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.
We tend to have a perception that working as a marine biologist requires us to be a professor at a university or work in Academia. But there are more options that could lead to a more rewarding career in your marine biology field of choice. Therefore, in this episode, I am going to present to you the options available that may not be the career paths you think you need to choose even though you may think that they present more challenges. Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Co...
Dec 02, 2022•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Shark populations are being targeted in international waters by fishing fleets using legal fishing gear...sort of. The gear can target sharks that are in high demand for their fins, meat, and organs. Tens of thousands of metric tons of sharks are being fished annually reducing some populations by at least 70%. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, which governs tuna fisheries in those waters could vote on a proposal to ban the devices as soon as this week in Vietnam. Research has...
Nov 30, 2022•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast
After two seafood certification bodies pull their support for the Maine lobster fisheries to support more protection to protect the Northern Right Whale population from extinction. There are only 340 individuals left in the population and government departments are getting desperate to protect the struggling whale population. They don't want to take any chances on whale entanglements. Is this the right thing to do? Will this protect the whale population and is it worth hurting the Maine lobster ...
Nov 28, 2022•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast
The purpose of COP27, aside from sharing climate change information, is for specific governments to work together to formulate an agreement to help reduce climate change. The COP27 meetings ended with a new agreement that builds on the last meeting's results after negotiations almost collapsed when the EU negotiator almost walked out due to the meeting agreement at the time. So some would consider it successful. Two major agreements were reached: 1) the agreement for developed nations to pay dev...
Nov 25, 2022•13 min•Ep 1386•Transcript available on Metacast
The Northern Right whale population is in trouble and measures need to be taken to ensure the population does not go extinct from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Climate change is driving the whales north into the Northern US and Canada where there were 17 deaths in 2017 due to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Canada took measures to reduce the ship's speed to half of the regulated speed during the summer of 2017. the speed increased the next year during the same timeframe. Now fishi...
Nov 23, 2022•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Shark species are being fished unsustainably all around the world and protections in sharks need to increase to track where these species are being bought and consumed. Tracking their trade can be difficult, but one tool that is available is CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. A recent vote during the 19th convention added 54 shark species on the CITES Appendix II. I am going to talk about what this means for sharks and what else can we do to f...
Nov 21, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
We talk a lot about the ocean on this podcast and ways that people within the field of marine science and conservation are trying to protect it, but we rarely talk about the things that you can do at home or at your work/office. I work at an office two days a week where people are in and out of the office as we work hybrid work schedules. It's a pretty great office and my company provides us with a lot of great things including coffee and food/snacks. I now have the opportunity to help shape our...
Nov 18, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Do you know that corals are living animals? Did you think they might be rocks? It's okay because you are not alone. There are many people who don't know much about coral reefs other than they are beautiful to see on TV and everyone wants to see them. But the thing is that corals are great for the oceans and coastlines. Corals form dense biodiversity and decrease wave energy to protect eroding coastlines. Reefs are critical to the ocean, but there are specific environmental and human disturbances...
Nov 16, 2022•48 min•Ep 1382•Transcript available on Metacast
COP27 is happening in Egypt right now where world leaders are gathering to discuss how they will reduce the greenhouse gas input into the atmosphere and make promises for their respective countries...that probably won't be met. People are tired of broken promises and would like to discuss and see solutions in action. One solution can be found in the Ocean through seagrass farms that can be cultivated in the Ocean, accumulate carbon, and sunk into the depth of the ocean to drive the carbon cycle....
Nov 14, 2022•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast
In the last episode I spoke to Maria Pinto about her experience in marine science communication where she discussed her platform of choice and the type of content she enjoyed creating. Speaking with Maria inspired me to continue to level up my scicomm game so in this episode I wanted to share with you how I will be starting (re-starting) my efforts for content on YouTube. I hope that those of you who are inspired by today's episode will have enough guidance to help you start your own efforts in ...
Nov 11, 2022•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast
You have heard my thoughts on science communication based on my experiences which I enjoy telling you all about. But it's about time that you hear about someone else's experience in marine science communication. Maria Pinto is that person that you need to hear from because she is a marine science communicator that has experience working on multiple platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram using her knowledge of marine science to share via science communication. She discusses what it's li...
Nov 09, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep 1379•Transcript available on Metacast
Unicorns of the sea is a term used to describe the majestic and mysterious narwhal, a cetacean that is widely known for its modified tooth that grows out of its skull. I call them mysterious because research is relatively new on the narwhal. We don't know a lot about them. But we do know when they typically begin their fall migration. Dr. Courtney Shuert is here to tell us about their migration and how climate change is affecting the timing of such an important event. Courtney's Twitter: https:/...
Nov 07, 2022•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Have you ever gone grocery shopping and watched people leave the store with the groceries in a bunch of plastic bags? Or watch people smoking cigarettes while lying on the beach and extinguishing their butts in the sand. It's frustrating to watch people continue to do things that don't protect the oceans. I think the change comes with the principles of psychology and behaviour change. There are certain ways to go about changing behaviour and it goes beyond spewing facts at people. Link to articl...
Nov 04, 2022•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast
I did a search on the web for any type of content with a topic surrounding communication for ocean conservation and I found videos, papers, and blog posts on how scientists think science communication needs to be conducted using scientific facts. But is that what audiences want to hear? Are they interested in learning about the facts? I propose that we have to find new ways to talk about the ocean that is fun and provides real ways to change the ocean. Join the audio program - Build Your Marine ...
Nov 02, 2022•23 min•Ep 1376•Transcript available on Metacast
People love traveling to Mexico to enjoy the tropical weather to escape winter for a week and the high tourist area called Quintana Roo is a very popular destination. But there is a problem with some of the tourist activities such as dolphin excursions. Tourists can watch captive dolphins perform tricks or even swim with them. Scientists and advocates have been trying to shut the dolphinarium industry down all over the world, but Mexico is home to approximately 10% of the 3000 held in captivity ...
Oct 31, 2022•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Tonight was a tough night for me as there was an incident with a parent and the coaching staff of which I am a coach. Not only did it get heated, but it almost turned violent on the parent's part. I haven't coached for a terribly long time, but this is something that has never happened to me. It really makes me rethink coaching and gets me thinking about the work I do on this podcast. I put in the work on this podcast because it makes me happy to talk about the ocean and the benefit is that I he...
Oct 28, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
The ocean is in trouble and policy can help solve many of those problems, but there are many challenges to overcome to create or change policy. It is difficult for one organization to create policy no matter how big, therefore, coalitions are necessary to change and/or create the policies that will help save the ocean. I am speaking with Jenna Valente, who is the Director of Advocacy at Healthy Ocean Coalition and a fellow podcaster, to get more information on how her organization helps others i...
Oct 26, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast
The Alaskan crab fishery was made popular by the TV show, the deadliest catch and it's worth $200 million dollars annually. But the fishery is closed this year because 90% of the population (one billion crabs) disappeared over the past two years. I will be discussing the possible culprit in this episode. Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://glow.fm/marinesciencecareers/...
Oct 24, 2022•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast
There are more people who are trying to change the way people, companies, and governments change the way they do business to reduce climate change. But the methods of some climate activists are giving the rest of the climate activists and advocates a bad name. These methods need to stop and the people doing this need to focus on more appropriate demonstrations and lobbying. I provide examples of some of the extreme behaviour that is giving the rest of us a bad reputation and what you can focus o...
Oct 21, 2022•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast
I grew up reading books on the ocean and I would soak up all of the textbooks that I could find, but we need more books that target the specific segments of the people to help them change their habits for a better ocean. There is a tiny trend happening where books are being targeted toward the general public, but that needs to scale and quickly. I am going to talk about the marine conservation books that speak to me and the public and the types of books that we need in circulation in the near fu...
Oct 19, 2022•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast
The best thing that we can do to help the ocean is to choose products and services that are good for the environment and companies are making it known that they are doing something to protect the environment. But how can you tell if companies are truly in for the environment? There are companies that are greenwashing, Starbucks for example, for profit. I am going to cover an example of a scientific publisher that is being accused of doing the same thing while publishing scientific articles and s...
Oct 17, 2022•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast
There is a race of innovative projects from organizations and companies to try to clean up the ocean from plastic pollution and some projects are doing a great job, Mr. Trashwheel is a great example. But the organization called the Ocean Clean Up continues to overpromise and underdeliver at the expense of the natural environment and yet the messaging continues to be pushed as the narrative that this project will be able to clean up 90% of the oceans across social media by creators from all over ...
Oct 12, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Marine protected areas work well to protect fisheries and biodiversity if the areas are not fished during protection. But what happens to the fishers during those closures? Fishers could have a tough time finding alternative income during closures in areas where they used to fish to make a living and feed their families. Indonesia may have an interesting way to combat this and might help the ocean in Indonesia. I'm going to tell your their plan and my thoughts so let's start the show. Link to ar...
Oct 10, 2022•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Watching climate change impacts such as major hurricanes, floods, droughts, wildfires, and ice sheets melting can be overwhelming for anyone, but it's time to act to fight climate change on every level ranging from individual actions to voting at the highest level. In this episode, I am going to talk about how to do more in your local area that needs to be done. Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://glow.fm/marinesciencecareers/ Facebook Group: https...
Oct 07, 2022•12 min•Ep 1366•Transcript available on Metacast
The fall in Ontario is one of my favorite times of the year. It's a time when leaves change into beautiful colors, and the humid air of the summer is replaced with a crisp that is perfect under the sun making the season as close to perfect as possible. But the weather in other places could mean a visit from hurricanes, one after another. We have seen two large hurricanes hit various parts of the eastern seaboard of North America and some people are using this time to blame the victims who lost l...
Oct 05, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A heat wave causing an increase in sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea causes a rapid deterioration in corals that once housed vibrant red and purple coral forests that provided a ton of biodiversity along the southern French, and Spanish coasts, and along the island of Sardinia. The only thing that saves them is the depth in which they reside. We need to talk about it in this episode. Link to article: https://bit.ly/3Cmdbnl Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Co...
Oct 03, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
After looking at the news this week and seeing two hurricanes rip through various countries causing trillions in damages, it's hard not to think about climate change and how everything is getting worse. I find it difficult to know how we are doing. We hear about international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention of Biological Diversity and we expect things to get better, but every time a report is written we hear about how things keep getting worse. Wouldn't it be nice to ha...
Sep 30, 2022•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast
My University was and still is known as an Agricultural School. One program that was being heavily promoted at our school and in my program was that of aquaculture. I didn't know much about aquaculture before I took a class on it but it sounded like a great thing that solved food problems. Grow fish to serve as food with a growing global population that was slowly running out of resources. Aquaculture helps wild populations as it puts less pressure on fishing wild stocks. It sounded great, but t...
Sep 28, 2022•26 min•Ep 1361•Transcript available on Metacast
There are times that we, as humans, think that we can't affect the ocean because it is so big and so deep. In fact, there used to be a saying: "The solution to pollution is dilution." But scientists and engineers realized that there is a tipping point where there is so much pollution that dilution is impossible. The same truth works for noise pollution. Noise can reach many places including the deep sea, according to a recent study. I am going to discuss why the results of this noise study shoul...
Sep 26, 2022•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast
The world is changing at a rapid rate and governments are scattering to catch up with a policy to try and stop the changes. But the changes are starting to get companies to rethink their priorities from only making a profit to adding benefits to their employees and their environment. Some companies, like Patagonia, are taking their values full throttle by making the Earth its only shareholder. In this episode, I am going to discuss what I think of this shift in focus from some businesses. Link: ...
Sep 23, 2022•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast