Dive into the Depths: Join Andrew Lewin on 'How to Protect the Ocean' – Your Gateway to Exclusive Ocean Insights! Explore the latest, uncharted realms of ocean science and conservation that you won't find anywhere else. Andrew takes you on an inspiring journey to uncover the hidden gems of oceanic discovery and initiatives. Tune in to discover how you can transform your life for a better ocean, one episode at a time.
The How To Protect The Ocean is your resource to keep you informed on the latest ocean news; teach you how to speak up for the ocean; and, how you can take action to live for a better ocean.
There is so much information on the ocean and the issues that are affecting it that it can be difficult to find optimism in the future of the ocean. Climate change, overfishing, plastic pollution, water pollution, and coastal development have altered the ocean in ways that have negatively changed the way we use it.
The repercussions of climate change, including the ominous specter of rising sea levels, the relentless march of warming ocean temperatures, and the ominous shadow of ocean acidification, have not only altered the very fabric of our coastlines but have also conjured fiercer storms and summoned floods with growing frequency. The fossil fuel industry may whisper in your ear that the situation is insurmountable, an inescapable fate. However, this podcast is here to unveil a different narrative, one that empowers you to take action. It illuminates the path to change by casting your vote for leaders committed to implementing climate-rescuing policies and by offering invaluable insights into how each of us can shrink our individual carbon footprint.
The grim reality of overfishing casts a long shadow, fueled by governmental shortcomings in the stewardship of both commercial and recreational fisheries. Within the delicate balance of our oceans, every fish population possesses a threshold - a point at which the relentless harvest of fishermen begins to erode their numbers. The management of these aquatic resources is a formidable task, as the elusive currents of the sea often defy easy tracking. Furthermore, the menace of illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing looms large in many nations, adding to the crisis.
Yet, a glimmer of hope shines through the depths. A beacon for responsible consumption emerges in the form of seafood programs, guiding conscientious individuals toward choices that safeguard our oceans. By heeding these programs, you not only savor the delights of sustainable seafood but also become an informed guardian of marine ecosystems.
The relentless scourge of plastic pollution has unleashed an epidemic of death upon the denizens of our oceans. It's a ruthless killer, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of marine mammals, majestic sharks, grandiose fish, gentle sea turtles, and the graceful sea birds that soar above. The malevolence of this crisis knows no bounds, with microplastics infiltrating even the remotest depths of the ocean and etching their presence along every coastline.
To mount a defense against this ecological cataclysm, the clarion call for action echoes on the international and national stages. It beckons governments far and wide to adopt resolute policies, wielding the power to outlaw the menace of single-use plastics and demanding the meticulous detoxification of our supply chains. In this grand battle to safeguard our seas, the fight against plastic pollution knows no borders.
The ominous specter of water pollution looms large, a consequence of our thoughtless disposal into the arteries of our planet – our streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. This callous act reverberates, sending shockwaves through the intricate ecosystems of our coastal havens, where the likes of coral reefs, resilient mangroves, and swaying seagrasses thrive. But alas, this intrusion is not benign; it bears the capacity to corrode and dismantle these vital sanctuaries, the very lifeblood of countless fish and the steadfast guardians of our vulnerable shorelines.
Yet, amidst the unsettling tide of pollution, there emerges a ray of hope. Through individual resolve and visionary government policies harnessed with cutting-edge technology, we can stem this toxic deluge. Water treatment systems stand as stalwart guardians, armed with the ability to sift out the insidious nutrients that fuel destructive algal blooms. The power to heal our waters and preserve the sanctity of our coastal treasures lies within our grasp.
Coastal development, driven by human desires to construct homes or fortify the shoreline against erosion, represents a significant intervention in the natural order. Yet, these changes, while initially confined to the coastal zone, often send ripple effects that extend far beyond their original boundaries, casting a shadow of unintended consequences.
The repercussions of altering coastlines resonate through interconnected ecosystems, occasionally triggering a cascade of events that can inflict profound harm on distant areas. In doing so, this well-intentioned transformation can unwittingly imperil the lives and livelihoods of communities residing in the wake of its impact. It is a stark reminder that our actions along the coast carry a profound responsibility, not just to the immediate environment but to the greater web of life and society that depends upon it.
Government decisions whether they are from the courts, congress, senate, or the white house can inspire people to take up the arm of conservation by seeking out a job and building a career to protect the environment, but going back to school to get a science degree may not lead you to the type of change that you want. Building a career in conservation takes planning; therefore, I will teach you what you should look for in a career that could lead to change. Sign up to find out about the audio Oc...
Jul 08, 2022•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast
The US Democrats have control of Congress, the senate, and the white house and they are all on the same page about climate action, but the US Supreme Court is Republican-dominated and they have made a decision that undermines the Clean Air Act and the ability for the EPA to regular emissions from the fossil fuel industry. Therefore, it's time for the government to step up and make laws that will better address the climate emergency. In this episode of the SUFB podcast, I will be ranting about th...
Jul 06, 2022•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast
I've done some work with mining companies in Ontario before as I would run studies to ensure the companies were not harming the surrounding water bodies, but during my time as a private consultant, I heard some really bad stories about mining companies harming local areas and people with toxic spills. Therefore, I was initially worried when I saw Tesla and Nickel Mine in a recent headline on Mongabay News. I was happy to hear that their mention is not tarnished by this involvement in nickel mini...
Jul 04, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
When I grew up, I wanted to be a marine biologist. I had this dream that I would work in a small Pacific Islands doing marine science and conservation, but that was probably a form of parachute science and that can hurt marine conservation outcomes. Parachute science happens more often than you think and there is now a call to build in more equity in marine conservation by including local communities in the conservation plans of THEIR coastline. In this episode of the Speak Up for the Ocean Blue...
Jul 01, 2022•14 min•Ep 1326•Transcript available on Metacast
As long as I can remember protecting the ocean has always been my number one priority Ocean conservation and the action takes time and work from many different fields and it requires the dedication of many men and women from around the world; however, it is very difficult to focus on conserving the ocean when other human rights are being taken away and need more focus. In this episode of the Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast, I am going to discuss how recent news/events/decisions around the wo...
Jun 29, 2022•21 min•Ep 1325•Transcript available on Metacast
We have a plastic pollution problem in this world and we can't solve it unless countries put in policies to ban single-use plastics, but what will a ban look like. In this episode, I am going to describe how Canada is going to ban single-use plastics as soon as December 2022. Link to Press Release: https://bit.ly/3NmDFsi Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Websi...
Jun 27, 2022•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast
There need to be more conversations about the ocean on the web and there are plenty of opportunities to start your science communication journey, but people still aren't getting started. Therefore, I am going to tell you the different ways how you can get started in science communication today. Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf ...
Jun 22, 2022•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast
There are many coastal areas that have been degraded to the point that restoration is necessary, but restoration can be very expensive and is often focused on 1 type of habitat. Therefore, restoration specialists and conservationists are now focusing on restoring more than one type of habitat to increase the success of the coastal area. In this episode of the SUFB podcast, I will be discussing how projects from different parts of the world are having success with restoring multiple habitats due ...
Jun 20, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Everyone loves fashion and loves to look good when they go out. Many people follow the term "Look good, feel good." But today's fashion comes at an environmental cost/price and therefore, it needs to change to more sustainable options. In this episode of the Speak Up For the Ocean Blue Podcast, I will be highlighting two types of ocean sources derived from an invasive species and the other from kelp. Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jun/12/fish-leather-lionfish-susta...
Jun 17, 2022•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Protecting and conserving the ocean seems to take a back seat to other issues when talking about priorities. For example, in Canada, politicians want to protect the economy more than the environment because it has a higher priority. Often times the protection of the economy comes in direct conflict to protecting the environment. But what if the ocean had a say in this priority choice. What if the Ocean could speak to us and give humans a message. Conservation International has some thoughts on w...
Jun 13, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
The last part of my 3-part series interviewing fishers from the East Coast of Canada takes me to a conversation I had with Gordon Beaton who has fished along Canada's East Coast for his entire life. His uncle was a fisher and his son is now a fisher. Learn what it takes to be a fisher in Canada. Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf...
Jun 10, 2022•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast
I continue my series of speaking to fishers from the East Coast of Canada to get to know their challengers and why fishing is such a big part of their lives. Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc...
Jun 09, 2022•45 min•Ep 1318•Transcript available on Metacast
I had the opportunity to sit down with Carl Allen to discuss what life was like as a lobster fisher in Eastern Canada. Carl told me how young he was when he started fishing and how his life is all about fishing. He also discusses the work he does with the fishing union. Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly...
Jun 07, 2022•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast
There seems to be a day for everything these days and the oceans have a day as well, June 8th. It's a time for us to think about why we love the ocean so much and how we can better protect. There are celebrations, conferences, announcements (big and small) where governments and organizations try to stand out from one another to tell you how they are committed to protect the oceans. But the announcements are all massive agreements and commitments that don't include a very important thing, YOU! In...
Jun 06, 2022•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast
There are many people that want to work in Marine Conservation, but not everyone has a degree in Marine Biology or another type of science degree; however, you don't need to be a scientist to help protect the ocean. There are many people who are working on Marine Conservation with business and arts degrees. In today's episode, I am going to answer a question from a listener who wants to work in Marine Conservation and has a Psychology degree. I am going to provide some examples of how useful som...
Jun 03, 2022•19 min•Ep 1314•Transcript available on Metacast
There are studies that have revealed that oil companies like ExxonMobil have spent billions of dollars on campaigns that involved misleading the public on Climate Change and one Attorney General brought charges against the oil company, but will the company have to pay for their misleading ways and what will the punishment be? We need to hold more fossil fuel companies accountable for the notorious work that they conduct around the world. In this episode, I will discuss why I think this trial cou...
Jun 01, 2022•14 min•Ep 1313•Transcript available on Metacast
Laws in Canada make sure that marine theme parks such as Marineland cannot acquire new cetaceans (Whales or Dolphins) and they were amended in 2019 to ensure that whales and dolphins do not perform in their entertainment shows, but evidence suggests that Marineland continues to conduct the whale and dolphin shows. Therefore, Canadian laws should work faster to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. In this episode, I will discuss the video evidence that was published by Animal Justice ...
May 30, 2022•13 min•Ep 1312•Transcript available on Metacast
There are many of you (including myself) that would like to help protect the ocean and we tend to fantasize ways in which we can help, but there are times when we are not focusing on the best ways we can all protect the ocean; therefore, I am going to go through the best ways that you can help save the ocean with minimal work even though it might not be the way you dreamed it would be. In this episode, I am going to discuss how I had FOMO lately on ocean protection and started to focus away from...
May 27, 2022•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Sharks are an iconic ocean animal that can strike fear and wonder in anyone that sees them and they are one of those animals that everyone would like to protect; but, most shark populations around the world have experienced drastic declines in population over the past 50 years and many people do not know how to go about protecting them; therefore, Dr. David Shiffman wrote a book to help guide you to better protect sharks and oceans. In this episode, I speak to Dr. David Shiffman about his new bo...
May 25, 2022•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Equity, diversity, and inclusion has been the focus of many organizations in marine science and conservation and outside of the field for a number of years and there has been some small steps in the right direction made, but there are many examples of BIPOC scientists and their teams that still face racism today. Therefore, it is important to highlight some of those racist examples to show people the challenges that BIPOC scientists face in 2022. In this episode, I am going to describe to you a ...
May 23, 2022•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Climate change has been deemed the biggest threat in the world by many scientists, conservationists, industries, governments, and militaries around the world and countries have made international pledges in the form of treaties to curb greenhouse gas emissions and invest in more renewable energy, but the parties that form the government in democratic countries do not adhere to the treaties or listen to what the experts are saying. In some cases, the governments have done the opposite of the advi...
May 20, 2022•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast
In the last episode, I talked about a new enzyme that can breakdown plastics in days instead of centuries and it seems very promising, but we know that it is not the complete solution and people will continue to use single-use plastics; therefore, in this episode, I offer three ways that we need to get a mass reduction of plastic use. Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up F...
May 18, 2022•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A new enzyme that can break down plastics in a matter of days and not centuries is giving people hope that we can still use plastics and not have to worry about the reduction, but the solution will only take care of a small percentage of plastic pollution. Therefore, we need to continue the pursuit of reducing our single-use plastics. In this episode, I will discuss why we need to stay the course in reducing our plastic dependence. Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers m...
May 16, 2022•15 min•Ep 1306•Transcript available on Metacast
Marine science and conservation has proven to help the ocean in many cases when things are done properly, but not all of it works; therefore, methods need to adapt and build on past failures. In this episode, I will be talking about two conservation experiments that people don't like but could lead to a better understanding and protection of the ocean. I am going to talk about the failed experiment of keeping marine mammals in captivity at marine parks and shark tagging. Building an online commu...
May 13, 2022•28 min•Ep 1305•Transcript available on Metacast
There are many issues that are facing this world that have science-based solutions that are not getting solved and it's because people are taking swipes at scientists in every field, but is it because scientists and conservationists don't seem accessible to the public; therefore, I am going to tell you about my favourite tool: podcasts are a great tool to reach the public. In this episode of the Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast, I am going to tell you how podcasts can help connect scientists ...
May 11, 2022•25 min•Ep 1304•Transcript available on Metacast
Climate change consequences have been talked about for decades and people have been ignoring them, but know those consequences are happening and people are paying the price; therefore, it's time to talk about their impact and how we can move forward with better action. In today's episode, I am going to be talking about the record low lake levels of the Lake Mead /Colorado River system and how that could affect the drinking water supply for over 20 million people. Links: Holding Water: https://bi...
May 09, 2022•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast
It is really difficult to find a job in marine science and conservation lately so many early career scientists search for internships before full time or temporary jobs, but is an internship in their best interest? I am a huge proponent of getting a job over an internship when possible. In this episode, I discuss why early career scientists should focus on search for jobs instead of internships. Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx Sign ...
May 06, 2022•18 min•Ep 1302•Transcript available on Metacast
Science Communication is one of the most important parts of conservation as it is responsible for getting complex information to your audience, but people are used to simple sound bites rather than long explanations; therefore, SciCommers need to adapt and get their points across easily. In today's episode, I am going to be discussing how to get your point across while holding your audience's attention. Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkH...
May 04, 2022•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Everyone loves food, you can tell by the number of restaurants that are in a city/town/village. There is a food network with chef battles and mouth-watering dishes. Many cultures use food as a way to socialize and build relationships. But do you ever worry about how the future of our food will be secured in a time when the world will be changing? Stanford University's Center for Ocean Solutions is looking at how blue food security will be affected by a number of changes including the ever-so-cha...
May 02, 2022•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast