you ever join a Marine Mammal Stranding Organizations? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S771_IndonesiaTrainsCitizensForStrandingRescue.mp3
Category:Marine Mammal Stranding -- posted at: 1:18pm EDT

It FINALLY HAPPENED!!! The Canadian Government has upped its Marine Protected Area Standards to exclude some extractive industries from MPA boundaries. 

Take a listen to the episode to find out more details.

Share your thoughts on this monumental decision for Canada and the Ocean in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

 

Direct download: SUFB_S770_CanadianMPAsNowHaveBetterStandards.mp3
Category:Marine Protected Areas -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

A new study from researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick is out concluding that climate change impacts marine species has twice the impact than on land species. 

Take a listen to the episode to find out why.

What do you do to reduce your impact on Climate Change? Share your strategies in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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


Imagine walking up and down the beach on a peaceful morning enjoying the sunrise with your significant other, or may even your family. You enjoy the calmness that is brought by the gentle waves hitting the sandy shore. As the sun lightens the sky, you quickly realize that there are a number of objects along the beach ahead of you. It's a number of dead dolphins...cue horror movie-like music. 

This is happening up and down the coast of Peru right now. Over 3,000 dead dolphins have washed ashore and the culprit might be oil and gas exploration. 

Take a listen to the episode to find out how this happens. 

Do you think the cause of the dead dolphins is oil and gas exploration? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S768_3000DeadDolphinsWashUpAlongCoastalPeru.mp3
Category:Dolphins -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Have you ever wondered what marine conservation looks like in Asia, specifically China? I sat down with Marcy Trent Long, who is the host of the podcast Sustainable Asia, to find out what is happening in the environment in China. 

Take a listen to find out about Marcy's Journey and how she finds ways to communicate environmental issues in China in a country where it can be difficult to communicate in general.

Sustainable Asia Podcast

Let us know what you think of Marcy's podcast in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S767_SustainableAsiaWithMarcyTrentLong.mp3
Category:Sustainable Asia -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation and the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science have created a Global Coral Reef map covering 65,000 square kilometers that is available for free to the public.  

The dataset was collected over a 10-year period as researchers traveled to over 1,000 coral reefs in 15 different countries. 

I talk about the amount of work that has to go into creating a dataset that uses satellites and field data during this episode. Take a listen.

Links:

Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation

University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine And Atmospheric Science

Project Seagrass

How do you think the map will be used for conservation? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S766_GlobalCoralReefMapForConservation.mp3
Category:Coral Reef -- posted at: 3:05pm EDT

I had the wonderful pleasure of sitting down with Janis Searle Jones, the CEO of the Ocean Conservancy, to discuss how the Ocean Conservancy started working to prevent trash (debris and plastics) from entering the Oceans. Their work started with the launch and growth of the International Coastal Clean-Up, which removes 2.5 million pounds of trash every year. Now the Ocean Conservancy has a Trash Free Seas program that works to prevent plastic pollution from entering the Ocean.

My discussion with Janis involves how the Ocean Conservancy works in collaboration with other non-profit organizations and the private sector to address plastic pollution and create a more circular economy. 

Take a listen to the podcast to find out more details about the Ocean Conservancy's Program and how Janis became CEO of the organization.

How would you approach the private sector while discussing plastic pollution? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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


There is a great article in Hakai Magazine involving the questions as to whether every seal should be rescued. Normally, we think of seal rescues as helping a sea rehabilitate from an injury from fishing gear or being shot by humans; however, in the Netherlands, people are rescuing seal pups when the pups are alone on the beach; however, there is a problem with that process. Sometimes the pups are not abandoned all of the time. 

Mother seals will leave their pups alone on the beach after a few weeks old to forage for food. They feed the pups the food when they get back. The foraging could take up to 24 hours. 

So there is a big controversy surrounding the issue of seal rescue in the Netherlands. Listen to the episode to find out more information.

Do you agree with rescuing every pup you see "abandoned?" Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S764_DoAllSealsNeedRescuing.mp3
Category:Seal Rescue -- posted at: 1:55pm EDT

Happy Earth Day!!!

I am joined by Angelo Villagomez. He is the man who started the #30EarthMonthHeroes to get people to highlight the people who they admire in the fight to conserve our planet, on land and in the sea.

Angelo and I discuss why he started the hashtag and some of the results he has observed since April 1st. 

Check out the hashtag by clicking here: #30EarthMonthHeroes

What are you doing for Earth Day? Share your experiences in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S763_30EarthMonthHeroes.mp3
Category:Earth Day -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Last week the world witnessed a fire that destroyed most of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Two days after the fire was put out, there were $700 million Euros donated by billionaires and governments to restore the cathedral.

The question that crossed the minds of many people was: Why can't mobilize the same amount of money for environmental issues such as Climate Change?

I rant about this on this episode.

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

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S762_NotreDameCathedralVsTheEnvironment.mp3
Category:Notre Dame Cathedral -- posted at: 10:06pm EDT

The Great White Shark is a predator there is no doubt about that; however, is it THE apex predator? In other words, is there something else that hunts down the Great White Shark? There is and this animal is the Apex predator of the Ocean. 

This animal has been known to hunt Great White Sharks off the coast of South Africa and off the West Coast of the United States. 

Can you guess what this animal is? Listen to the episode and let us know your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S761_GreatWhiteSharksAreAfraidOfOrcas.mp3
Category:Great White Sharks -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Horseshoe crabs are amazing to see along the beaches from Maine to Florida. We often see them in the touch tanks at public aquariums. They are cool looking with their armored shell and prehistoric look. In fact, they are prehistoric. They have been around for 450 million years with little change in their looks. 

Humans have found an important use for them as well and that alone fuels the need to protect these prehistoric species. 

Listen to the episode to find out why. 

Do you know why horseshoe crabs are not really considered crabs? Share your answers in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S760_WeNeedToProtectHorseshoeCrabsAndHereIsWhy.mp3
Category:Horseshoe Crabs -- posted at: 7:02pm EDT

Teresa Iglesias, a biologist at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, recently co-authored a paper on whether cuttlefish can dream. Teresa and her team observed Rapid Eye Movement (REM) in cuttlefish during an experiment that also occurs in mammals and other vertebrates. REM in humans is what scientists think leads us to dream. Of course, it is difficult to provide evidence that cuttlefish dream, the possibility of it happening is more real than we might have thought before this study.

Link to study: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cuttlefish-are-dazzling-but-do-they-dream/

What is your favourite species? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S759_DoCuttlefishSleep.mp3
Category:Cuttlefish -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

The Endangered Right Whale population has been through a lot of survival problems since its population started to decline in 2010. There are now an estimated 411 individual whales left and less than 100 breeding females. It's not a good sign. 

Two years ago, we lost 17 individuals from the population after many of them died in the Gulf of St. Lawrence due to either ship strikes or fishing gear entanglement. Things were not looking good for the population; however, in 2018, we didn't have any reported mortalities and this year we have observed 7 Northern Right Whale Calves in there wintering location around Jacksonville, Florida

You bet researchers and conservationists are keeping a close eye on the mother and calf pairs. 

Listen to the episode for more details and share your thoughts on what the calves mean for the Northern Right Whale Population in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S758_RightWhaleCalvesSpottedInCapeCodBay.mp3
Category:Northern Right Whale Calf -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

I am joined by Dr. Stacy Baez, who works with the PEW Charitable Trust on their Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Program. Stacy and I discuss the work that PEW does all around the world to support the discussion, strategies, and implementation of Marine Protected Areas. 

Stacy's job involves traveling to different countries and speaking to governments as well as other stakeholders about the benefits of MPAs and help them to understand how MPAs could help their local situation. 

Warning: There are times where I speak too much during the interview (I apologize for that). I tend to get excited and sidetracked when discussing MPAs. Dr. Baez answered every question with fantastic answers and I am proud to publish this episode.

Share your thoughts on the status of MPAs around the world in our Speak Up for Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Links mentioned during this episode:

PEW Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Program

Angelo's Post On PEWs Blog

Paper: Large Marine Protected Areas - Status

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

 

Direct download: SUFB_S757_PEWResearchKeyToLargeMarineProtectedAreas.mp3
Category:PEW -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Fauna and Flora International has reported that zero leatherback sea turtles nested along the beaches in the Rio Escalente Chacocente Wildlife Reserve this past season. A result that has the scientists at FFI worried about the future of Leatherback Sea Turtles in the Eastern Pacific that once had 30-40 female individuals nest on the same beaches in the 1980s. 

The rapid decline has been attributed to a boom in turtle and egg poaching during the 80s and 90s as well as adults getting killed in legal and illegal fishing nets. 

5-10 individual female turtles nested on the same beaches in 2018. Researches are puzzled as to why the turtles did not return and hope to find ways to get sea turtles back to the beach. 

Listen to the episode to find out we the female to male sea turtle ration is also worrying marine scientists in this region.

Share your thoughts on Sea Turtle Conservation in the Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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


We see Marine Protected Areas being designated left, right, and centre. We always hear about the percentage of the area of the Oceans that are being designated. There is a reason for that. It's because of the Convention Of Biological Diversity at the meeting in Aichi, Japan (Target 11) that calls for nations to protect 10% of the Ocean. 

A recent paper calls out nations for focusing too much on the percentage instead of evaluating the type of biodiversity that is being protected. 

Check out the episode to listen to the details.

Share your thoughts on MPAs near you in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S755_MPAsQualityOverQuantity.mp3
Category:Marine Protected Areas -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

We have witnessed many floods around the world lately. It's Spring, so the snow melts in the temperate parts of the world, which causes more water to run. When you add Spring rainfall into the mix, then you get even more water running everywhere. 

Traditionally, the extra water would flood in areas known as floodplains. The floodplains tend to be natural areas that would get flooded every once and a while, but wouldn't harm anyone...until humans started to develop on them.

Find out why governments do not want to help the people who buy or build homes in floodplains by listening to this episode.

Share your thoughts on whether you would want to bail people out after they purchased houses on floodplains: http://www.speakupforlbue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S754_DontBuildYourHomesInFloodPlains.mp3
Category:Floodplains -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

If Anemones and their close relatives, corals, don't have a tough enough time with climate change consequences that cause mass bleaching, they seem to also be dealing with taking in microfibres

Microfibres enter the ocean through "shedding" during the laundry cycle, enter into the sewage treatment system and get into local waterways that will empty into the ocean, eventually. 

The microfibres could be from nylon, polyester, and polypropylene materials. Take a look and the tags on your clothes and see if these materials are on them. Chance are they are there because they are quite common. 

Listen to the episode to find out about the study that discovered this possibility. Share your thoughts on how you buy your clothes to prevent microfibres from getting into the Ocean in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S753_AnemonesTakeInMicrofibres.mp3
Category:Microfibres -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

I received an email this morning that inspired this episode. I get asked many times how people can change careers to one that is in Marine Conservation. It's not easy and for many, it can be scary. 

I provide some advice for those of you who want to change your careers to Marine Conservation. 

I would be more than happy to help you with your career. I also offer coaching services for those who are really ready to go after the career they want.

Feel free to ask questions about your career in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S752_SwitchingToACareerInMarineConservation.mp3
Category:Marine Conservation Careers -- posted at: 2:20pm EDT

Belize has doubled the amount of No-Take Marine Protected Areas in its waters to boost biodiversity and protect fisheries from future fishing pressure. 

The new No-Take MPAs as located in waters that range from 200-3000 metre deep and includes a coral reef complex called the Corona Reef. Corona Reef has been identified as an aggregation area of commercially important finfish species. The MPAs are not under significant fishing pressure at the moment; however, investments have been made to build larger boats and better gear that will handle the new depth range. 

The MPAs are designed to pro-actively protect the finfish species before the aggregation areas are depleted due to overfishing.

The No-Take MPA increase puts Belize at 12% of its coastal and marine waters over the 10% goal outlined in the Convention on Biological Diversity. 

Do you think this is good forward thinking by the Belizean Government? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S751_BelizeNearlyDoublesNoTakeMPAInDeeperWaters.mp3
Category:Marine Protected Areas -- posted at: 4:23pm EDT

There is nothing better than watching a nature documentary narrated by David Attenborough. The graphics delight my eyes and Attenborough's voice soothes my soul! It's why I was so excited that Netflix released its Original Series called Our Planet (Available Now!). 

I started watching the series and I was quite surprised to see a graphic scene at the end of the second episode entitled Frozen Planet. One of the final scenes showed Walruses falling off cliffs along the Alaskan shores as they were trying to get back in the water. I don't know Walruses could climb? I definitely didn't know that they can't climb back down.

It's a graphic scene that had me wondering. Luckily, there is an article that explains part of the story. I discuss it in this episode.

Listen to the episode to find out why these animals fall off cliffs.

Did you think the Walrus scene was too graphic? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S750_WhyAreWalrusesFallingoffCliffsInOurPlanet.mp3
Category:Walruses -- posted at: 4:16pm EDT

For decades the Queensland Government has been authorizing the killing of a list of sharks that may pose harm to bathers along the beautiful beaches of the Great Barrier Marine Park. The Shark population has since decreased due to the ignorant killings.  Sharks would be caught on baited drum lines and government contractors would go and shoot the sharks. 

The Humane Society launched a lawsuit in collaboration with other Marine Conservation Organizations, including Law Organizations to stop the senseless killing. Even the science says killing sharks will not offer better protections against bathers. 

The courts have ruled in favor of the sharks as they sided with the scientific evidence that proves shark cullings do not work to protect bathers. 

Drum lines may still be used; however, the sharks will have to be released almost immediately as well as tag all great white sharks, bull sharks, and tiger sharks. 

Do you agree with the ban on killing sharks? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast: http://www.speakupforblut.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

 

Direct download: SUFB_S749_SharksProtectedInGreatBarrierReef.mp3
Category:Shark Protection -- posted at: 4:11pm EDT

S-203 is a Bill in Canada that will make marine mammal captivity illegal in Canada. The bill is set to be presented in the House of Common before the House is released for summer. The Vancouver Aquarium and Marineland are the only two facilities that currently hold marine mammals. The current cetaceans in the facilities are grandfathered in; however, they cannot take on any more animals after the bill is implemented. A fine of $200,000 for each violation will be enforced if the facilities do not abide by the new law.

Do you agree with the ban? Share your thoughts in the Speak UP For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S748_CanadaSetToPassBanOnMarineMammalCaptivityBill.mp3
Category:Marine Mammals -- posted at: 5:57pm EDT

Nick Wehner joins me on the podcast today to discuss the use of the p-values in Marine Science studies. Statistical Societies have been telling the science community to be careful of only using the p-values as a way to measure significance as that is not always enough; however, it seems as though the scientific community has not changed its ways in its use of the p-value. 

What say you? Share your thought in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Links Associated with this Episode:

Open Communications For The Oceans

MarXiv

American Statistical Association's Statement on p-Values: Context, Process, and Purpose

Summary of the Above Article in Nature

Impact of Criticism of Null‐Hypothesis Significance Testing on Statistical Reporting Practices in Conservation Biology

Improving the transparency of statistical reporting in Conservation Letters

Learning more open research methodology

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S747_SignificanceOfPValuesIsItEnough.mp3
Category:Conservation Statistics -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

This has been an interesting week for Climate Change in Canada. The Federal Government roled out the Carbon Tax for Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick, then the government released a report that Canada was warming more than what we initially thought, and then the Environment Commissioner came out with a scathing report saying that the government was not doing enough about reducing Climate Change.

I posted a number of these articles on social media and I read the comments on my posts as well as others. I was very surprised to see the lack of support for anything that was proposed to reduce Climate Change from people in my friends' network as well as many others that were not in my network. 

How do we reach those people and what message do we give them to help us? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S746_WhereWeAreWithClimateChange.mp3
Category:climate change -- posted at: 4:53pm EDT

I am very happy to present this interview I had with Erica Moulton, Director of STEM at St. Petersburg College and fellow Oceanpreneur. We chat about all her projects that she has on the go because they each contribute to Marine Conservation in different ways. 

Erica's Director position at the college offers students a chance to get a feel for the hands-on work it will take for various jobs in STEM so there are no surprises in the future after the students graduate. Students get a taste for the field during their time at the college.

Erica's for-profit business sells kits to schools and other groups to build their very own PVC Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). People of all ages have a chance to learn how to use technology for underwater exploration and learn to troubleshoot problems that arise in the field.

Erica's Center For Ocean Exploration is a Citizen Science program that works with the community to help clean up beads in Local Bays after a parade where plastic beads are given out to people for free. The beads end up in the bay from improper disposal. 

As you can see, Erica is a rockstar Oceanpreneur who is very busy. During the Interview, Erica discusses how she doesn't watch TV so these ventures keep her busy. 

Did you ever want to become an Oceanpreneur? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S745_MarineConservationAsAnOceanpreneur.mp3
Category:Oceanpreneur -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Maxime Ducker, the founder of OurGoodBrands.com, joins me on the podcast to discuss her work profiling and promoting great brands that do social and environmental good. 

Maxime provides us with information on Social Enterprise trends in the social impact sectors. We discuss 4Oceans, the Fashion Sector, and the Zero Waste Living sector.

Consider visiting OurGoodBrands.com to find out more about trends in the social enterprise sectors that could help you live for a better Ocean.

Do you have a specific social good brand that you love? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S744_ProfilingGoodBrandsWithMaximeDucker.mp3
Category:social enterprise -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

I published an episode on herring fishers in British Columbia that were harassing sea lions, who were also catching herring. the trouble was, the herring were being caught by sea lions while in the fisher's gill nets. I asked the question "Who has priority over the herring?"

I felt bad for both sides of the issue (the fishers and the sea lions), but as a conservationist, I tended to side with the sea lions. To get a feel for how fishers thought about the issue, I asked some recreational fishermen in the Fish Nerds Podcast group last week. I was happy to find that I got responses!

Check out the episode for the responses and let me know what you thought of them in the Speak Up For Blue Ocean Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

  

Direct download: SUFB_S743_WhatFishNerdsThinkOfTheSeaLionIssueInBC.mp3
Category:Sea Lions Herring -- posted at: 2:11pm EDT

Canada has finally implemented its Carbon tax for the remaining provinces who hadn't yet implemented the Federally mandated program. The Provinces had a chance to implement their own carbon tax; however, Conservative leadership in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan refused to abide by the plan. Therefore, the Federal government instituted its own Carbon Tax for the provinces. 

There are many people in Canada who hate paying taxes and have many reasons for opposing the tax. All in all, people don't think it's going to work and/or they don't trust the governments to manage the money.

I go through the top 10 myths of the Carbon Tax for Canadians and provide the true facts proving each myth wrong. 

Do you agree with the Carbon Tax? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

 

Direct download: SUFB_S742_TheCarbonTaxInOntarioIsInPlace.mp3
Category:Carbon Tax -- posted at: 1:31pm EDT

A new article in Think Progress has reported that Renewable Energy, such as solar and wind, are becoming more competitive than coal and natural gas as prices for batteries (for energy storage) and manufacturing parts drop. 

The article comes at a time when the President of the United States mocked wind energy at a recent rally. We all know that the President backs fossil fuel energy as many of the Republic Donors are from the industry. 

The point of this episode is to let you know that even though some people are repeating old rhetoric about Renewable Energy sources, it doesn't mean people aren't moving full steam ahead on making the energy market more efficient. 

What do you think of Renewable Energy? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S741_RenewablesAreBecomingMoreCompetitive.mp3
Category:Renewable Energy -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez has been shaking up Congress on many levels including calling out banks who support fossil fuels, calling out crooked business people making shaded deals, and backing the Green New Deal. 

The Republicans have decided to attack the Green New Deal and anyone who is trying to address Climate Change and tagging them as "The Elite Left." You would think that this rhetoric should be ignored as it is the furthest from the truth; however, the rhetoric travels and becomes part of the conversation in these times that can sink any deal including the Green New Deal. AOC is not having it and she decided to meet her critics head-on.

I add a bit of commentary and play AOC's rant in this episode because I think it's important to hear. Not just as people on the right or the left of the political spectrum, but as human beings and realize the lives that can be saved by addressing Climate Change.

Source of Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9F9NDWshLs&t=300s

What did you think of AOC's comments? Let me know in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

Direct download: SUFB_S740_AClimateChangeRantWithAOC_1.mp3
Category:Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez -- posted at: 4:20pm EDT

This is a listener request episode, where Alexandra Avila emailed me to ask me how the size of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) was determined for nearshore fisheries. Of course, the size of an MPA varies from place to place and fish to fish (some times the MPA is protecting several different species). Therefore, you will really need to listen to the episode to hear my answer. 

Do you have anything to add? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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

 

Direct download: SUFB_S739_TheProcessOfCreatingMPAs.mp3
Category:Marine Protected Areas -- posted at: 1:53pm EDT

Ocean Optimism is always good to have when trying to do Marine Conservation; however, the optimism is quickly dissipating with the Vaquita in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico. 

As you may know, the small porpoise that is known as the Vaquita is closer to extinction every day because of the fishery of another endangered species called the totoaba, which is fished for its swim bladder and shipped to Asia for "medicinal" purposes. 

There may be a slight chance in their recovery as researchers may have been mistaken regarding the frequency of births among the vaquita population as there may have been a mistake in estimating the number of times a sexually mature female will reproduce. It used to be every 2 years and now it may be every year. 

Do you think reproducing once a year will help with the recovery of the Vaquita? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Direct download: SUFB_S738_VaquitaDownTo10IndividualsButBirthRateCouldHelpInRecovery.mp3
Category:Vaquita -- posted at: 2:53pm EDT

We are always asked by Marine Conservation organizations for their support for the work that they do. The organizations often ask us for money to help fund their work, but there are other ways in which we can support organizations without having to fork over our hard-earned money that we may not be able to donate. 

In this episode, I discuss the Marine Conservation Organizations that I love and how I support them. I take my time in supporting them. I get to know the organizations via social media or when I meet someone who works for the organization. I use a variety of different support methods that range from share posts/reports to serving on the board of directors.

Who do you support and how do you support them? Share your strategies in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.


Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a great tool in the Conservation toolbelt as they have, do, and continue to protect fisheries and biodiversity all over the world; however, MPAs do not protect certain species from other human disturbances such water pollution and climate change. 

A new Mongabay article covered a paper that was authored by John Bruno and a team of scientists that reviewed 18 peer-reviewed articles that studied the recovery of reef-building corals within MPAs compared to the corals outside MPAs. The researchers found that there was no difference in health because Climate Change played a more important role in affecting the corals' health. 

It's important to know that MPAs can help protect species, habitats, and special ocean environments (spawning and nursery habitats), but it can't protect everything. I discuss why that is during this episode. 

Take a listen to find out why.  

Do you like Marine Protected Areas? Share your thoughts in this article and MPAs in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.


Buying seafood is a difficult process these days, especially if you would like to buy sustainably caught seafood. There are so many things to take into account such as farmed vs wild caught, how the seafood was caught, where it was caught, and who caught it.

Then, when you finally think you have everything solved with apps such as Seafood Watch and programs such as Ocean Wise, you find out that the seafood you bought has a 48% chance (in Canadian cities) that it may not be the seafood you thought you were buying, or as it was advertised. In other words, seafood fraud is a big problem. 

So how do you buy seafood that solves all of the problems highlighted above? So search for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label. MSC works with 400 fisheries around the world throughout the entire supply chain to ensure its 30,000 products that carry the MSC label are sustainable.

Lucy Erickson, the Science Communications Manager for MSC, joins me on the podcast to discuss how the MSC program works and to give us hope in fisheries for the future. 

Do you buy MSC products? Share your experiences in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Links Associated With MSC:

https://www.msc.org/

https://www.msc.org/en-us/

MSC Fisheries Standards: https://www.msc.org/standards-and-certification/developing-our-standards/the-fisheries-standard-review

Avoid Being Duped By Seafood Fraud:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2196872-a-third-of-fish-sold-is-mislabelled-heres-how-to-avoid-being-duped/#.XJUJXBM9tkw.twitter

 

Direct download: SUFB_S735_MarineStewardshipCouncilWithLucyErickson.mp3
Category:Seafood -- posted at: 11:58am EDT

Nick Wehner joins me on the podcast today to discuss some huge news from the ongoing world of Pay Wall Journals vs Open Access Journals. The University of California has officially ended its contract with the publisher Elsevier, which was worth $11 million. UC said it was ending the contract to continue its pursuit of more available Open Access documents. 

A whopping 70% of Marine Conservation Managers do not have access to scientific journals that can provide the managers with informed decisions based on the most recent science and conservation studies. The expense for the yearly subscriptions for the journals is way out of the budget for most managers, small universities, and some state/provincial governments.

Controlling access to the information in the journals defeats the purpose of science, which is to share data with the world. The paywall journals make hundreds of millions of dollars per year on subscriptions to scientific studies without paying the scientists who pay to produce the material.

Do you think the UC deal will affect the paywall journal business model in the near future? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.  


Florida is thinking of banning plastic straws in the state, but not before a 5-year study to see how it would impact the people of Florida. You are probably wondering why Florida would wait for 5 years, or you might be rolling your eyes saying "Oh Florida!!!"

However, I don't necessarily disagree with the State government on this matter. Banning plastic straws altogether could be bad for people with disabilities, who cannot use alternatives such as metal or paper straws. An all-out ban on plastic straws could exclude people with disabilities; therefore, it makes sense do a study. 

I think we all need to realize that governments move slowly for a reason: They have to get it right. If the state government is going to pass a bill, the state can't just amend it easily if they make a mistake. A 5-year study may seem like a long time, but it takes time to do science right. 

I just hope that any exceptions will be found quickly and we can see a 90% ban come into place soon.

Do you think the Florida government is doing the right thing? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S733_PlasticStrawBanDelayedGoodThing.mp3
Category:Plastic Straw Ban -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Have you ever wondered why Mako sharks swim so fast through the water? Well, researchers have found out how they are able to handle the resistance of a medium such as salt water. It all comes down to their denticles. 

Mako sharks have flexible denticles that move to lower the resistance of water in places that will offer the most resistance (the gills) where flow separation exists. Flow separation is where water passes over a structure quickly and then slow down to form tiny eddies. The flexibility in the denticles offers less resistance and takes away the flow separation allowing the shark to continue to gain speed through the water. 

Researchers have already used this technology in making swimsuits and now they are looking towards the skies to make helicopters more efficient. 

Find out how by listening to the episode. 

What other application do you think could work for the denticles? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S732_MakoScalesMakeThemFaster.mp3
Category:Mako Shark -- posted at: 2:19pm EDT

There was a National Geographic article that came out a couple of weeks ago claiming their research team found a "New" type of Orca in the subantarctic (coastal Antarctica). 

The "New" ecotype of orca is called Type D and it has clear morphological differences as the eyepatch is larger, the dorsal fin is longer and more narrow, and the animal is shorter than other Orcas. 

Unfortunately, their claims that the species is new are false. Researchers have known about the Ecotype D Orca since 1904.

It is great that the team of scientists and explorers were able to get underwater video as well as a tissue sample for DNA analysis. Scientists might be able to figure out whether the ecotypes are genetically difference, which would mean there may be a new species.

What are your thoughts on the article? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S731_WasAnArticleClaimingToFindANewOrcaSpeciesOverblown.mp3
Category:Orca -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Greta Thundberg, a 16-year-old girl, was the inspiration for the global student strike against climate change that occurred last Friday, March 15th during what she calls #FridaysForTheFuture. 

Greta started protesting against climate change after she saw inaction from politicians, engineers, professionals, and even her own parents in August 2018. She missed school for 3 weeks to protest in front of the Swedish Parliament, where she started to inspired students and adults alike. Her protests caught the attention of major news agencies in Sweden, which led to her protests having a bigger reach. 

Earlier this year, Greta spoke to a panel of international leaders at COP18 telling them that they need to take more action on Climate Change. 

Her leadership has inspired her generation on a global scale. 

I discuss the impact she will have on her generation and try to squash criticisms of her and other youth action takers by people who are always coming up with excuses.  

Do you think Greta is an inspiration? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean


One week ago today, more than 150 people died tragically in a plane crash in Ethiopia. Several young and bright scientists were among those who died in the crash as they were on their way to a United Nations of the Environment Conference in Kenya. 

Today, I read their names so that we can remember who they were and what they did for conservation.

Direct download: SUFB_S729_TheScientistsWhoDiedInTheEthiopianCrash.mp3
Category:Ethiopian Plane Crash -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Illegal fishing is a big problem in the Ocean. It's a problem because the ships can be hard to find and marine conservations may not know a lot of distribution information of the fish being illegally caught. Fishers tend to know where the best fish aggregation sites are. Illegal fishers do to and they won't tell anyone where these sites are. Tools are necessary to find these sites where illegal fishing can occur.

A team of scientists may have inadvertently found a way to detect where these sites may be by using telemetry tags. A long-term study that involved tagging sharks in the Chagos Sea Marine Sanctuary may have stumbled upon illegal fishing within the protected area.

The telemetry tags track individual sharks within a certain area and will identify the places the sharks like to go within the protected area. The tags will stop working once they are taken out of the water and log the last location it was in the water. As a tagged shark is illegally caught, the researchers will know exactly where it was caught.

Unfortunately, enforcement authorities cannot catch the illegal fishers in real time; however, they can study the trends and identify hot spots for illegal fishing. The hot spots can turn into a focus for enforcement or better management implementation.

Do you think telemetry tags are a good tool to fight illegal fishing? Share your thoughts in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://wwwspeakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S728_TelemetryTagsCanBeToolToDetectIllegalFisheries.mp3
Category:Telemetry Tags -- posted at: 5:39pm EDT

Oil spills happen. As we have seen over the past couple of episodes, oil spills can happen anywhere and sometimes governments facilitate the process by not protecting their citizens. Unfortunately, oil spills can have a drastic negative influence on small communities such as Renell Island, a small island within the chain of the Solomon Islands. 

A tank carrying 700 tonnes of oil was ashore during a cyclone and spilled at least 80 tonnes of oil over a reef and coastline just off of Rennell Island. The oil turned the water black, poisoned the fish, killed the corals, contaminated the spring water (where the communities get their drinking water), and cut the island's food supply to those communities (they depend on fish, but know need to collect food from the Government to eat. 

This is just one example of how oil can have negative impacts on coastal communities. Perhaps we should remember that you don't have to be in the Solomon Islands to get affected by oil spills. 

What are your thoughts on this oils spill? Share them in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Direct download: SUFB_S727_SmallIslandPaysPriceDuringOilSpill.mp3
Category:Oil Spill -- posted at: 1:17pm EDT

The Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico was one of the worst oils spill disasters in US History. The Obama administration wrote specific regulations in response to prevent another disaster from happening again. 

Since 2016, the Trump administration has given out many waivers to those regulations as oil companies have stated the regulations will slow their process down. The waivers mean that a disaster like the Deepwater Horizon can happen again at any moment. 

I rant in this episode because it doesn't make sense to provide waivers to regulations that will save lives and protect the US economy along coastal states. 

Do you agree with me about the waivers? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S726_SideSteppingOilSafetyRegualtionsWillLeadToDisaster.mp3
Category:Deepwater Horizon -- posted at: 2:15pm EDT

Husky Oil Company was responsible for an Oil Spill of 250,000 Litres off the Coast of St. John's, Newfoundland last November (2018). The slick was 21 km long and 8 km wide; however, the media relations people for the company did not make the dimensions of the slick available for the public. Why didn't they make it available? Perhaps it was because the public has difficulty picturing how much Ocean a 250,000 Litre oil spill would cover. 

Academics from Memorial University would like to see more research by Husky and the Provincial/Federal governments to understand how an oil spill will behave in a cold water ocean environment. 

Share your thoughts on this episode in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakpuforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S725_CanadianOilSpillsNeededBetterReportingDuringSpills.mp3
Category:Oil Spill -- posted at: 12:52pm EDT

Dr. Edward Hind-Ozan shared a great article that really got our Speak Up For Blue Group thinking about the prioritization of finding Ocean Solutions. The article discusses how there seems to be a heavy push in funding and policy for plastic pollution, but little support for Climate Change, which has been deemed a number one priority for many governments. 

Plastic pollution is an interesting issue to tackle. It's tangible; the solutions are measurable; and people can get behind the idea of plastic bans for straws, water bottles, and plastic bags. However, Climate Change is a harder thing to tackle and it costs a lot of money.

Do you think plastic pollution is the low hanging fruit?

Share your thoughts in the Facebook Grou: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean


A video of a fisherman throwing a bear bomb into a pod of sea lions out in the ocean went viral on the web recently. The fisherman laughed about the incident confirming his distaste for the pinnipeds. He's not the only fisherman who finds the sea lions pests. Others have been complaining about sea lions eating their herring catch right out of their nets often damaging their fishing gear. 

There seems to be a notion that the sea lion and seal population is out of control; however, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well as other experts from the Vancouver Aquarium, disagree. The population hovers around 105,000 individuals and has been stable since 1999. The sea lion population is one-third of that of the seal population. The experts say the population is in line with the historical population before the Europeans came to North America and began hunting them to near decimation.

So there is no validity to the perception that the population is growing out of control. The question that needs to be answered is who has the priority for eating the fish, humans or pinnipeds (seals, sea lions)?

Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S723_BCSealionPopulationsAreNotOutOfControl.mp3
Category:Sea Lions -- posted at: 2:20pm EDT

I got the chance to sit down with John Davis to discuss how funding for projects for fighting marine plastic pollution is shifting from a non-profit model to a for-profit model. The shift comes with companies and venture capitalists that have identified a number of opportunities to make money off of harnessing ocean plastic pollution to make a profit and an impact. 

John and I dive into how the funding was distributed in the past and how many of the original organizations are being left out of the funding for a new model. 

Do these organizations that fight marine plastic pollution need to evolve with the times to survive and build on their legacy? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Links From This Episode:

OCTO (Open Communications For The Oceans)

Marine Debris Listserv


We all know that the Vaquita, a small porpoise endemic to the Sea of Cortez, is nearly extinct; however, there are many organizations that are still fighting to keep the Vaquita from going extinct. 

The Vaquita population is in trouble because they keep getting killed from illegal fishing practices in the Sea of Cortez by fishers who are trying to catch another endangered species called Totoaba. Asian countries are seeking out these fish for their swim bladders in which they think has healing properties (it has never been medically proven). 

The people working to protect the Totoaba and the Vaquita are having a hard time stopping the fishers from catching an illegal, but high priced fish. Some organizations have moved to stop the middle people from arranging the shipments of Totoaba swim bladders to China from Mexico. And it's working!

A new commentary on Mongabay news by Andrea Crosta, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the international illegal trade watchdog group, Elephant Action League, describes how her organization and partners have infiltrated some operations that conduct illegal operations to provide information to the proper authorities to make arrests. 

Check out the rest of the details by listening to the podcast. 

Do you think organizations should help provide intelligence on illegal operations that could lead to an arrest? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S721_LawEnforcementDisruptingTradeThatIsKillingTheVaquita.mp3
Category:Vaquita -- posted at: 1:12pm EDT

A number of episodes ago, I discussed an article that showed an increase in sales at thrift stores in the UK. I admitted to you that I had never bought 2nd hand clothes before and I couldn't even tell you how the process works. 

I received a number of messages after that episode from the audience telling me about their experiences in shopping 2nd hand and how they did it almost exclusively. 

Jackie Lang was one of those people who reached out, so I asked her to be on the show to discuss her experience with buying clothes from thrift stores.

Enjoy the episode and let me know whether you shop at thrift stores. Share your experiences in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S720_HowToShopForUsedClothingWithJackieLang.mp3
Category:Thrift Stores -- posted at: 1:20pm EDT

Plastic pollution is a big problem in all parts of the world, especially in harbors and coastal areas where rivers empty into the ocean. There are teams of people who are trying to figure out how to clean up the plastic and debris in the Oceans and there are others that are trying to keep the human population from using more single-use plastic. 

A Dutch Environmental Company called RanMarine has developed a drone that will float on the surface of the water that will "eat" plastic. The drone is called the WasteShark. The WasteShark is designed after the whale shark as it swallows everything in its path when it opens its mouth. The drone can "eat" up to 60kg off of one charge of 8 hours.

Take a listen to the episode and let me know what you think about the WasteShark in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S719_WasteSharkWillEatPlasticAlongTheCoast.mp3
Category:WasteShark -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

The Great White Shark is a mysterious animal. Feared by many and respected by all for their status as an apex predator. The shark has been around for hundreds of millions of years, where it has evolved many times to survive. Scientists have been wondering how a primitive shark could survive for so long without being wiped out. The answer may be in their DNA. 

A team of researchers has been able to crack the code of the Great White Shark DNA and they discovered 2 things.

Take a listen to the episode to find out what those important things are.

Share your thoughts on the breakthrough in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Resources: https://earthsky.org/earth/great-white-shark-genome-decoded

Direct download: SUFB_S718_GreatWhiteSharkGenomeDecodedHealthSecretsUnlocked.mp3
Category:Great White Sharks -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

There are a couple of videos that I came across on the internet today that really got me on a rant that I recorded for today's podcast.

The first video is of a child near a shoreline feeding a stingray shrimp. The child pets the animal and even lifts up the front par to of the stingray to slid food towards its mouth on the underside. All of this is going on while the parents hand the child more shrimp to feed the stingray.

The second video is of a boy who wants to become the next Steve Irwin. The video is of the boy walking along an estuary when he comes across a few stingrays. He takes the stingrays OUT OF THE WATER to show the camera and speak to the audience to show the animal's features. Taking the animal out of the water is taking away its oxygen supply. 

The boy ends up finding a stingray that is giving birth. He pulls the animal out of the water, discovers the babies, and proceeds to pull all of the babies out of the mother by their tails.

In both of these situations, there are parents that are helping these kids touch the animals. 

It's time for parents and adults to teach kids to be kind to animals and leave them alone!!!

Do you teach your kids not to touch animals in the wild? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: https://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S717_LeaveStingRaysAloneParentsTeachYourKids.mp3
Category:Wildlife -- posted at: 3:09pm EDT

Imagine a world where your products are not made of microplastics, but some alternative compound derived from squid teeth. Crazy, right? Well, the idea may not be so far fetched. 

Melik Demirel, director of Penn State’s Center for Research on Advanced Fiber Technologies, has discovered a way to use the proteins from squid ring teeth (the serrated rings along squid tentacles) as a way to create an alternative to microplastics. 

The proteins can be grown in a lab via E. coli; therefore, there is no need to harvest already dwindling species of squid to make the products at a larger scale. 

The proteins are tough and have regenerative properties that can make clothing more durable and sustainable. 

A life without microplastics may be closer than we think. Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: https://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.  

Direct download: SUFB_S716_SquidTeethCouldReplaceMicroplastics.mp3
Category:Squid Cephalopods -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

A few episodes ago I spoke about how some Non-profit organizations were taking advantage of early career scientists/conservationists by asking them to work for free on what should be paid positions.

This episode I list alternative ways to work in Marine Conservation without going the traditional 9-5 route. 

I would love your feedback on this episode and if you would ever consider following an alternative career path in Marine Conservation. Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.  


Marauder Robotics is currently developing (and about to test) an underwater robot that will hunt for sea urchins in hopes to curtail their predation and destruction of kelp beds in different parts of the world. 

I learned about food web dynamics in University where the professors used sea otter-urchin-kelp bed dynamics as an example. Don't worry, I give you a short explanation in this episode. 

Do you think we should be using underwater robots to balance ecological issues that we probably caused in the first place? Listen to the episode and let me know what you think in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.  

Direct download: SUFB_S714_SeaUrchinHuntingUnderwaterRobots.mp3
Category:Sea Urchins -- posted at: 1:39pm EDT

I had the pleasure of attending OceanWise's Chowder Chowdown event in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in the Distillery District last night. It was a fantastic time catching up with friends and enjoying great sustainable food. 

The OceanWise program is designed to support and highlight restaurants/chefs that follow sustainable seafood practices. I spoke with some people at the event who mentioned that there was a definite difference in sustainable seafood practice between independent restaurants and franchise restaurants.  

There is still plenty of work to do to get more sustainable in the future, but programs such as OceanWise will help consumers and restaurants achieve them faster.

Do you follow a program similar to OceanWise? Share it in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.  

Direct download: SUFB_S713_ChowderChowdownForOceanWise.mp3
Category:Chowder -- posted at: 1:20pm EDT

The Capelin Fishing community in Newfoundland and Labrador is concerned that the stock has declined to a point where their livelihoods are in trouble. The fishing community has observed Capelin spawning later in the summer than normal and the individuals that are spawning are smaller than normal. 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists are not too concerned about the low numbers of capelin as the stock has gone lower in the recent past and has rebounded. Capelin are prey to cod, turbot, salmon, whales, and seabirds; therefore, their numbers are related to the number of predators. Capelin numbers fell to an all-time low right before the cod stocks collapsed in the late 1990s and it took them over a decade to recover. Cod and turbot stocks are doing better, which could lead to a decrease in capelin numbers in the short term.

The big question for this story is how do you manage a fishery, where the fish are being eaten by natural predators rather than humans. Let me know what you think of this situation in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.   


I happened to be tagged in a post in the Marine Biology Network and Job Postings Facebook Group last night that became riddled with comments from a variety of people. The post was an ad for an "internship" with the job requirements designed for a paid position for somebody with 5-10 of experience. 

I go on an almost 20-minute rant on how organizations need to stop taking advantage of experience-hungry early career marine conservationists and ask them to work for free in a position that requires them to work what would normally be considered 5 positions. 

Check out my rant and visit the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group if you want to see the job posting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S711_OrganizationsNeedToStopDoingThis.mp3
Category:Marine Conservation Careers -- posted at: 1:12pm EDT

We all know fisheries can have a negative effect on other animals as the gear tends to trap the animals, which can lead to injuries and even death. Researchers in France are witnessing the same effect, but at a larger scale as 600 dolphins washed up dead along a beach in France. Researchers believe there are more dolphins dead that sunk to the bottom of the ocean as well.

The dolphins had injuries, missing appendages and scaring along their bodies from fishing gear. 

Listen to the episode to find out how the dolphins get trapped and what solutions are being proposed to stop the deaths.

Do you think the proposed solutions are going to work? Share your ideas in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S710_WhyAreHundredsOfDolphinsWashingUpDeadOnTheBeachInFrance.mp3
Category:Dolphins -- posted at: 5:49pm EDT

Illegal fisheries is a huge problem and the story that you are about to listen to will highlight why it is so difficult to stop. This episode has the components of a great movie with crime syndicates, high seas chases, fraud, and computer hacking. 

Let me know what you think about this story in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S709_TheComplexFightAgainstIllegalFishingTheAndreyDolgov.mp3
Category:Andrey Dolgov -- posted at: 3:46pm EDT

Dr. Edward Hind-Ozan is back again for his segment "What's Going On In Marine Social Science This Week." Today, Edd and I discuss a participatory study of Indigenous communities within the Salish Sea. 

The study involves two marine social scientists who participate in a large community canoe trip to bring together the youth and elders of the communities as they connect with their culture through nature. 

Take a listen to find out how the event was designed to bring communities together by the sea. 

Share your thoughts on this episode in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean


There are many people out there that are posting about how they can't find a job in Marine Conservation. Finding a job in this field is probably the toughest thing out there for aspiring Marine Conservationists. There are more people graduating with similar degrees, but job availability doesn't seem to grow in the same way. This problem is why I feel that applicants need to be unique and provide their prospective employers with something the employers need (perhaps that they never thought they needed). 

Uniques skill sets, experiences, social media profiles could be what gets you that first job or it could reinvent your career (like it did mine). 

I am not saying that the strategy I present here will work for everyone, but it will work for some. It will work for the people that will put in the work to build something special, something unique.

Let me know what you have to say about the strategy that I propose in the episode. Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

 


Danielle Eubank is an artist that is preparing to go to the Antarctic to paint the Ocean as part of her almost 2-decade long project called 1 Artist 5 Oceans. She paints the Oceans with a mission to connect her audience to the Ocean as they may not have had the chance to connect with it in other ways. 

Danielle is a prime example of how we need to connect with target audiences with messages that are meaningful. Her paintings inspire people to think about the Ocean in ways science and conservation haven't, which is a huge benefit to Ocean Health. 

Listen in on my conversation with Danielle to find out what an artist does to prepare to go to the Antarctic to paint the ocean!

Do you create art for Marine Conservation? Share your thoughts and work (if you can) in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Danielle Eubank's List:

Website: https://www.danielleeubankart.com/

Twitter

Instagram

Direct download: SUFB_S706_PaintingTheAntarcticOceanWithDanielleEubank.mp3
Category:Ocean Art -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

There is an increase in the number of people who are buying and/or exchanging 2nd hand clothing. A recent article in the Guardian highlighted a few women who buy, alter and sell used clothing to spread the awareness that we need more sustainability in the fashion industry. The method of the message is catching on. Sales in 2nd hand stores in some stores grew 30% over the last year. 

So why don't we wear more 2nd hand clothing? I for one don't. I will tell you why I don't and what I will do to change my ways to try and live for a better ocean.

Would you consider wearing 2nd hand clothing? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S705_SecondHandClothingForTheOcean.mp3
Category:Second Hand Clothing -- posted at: 3:22pm EDT

Pacific White-Sided Dolphins have been observed swimming with Orcas during monitoring studies using drones. It's an interesting observation that has resulted in researchers asking the question: Why Do Dolphins Swim with Orcas? 

You may think that dolphins swimming with Orcas is normal and it is in a way; however, you must consider the fact that some Orcas prey on dolphins. Yet, dolphins continue to swim with Orcas. So why does this happen?

Take a listen to the episode to find out and share your thoughts in our Facebook Group (it's free to join): http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S704_WhyDoDolphinsSwimWithOrcas.mp3
Category:Dolphins -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Approximately 17 Orcas have died in Hudson's Bay over the past few years because they got stuck in the bay by the ice. The marine mammals went into the bay during the winter months when there was no ice present (during a period of warming) to stalk belugas and narwhals; however, the ice came back and the animals got stuck in the bay without food cause the animals to starve to death. 

The local Orca population is estimated have around 70 individuals, which means any number of deaths could be a huge hit to the population for these long-lived whales. 

Take a listen to the episode for more details on the story.

Do you think more species will endure hardship as they move to Northing habitats as they adapt to Climate Change? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S703_OrcasExploreHudsonsBayAndGetTrappedBySeaIce.mp3
Category:Orcas -- posted at: 3:10pm EDT

Imagine you are a local rock lobster fisher that relies on the sale of your catches to support your family. There are only 2000 fishers within the community, so it's relatively small. Now, the state government decides it is going to take 17% of the fishery to provide funds for the local community. 

How would you feel about that? This situation is happening in Western Australia right now. 

Listen to the episode and share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean


A long term great white shark survey conducted in False Bay, South Africa . has found that there has been a sharp decrease in Great White Sharks in 2017 and 2018. Those two years resulted in zero sightings of the once dominant shark species in the area. So what happens to a marine ecosystem when an apex predator disappears? 

Dr. Neil Hammershlag (University of Miami) and Chris Fallows (Apex Shark Expeditions) wrote a paper on the subject that was recently published in Scientific Reports

The authors found a drastic increase in sightings of seven gill sharks (120 sightings) when Great White Sharks weren't present. The seven gill sharks normally occur 18 km away hidden in the kelp forests away from their predator, the great white shark. Now that the whites are gone, the seven gills are ready to take over. 

Take a listen to the details in the episode. 

What did you think about the great whites disappearing? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean


I have the pleasure of having a great discussion with Danni Washington about sustainable clothing and for the need for people to rethink the way they look at fashion as it affects the Ocean.

Danni is a Marine Biologist who is originally from Miami, but travels around the world to discuss Marine Conservation and support ecotourism and sustainable brands. She is THE definition of an Oceanpreneur. 

Danni and I discuss a clothing brand of which she is a spokesperson as it embodies some great things that she spreads: Women empowerment (and representation in STEM) and sustainability. 

Take a listen to the episode to find out more about the brand, Round + Square, and how Danni is bringing an ocean focus to the brands sustainability conversation.

Find Out More About Danni Washington:

Website - https://www.danniwashington.com/
TV Host - https://www.xplorationstation.com/show/Xploration-Nature-Knows-Best
Her Non-Profit - https://bigblueandyou.org/
Sea Youth Rise Up - http://seayouthriseup.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danniwashington/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/danniwashington
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/danniwashingtonTV/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danniwashington/

Round + Square - https://roundplussquare.com/

Do you have any questions about the brand or about Danni? Share them in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean


Florida loves to fish! They love to fish for sharks from the beach. It's quite popular to fish for sharks from the beach in many parts of Florida. The fishing practice is a bit controversial as many anglers have been taking selfies with the sharks they catch. 

Why is that so controversial? The fishers are excited about what they caught. They followed the rules, for the most part; however, the act of taking a selfie many not be allowed anymore because it is not good for the shark.

The big problem with taking a photo with sharks on the beach is that the anglers will drag the sharks out of the water and hold them there for the perfect shot. sharks need water to breathe; therefore, holding the shark out of the water is torturing them. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has taken the advice by various shark scientists, policy makers and the conservation community and are getting ready to accept and implement rules of no photography of sharks after the catch. 

Take a listen to the episode for my thoughts on the matter and the challenges that come with this type of rule.

Note: Click here to listen to Dr. David Shiffman speak on why the rules are so important.

Do you think this new rule will be easy to implement? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S699_FloridaLooksToAddMoreProtectionsToSharksWithAnglers.mp3
Category:Sharks -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Dr. Andrew Wright joins us on a special episode today as we recorded this interview about his field work in Antarctica while he was still in ANTARCTICA!!!!

Andrew is working with on a team of scientists to gather information on fish-eating Orcas that frequent the Ross Sea as part of a monitoring program for the Ross Sea MPA. 

Andrew and I discuss the field work that involved great encounters with Orcas, Emperor Penguins and Seals, but we also discussed the challenges that the team faced while working in such a tough environment. 

Take a listen to find out about Andrew's experience in Antarctica and what an Orca gave the principle investigator. 

Do you have questions for Andrew? Ask them in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S698_FieldWorkInAntarcticaWithDrAndrewWright.mp3
Category:antarctica -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

I am pleased to have Dr. Edward Hind-Ozan back on the podcast to do discuss "What Is Happening In Marine Social Science This Week?" It's a weekly segment where Edd brings us articles that he and I discuss where we focus on people and their interaction with the Ocean. 

On today's segment, Edd and I discuss a paper by Dr. Angela Dean on how conservation messaging should be different for different groups of people when trying to change a behaviour around the Ocean. It reaffirms the thought process that conservation messaging should not be the same for everyone as everyone has different values. 

Listen to the episode and let Edd and I know your thoughts on conservation messaging in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean


Dolphinariums in North America are thriving. I just came back from a trip the Caribbean where I saw advertisements for "swimming with dolphin" experiences. People flock to these tourism attractions because dolphins are such an iconic species that everyone loves (except some don't). 

We see advertisements for dolphinariums all of the time, but we rarely think about the effect of the facilities on the animals. Dolphins tend to perform and interact with humans most days of the week. The frequent interactions are stressful on the dolphins, where the stress could lead to infections or diseases as the immune system is weakened due to stress (just like in humans). Stress is difficult to noticed and often goes undiagnosed, especially when the animals are the main attraction.

Tourists often don't realize the stress the animals are under and rarely speak about concern for their health until an animal, or in today's case, 4 animals die at 1 facility.

Dolphinaris Arizona, a dolphinarium in the desert that opened in 2016, has had 4 dolphin deaths at their facility. Some "experts" are chalking it up as sad while real experts are worried about the stress on the animals. 

Listen to the episode to find out how two of the dolphins died and why the facility is temporarily closed. Also find out why experts say the dolphins at this facility were stressed.

Do you think the Dolphinarium should reopen? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S696_DolphinsKeepDyingInArizona.mp3
Category:Dolphinarium -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

The short answer is, yes, they are. The long answer is that it depends on other factors, which I will get to soon. 

A recent article authored by Terry Hughes, a very well-known coral reef scientist, proposed that widely used sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate are not that bad for coral reefs as previously reported by scientific studies. Terry's reasoning is because it doesn't represent realistic scenarios. 

Terry's article "deeply disappointed" many people in the coral reef community because they say the studies address realistic conditions and conclude sunscreens are indeed bad for coral reefs (and bad for humans as the chemicals are carcinogenic). 

There is no doubt that other factors such as climate change and destructive fishing practices threaten reefs on a global scale; however, there are scenarios where sunscreens can threaten coral reef health at a local level in high tourist traffic areas. 

Listen to the episode to find out why I believe it is important for people to use "reef safe" sunscreen.

Do you share my thought? Share your opinion in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S695_AreWidelyUsedSunscreensBadForCoralReefs.mp3
Category:Reef Safe Sunscreen -- posted at: 3:16pm EDT

The time of marine mammals in captivity is slowly dwindling. We are seeing people speak volumes with their wallets and actions as they deliberately leave out Sea World and other marine mammal entertainment facilities off of their family excursions thanks to the movie such as Blackfish and the decades of advocacy and science worked to show that marine mammal captivity is bad for their health.

Organizations are now searching for sites they call Whale Seaside sanctuaries as the future home for the retired marine mammals such as orcas, beluga whales, dolphins and more. The next Seaside sanctuary could be located in Nova Scotia according to Change for Animals Foundation. The organization and their partners are currently holding meetings in various towns along the Atlantic Shore. 

The sanctuary could provide great economic benefits for the neighboring communities as it would bring jobs to the area as well as the purchase of tons of frozen fish.

This Whale Seaside Sanctuary is targeted for Beluga Whales.

Share your thoughts on Whale Seaside Sanctuaries in Nova Scotia in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean


Elephant Seals at Point Reyes National Park decided to take over a beach during the US Government Shutdown when the staff was a third of its regular size. Now the beach is closed down along with some access roads due to the new Elephant Seal pups that were born during the take over time. 

The Park staff are ensuring the pups and mother seals are protected during a vulnerable stage of the population's life cycle in order to have a healthy class of pups for this year. 

Park staff use non-invasive techniques to stop the Elephant Seals from taking over the beach when there is a full staff present; however, the shutdown forced the staff to be one third of its normal size leaving access to the beach for the Elephant Seals. 

Now the park staff will wait until April for the pups to wean off their mothers and head to the ocean to forage for themselves before the beach opens up to the public. 

Listen to the episode for more details.

Do you think the Park Staff handled the situation correctly? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.  

Direct download: SUFB_S693_ElephantSealsTakeOverBeachDuringShutdown.mp3
Category:Elephant Seal -- posted at: 9:16pm EDT

Ban Straws. Ban Plastic Straws. The movement to ban single-use plastics is growing. There are still many issues; however, the movement is starting to tackle some of these issues. New Zealand seems to be leading the pack.

New Zealand has rolled out a Plastic Packaging Declaration that grocery stores seem to like. Foodstuffs, a grocery store, has signed on to the declaration with glowing results. Reports state that fruits and vegetable sales in plastic free stores show a 300% increase. 

The country's efforts to go plastic free will continue as the pledge requires stores to be plastic free or package their fruits and vegetables in material that can be recyclable or compostable by 2025. 

The system is not perfect, as I highlight in this episode, but it is a great step forward in the plastic-free movement. 

Share your thoughts on the Plastic-Free Movement in the Facebook Group: http://www.speeakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.  

Direct download: SUFB_S692_NewZealandGroceryStoresGoingPlasticFree.mp3
Category:Plastic Packaging Free -- posted at: 12:30pm EDT

Dr. David Ebert (@lostsharkguy) joins me on the podcast today to discuss why scientists go to fish markets. He has been going to fish markets all over the world building relationships with fishers on what, where and when they catch fish (mostly sharks). 

David has many reasons to go to a fish market rather than catching the fish himself. 

Listen to the episode to find out what those reasons are.

Would You Go To Fish Markets to do Marine Conservation Research? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S691_UsingFishMarketsForFisheriesStudiesWithDrDavidEbert.mp3
Category:Fish Markets -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Zero waste stores are slowly popping up in places such as New York City, USA, Vancouver, Canada and now Devon, UK. These Mom & Pop stores are serving customers that tend to search for a more eco-friendly option in their local grocery story. Apparently business is booming for these shops as the owners of the shop in Devon say they are getting people that are not considered traditionally eco-friendly.

A recent article in the Guardian asks the question: Why Aren't Major Grocery Chains offering a zero-waste option? Their customers are wondering the same thing. They wonder why a grocery store that is based on offering a number of product options do not offer a zero waste option. Instead, some grocery stores offer products such as clementines that are already peeled in a plastic container, individually. Does that really make sense? Not to me it doesn't.

Listen to the episode to get the full details. 

Would you buy from a zero-waste shop? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S690_TheInfluxOfZeroWasteStores.mp3
Category:Zero Waste -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

A listener requested that I discuss Marine Career topics so I decided to look at some Facebook Groups for some insight on what advice new graduates and early career conservationists were seeking. I am a part of Marine Biologists Network and Job Postings Facebook Group where many of the members seek career advice on a daily basis.

Many of the questions involve seeking out graduate work. Some people ask for advice on schools and others ask for advice on topics. 

My biggest response is to tell them that their grad work should provide them with the experience and skills that will help them in their career. 

Check out my advice by listening to this episode.

Do you agree with my advice? Do you have something to add? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean

Direct download: SUFB_S689_CareersGradWorkShouldContributeToYourCareer.mp3
Category:Marine Careers -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT