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.
For most of my life my parents and I bought my clothes from shops in the mall in and around Toronto. We never thought of how the clothes were made and what would happen to them after I grew out of the clothes. Now that I know how wasteful my clothes are, I have been trying to find ways to buy more sustainable clothing, but I haven't had much luck finding something that I can afford or that is truly sustainable. There was always another option: thrifting. It's something that I never did before be...
Feb 18, 2023•17 min•Ep 1419•Transcript available on Metacast
I posted a short video on marine mammal captivity on Instagram, Tik Tok, and YouTube Shorts. To be honest, it was an experiment. I knew the video would be a bit controversial as the captivity of marine mammals content always tends to be this way. My goal for the video was not to take a personal stance but to let viewers make their own decision based on the resources I suggested. I got some feedback just as I suspected. Some pro-releasing whales and others pro-captivity. I responded to the commen...
Feb 15, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast
We are now in the decade of the ocean and you may or may not have heard of the term flying around that is supposed to help the oceans and lands and protect biodiversity. The term is 30 x 30. It means 196 nations have pledged to protect 30% of lands and oceans by the year 2030. It's a great goal that can help our environment and the human species from climate change, water pollution, plastic pollution, overfishing, and other human disturbances; however, the number 30 could just mean that politici...
Feb 13, 2023•19 min•Ep 1418•Transcript available on Metacast
Whale and dolphin captivity is quite a controversial issue as there are people who are advocating for the release of every captive orca, dolphin, seal, and sea lion (along with manatees) to improve their overall health and there are people who think that these animals are treated well in marine parks and offer a great way for humans to make a connection to help save marine mammals. On which side should you fall and how do you make that decision? These are just some of the questions that you may ...
Feb 10, 2023•27 min•Ep 1417•Transcript available on Metacast
There are some great people in the marine conservation world that have the potential to do some great things in the field of marine science and conservation. They are intelligent, motivated, passionate, and talented in more than just the science/policy/advocacy work. They can communicate in creative ways. Every once in a while, I have the chance to meet these individuals to speak to them about how they can use their talent and creativity to do some great things. However, imposter syndrome sets i...
Feb 08, 2023•28 min•Ep 1416•Transcript available on Metacast
Corals are facing a ton of challenges in the form of human disturbances and the potential loss of corals and coral reefs will devastate 25% of the species that depend on reefs for their survival. But there are efforts to protect and restore populations in the face of challenges such as climate change, water pollution, coastal development, and over-fishing. An organization called the Great Barrier Reef Legacy, based in Australia is working to do a different type of preservation. the organization ...
Feb 06, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Have you ever thought about whether your marine science/conservation/policy career is having the impact that you want on the ocean? For instance, I turned to podcasting about how to protect the ocean because I wanted to reach out to individual people to tell them about what is happening with the ocean and how they can help. I decided that I would stop working for the government to follow this endeavor and I am not the only one. In today's episode, I speak with Shannon Consentino-Roush about chas...
Feb 03, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast
It seems as though the media salivates any time there is a shark bite event and it's labelled as a shark attack that includes all the horrific details. The story reaffirms the fears many people have of sharks and demonizes them, but there is always a piece of the story missing that could get at the real story. For example, a recent story that is being shared is a potential white shark bite off the coast of Mexico. The headlines and the stories are focusing on where the person was bit, but not on...
Feb 01, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast
The major problem with battling overfishing on the high seas is that it is difficult to track vessels due to the lack of transparency in vessel registration. The results of a new study are hoping to change this problem by creating a global database of the global fishing fleet that can help tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Analysis of the data found that 20% of high-seas fishing was likely unregulated and that reflagging of vessels mainly occurred in East Asia, West Afri...
Jan 30, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Sitting on a beach surrounded by sand and the ocean is probably one of the best feelings in the world. Travelers from all over the world flock to coastlines every year to lie on beaches and cool off in the adjacent ocean. However, there is nothing worse than finding litter on the beach, especially cigarette butts. For years, people cleaning beaches have found cigarette butts were the items picked up the most along Florida's coasts. As a result, the Florida legislature passed a bill that gave the...
Jan 27, 2023•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast
There is so much content out there that is better produced, better audio, better video, and better communicated than mine, but I still have a following and listeners who say they love my content. I must admit, there are times that I want to up my game and make better-produced content to try and bring in more listeners and followers; however, the reality is that I have restrictions in time, money, and sometimes skill set. I continue to make content regardless of the restrictions and my own fears ...
Jan 25, 2023•28 min•Ep 1409•Transcript available on Metacast
The health of ocean habitats is a delicate balance of the presence of the right species and the proper conditions. When things are out of balance the health of habitats can be at stake. Coral reef habitats act as a host for a diverse amount of species of invertebrates and vertebrates; however, the reefs are sensitive to physical and chemical changes which we often discuss on this podcast, but we rarely discuss the biological changes that can occur including the presence of predators and prey. Th...
Jan 23, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Now that straws are banned in most places and single-use plastics are also on their way to being banned in many places it's time to move the focus on to other items...clothing. Don't you worry because I am not talking about a ban on clothing, but a ban on throwing out clothing because it can be recycled? The State of Massachusetts has banned throwing out clothing and other textiles in the trash forcing people in the state to recycle them instead. The ban on clothes in the trash comes at the heel...
Jan 20, 2023•15 min•Ep 1407•Transcript available on Metacast
What would you think if I told you that conservationists and managers have improved the health of oceans and land on small islands by eradicating invasive rats? Researchers are now focusing on managing the biodiversity of the land-sea interaction on small islands to help protect biodiversity and the evidence points to success. Many of the studies focus on eradicating invasive species (such as rats) to protect seabirds and crabs that traverse both land and the sea. Link to Article Fill out our li...
Jan 18, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast
When a government tells its people that it is opening up its coasts to oil and gas leasing like the Trump Administration did from 2016-2020, there are quite a few things that happen behind the scenes that we don't realize until it is too late and it is difficult to fix the changes (or they get ignored). For example, The Trump administration opened up a swath of habitat along the shelf break on the Northern Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas development. The same swath is the habitat of a critically ...
Jan 16, 2023•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast
I did an interview recently on my other podcast that I cohost called Beyond Jaws with Guy Stevens who is the Founder of the Manta Trust. We talked about how he started studying manta rays after he received his Bachelor's Degree in Science. He just started studying them while working for an ecoresort in the Maldives. He used what was around him to follow his passion not knowing where it would take him. Now, Guy operates a globally recognized NGO that has done some great work on manta and devil ra...
Jan 13, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast
It's difficult to tell now but some of the heat waves that we have experienced over the past couple of years were thought to be impossible 50 or 60 years ago and we are now seeing natural disasters around the world that are being caused by two or more consequences from climate change (drought brought on by extreme heat waves and lack of rain for extended periods of time). The new scientific field that tracks climate change-attributed disasters will help inform policymakers on how to handle coast...
Jan 11, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Visiting Antarctica might be on your bucket list and it would be a fun thing to do, but is it in the best interest protecting its environment? That is the question that conservationists are asking after a noticeable increase in vessels visiting the most Southern continent. They are worried that too many tourists could lead to the introduction of invasive species and/or diseases like the avian flu. A cap in tourists may be necessary to control the increase of tourists. Link to Article: https://bi...
Jan 09, 2023•22 min•Ep 1402•Transcript available on Metacast
It's a new year and many creator-focused businesses are gearing up and executing plans for 2023, including myself. I've made some personal resolutions and business resolutions for this podcast and my business. My goal has always been to reach more people so my plans will continue to increase my reach for the audio podcast and introduce more content for other digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. My word for 2023 is "Execute" so it's time to create. Fill out our listener surve...
Jan 06, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Are you looking to Speak Up For The Ocean in 2023? Then this episode is for you. I've been doing this podcasting thing for over 7.5 years and over that time I covered a lot of stories and I've seen various ways that people and organizations disseminate their marine conservation messages. But there is an increasing percentage of the audiences that are not listening to the messages or find the messaging elitist. Therefore, I am going to provide you with a list of things that you can do to help get...
Jan 04, 2023•30 min•Ep 1400•Transcript available on Metacast
James Cameron, the famous director, was promoting his new movie, Avatar: the way of the water, which has a huge marine conservation message when he came under fire for attending one of the promotional premieres in Japan. The promotion included a dolphin show at an aquarium which infuriated many environmentalists who wanted to hear Cameron's reason for attending the premiere with a captive dolphin show. We are going to talk about James Cameron's comments and how these events are harder to navigat...
Jan 02, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast
For years now marine biologists, conservationists, NGOs, and governments have been working to protect the oceans in places all over the world. It would make sense that the projects would be about working altogether, especially with the people that live along the coastal community. Unfortunately, that hasn’t always happened. Coastal communities have been ignored during these projects. Luckily, there seem to be more conversations around Justice and equity with environmental projects, which could l...
Dec 23, 2022•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Ocean protection is a key tool in managing oceans and its resources and it requires the support of all ocean users, but the one group is often ignored or left out of the process that can play a key role in protecting the ocean effectively. Indigenous groups have been protecting their oceans and lands for thousands of years and need to be included in conservation conversations. I am joined by Humna Sharif of the National Ocean Protection Coalition and Angelo Villagomez of the Center for American ...
Dec 21, 2022•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Northern right whales have been the subject of many conservation conversations over the past couple of months due to the decisions made around lobster and crab pot support for sustainability to protect the endangered species. Northern Right whales are heavily monitored, especially in the winter during their calving season. Two calves were spotted recently off the coast of Georgia providing some hope for the endangered whales in hopes that their numbers rebound, but the population is expected to ...
Dec 19, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast
It's that time of year that is supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year. Students get a holiday for at least 2 weeks, people travel to see their families, and others stay local and make plans to meet up with friends who are home for a bit and meet up for family gatherings during special days throughout this holiday season. It's also a time when we buy and give gifts to family and friends and receive some too. But we can get caught up in gift-giving and create more of a mess for the e...
Dec 16, 2022•25 min•Ep 1395•Transcript available on Metacast
We live in an interesting time. We have access to information at our fingertips whenever we want. It's a great opportunity to learn and interact with people all over the world. Of course, there are downfalls to social media as well as there are some great advantages. Scientists have the ability to share their work with people who do not have access to peer-reviewed papers. They also provide access to criticism in their work. Criticism does not always have to lead to being canceled, but it could ...
Dec 14, 2022•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast
If a shark dies in the ocean, where do we find its remains? Well, there could be many answers to that question, but for many sharks, you could find their teeth in one place that we know. A deep-sea graveyard was discovered off some islands in the Indian Ocean by the ocean research arm of Australia, the CSIRO. The discovery contained teeth of various shark species ranging from mako sharks to the relatives of the now-extinct megalodon shark. Although scientists don't yet know why this graveyard wa...
Dec 12, 2022•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast
It seems to be a right of passage for people to buy or rent a home/apartment when they are ready. But have you ever thought if your home will contribute to Climate Change or help Climate Change? It's never really discussed, right? People go house hunting and discuss their needs and wants and worry as to whether they can afford their next living space. Wouldn't it be nice to live in a home that is net-negative? My guest today is Aiden Vogel, the founder of Swyft Lyft, a start-up based out of Aust...
Dec 09, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Since Elon Musk bought Twitter, it has become more of a cesspool of racism, sexism, and misinformation than it was pre-Elon and conversations are becoming more confrontational as people are trying to defend their points of view on both sides of issues. But Science Twitter has been a staple where most people get great information from colleagues or science celebrities to learn more about science and it is now at risk. I am ranting about Twitter and how Science Twitter could be lost in the long te...
Dec 07, 2022•18 min•Ep 1391•Transcript available on Metacast
We will need to leverage Blue carbon (kelp, Seagrass, etc.) to help reduce climate change. Blue carbon can help absorb carbon 20 times or more than trees. There is an entire industry that is budding due to the potential revenue that may or may not end up in turning a profit. Regardless of the revenue, Blue Carbon is not in the right position to live a long, healthy life. So we need to protect the kelp forest and help solidify blue carbon to help the planet, but they are in trouble due to the con...
Dec 05, 2022•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast