REEF Roundup: 🪸Coral Reefs🐠 and 🐙Marine Conservation🦈

In this episode we look beyond the biology of conservation to examine the financial engine required to keep it running. We sit down with John Bohorquez, a specialist in ocean finance and the founder of the Blue Economy Solutions Lab, to bridge the often-separate worlds of marine science and finance.John walks us through the realities of the "Blue Economy," highlighting the staggering disparity between the ocean’s commercial market value and the $50 trillion in ecosystem services it provides annually. We discuss his latest research comparing reef management in the politically complex Red Sea versus the decentralized Caribbean, and why we must shift toward "transboundary" conservation for ecosystems that do not recognize human borders.Finally, we demystify the complex mechanisms of Blue Bonds and Debt-for-Nature swaps. John explains how nations are leveraging their sovereign debt to fund marine protection, moving from small-scale philanthropy to the trillion-dollar investments needed to meet global 30x30 goals. He also introduces new tools designed to help practitioners access these funds.Mentioned in this EpisodeJohn Bohorquez: https://johnbohorquez.com/Blue Economy Solutions Lab: https://blueeconomysolutions.org/Conservation Finance Alliance (CFA): https://www.conservationfinancealliance.orgThe Blue Nature Alliance: https://www.bluenaturealliance.orgGeneral Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Sea Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS): https://shams.gov.sa/Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences: https://www.bigelow.orgHigh Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (WRI): https://oceanpanel.orgCaribbean Biodiversity Fund: https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/Protected Seas: https://protectedseas.net

In this special episode of REEF Roundup, we share the unforgettable conversation we had with the legendary Dr. Sylvia Earle. Recorded on location at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, this interview captures an intimate moment with one of the world's most iconic oceanographers.Dr. Earle shares her perspective on the transformative power of scuba diving, describing it as a pivotal step that just recently began allowing terrestrial beings to explore the majority of our biosphere. We discuss the critical shift from viewing marine life as a commodity ("I want to eat you") to viewing them as individuals ("I want to know you"), and why divers, who witness the underwater world firsthand, have a unique privilege and responsibility to speak up for the ocean.Mentioned in this EpisodeMission Blue (Sylvia Earle’s Alliance): @mission_blueIUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): @iucn_congressThe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species A Light in the Black (Our Upcoming Documentary!)

In this episode of REEF Roundup, we sit down with Linzi Hawkin, co-founder of Protect Blue, and explore the special combination of thoughtful strategy and human joy that is essential to being impactful in your efforts to care for the ocean.Linzi shares her journey from running surf schools in Jersey to designing impact strategies for global NGOs. We dive deep into the dangers of "shiny" storytelling, the importance of nervous system regulation for ocean advocates, and why "water breaks" should be the first thing you seek out at the next ocean conference you attend.Key TakeawaysStrategy & Stoke: Why ocean conservation needs both measurable impact data and the joy of connecting with the ocean to be sustainable.Beating Burnout: Practical advice on managing overwork and climate anxiety, including "sit spots" and setting boundaries (like Linzi’s "No-Call Fridays").Impact VS Storytelling: Why we need funding and support for "scrappier," more authentic projects that support and celebrate those in the trenches doing the work.The "Robin Hood" Model: How Protect Blue takes high-level agency tools and makes them accessible to grassroots frontline communities.Featured Quotes"If you don't have time to meditate for five minutes, you need to meditate for five hours." — Linzi Hawkin"We're almost creating this really false narrative... like we're all just swimming with manta rays every day... I want to champion and celebrate some of that behind the scenes work." — Linzi Hawkin"Do not burn yourselves out. Be as I am - a reluctant enthusiast... a part-time crusader... Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure." — Edward Abbey (read by Linzi)Mentioned in this EpisodeDamon Gameau (Filmmaker, 2040): @damongameauSeaTrees (Ocean regeneration project): @sea.trees

In this episode, we sit down with Virgil Zetterlind, Director of Protected Seas, to discuss the critical difference between declaring a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and it actually leading to the intended positive outcomes we hope to achieve. It's a more complex topic than we often cover, but incredibly important. So grab a cup of coffee, perhaps a notepad, and a comfortable seat before you dive in.While global targets like 30x30 and the High Seas Treaty dominate the headlines, the reality on the ocean is that much of it is often a Wild West of overlapping regulations and limited visibility. Virgil walks us through how Protected Seas is solving this knowlege and data gap by mapping the global regulatory landscape with their Navigator tool and deploying autonomous radar systems (M2) to monitor compliance in real-time.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Visualizing the Invisible – How the Navigator tool standardizes complex, layered legal texts into a "Level of Fishing Protection" score, allowing users to see exactly what activities are allowed in any patch of ocean.Closing the Enforcement Gap – The transition from "paper parks", areas that are protected by law, but not in reality, to protected waters using M2 (Marine Monitor), a non-cooperative radar technology that tracks near-shore vessel movement without relying on AIS signals.The Economics of Protection – Data from Mexico and beyond proving that scuba divers are willing to pay a premium to visit fully protected areas, making a clear economic case for strict no-take zones.Data Over Intuition – A case study from California where radar data disproved the assumption that poaching happens at night, revealing that most illegal fishing occurred in broad daylight which shifted enforcement strategies.High Seas & 30x30 – The logistical challenges of implementing the new High Seas Treaty and the difficulty of tracking "Other Effective Conservation Measures" (OECMs) without standardized metrics.Protected SeasProtected Seas is a team of data scientists, mariners, and conservationists dedicated to bridging the gap between ocean policy and reality. Their open-access tools, including the Navigator map and M2 radar systems, empower governments, NGOs, and ocean users to understand regulations and improve compliance.Website: https://protectedseas.netNavigator Map: https://map.navigatemap.orgM2 Marine Monitor: https://m2marinemonitor.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/protected-seasMentioned Organizations & ToolsMapping & Navigation AppsSavvy Navvy (Boating App)Website: https://www.savvy-navvy.comDeckee (Boating Safety App)Website: https://deckee.comGoogle EarthWebsite: https://earth.google.comGoogle MapsWebsite: https://maps.google.comConservation Technology & EnforcementGlobal Fishing WatchWebsite: https://globalfishingwatch.orgSkylight (Maritime Intelligence)Website: https://www.skylight.globalEarthRanger (Protected Area Management - Note: Referred to as "Earth Rangers" in transcript)Website: https://www.earthranger.comConserve.ioWebsite: https://conserve.ioWhale AlertWebsite: https://www.whalealert.orgFuruno (Marine Radar Hardware)Website: https://www.furuno.comConservation NGOs & GovernmentWildAidWebsite: https://wildaid.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildaidGlobal ConservationWebsite: https://globalconservation.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalconservationNOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)Website: https://www.noaa.govInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/noaaDave Wiley (Research Coordinator, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary)Profile: https://stellwagen.noaa.gov/science/dave-wiley.htmlREEF Roundup & REEF ScubaREEF Roundup – Marine conservation podcast (this show)Website: https://www.reefroundup.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reefroundupREEF Scuba – Nonprofit behind REEF RoundupWebsite: https://www.reefscuba.org

In this episode of REEF Roundup we sit down with world renowned Dr. Jamie Craggs to learn about the fascinating topic of coral reproduction and how controlled coral spawning is increasingly becoming a go-to restoration tool. Jamie walks through the progression from his groundbreaking work at the Horniman Museum & Gardens — Project Coral to wider collaborations with Coral Spawning International, SECORE International, Tropical Marine Centre (BioCSL), and his work as Senior Marine Science Officer at MARS Sustainable Solutions — Building Coral. We also discuss a field project documented with Canon and Nature Seychelles, connecting science and public storytelling.Explore & follow the organizations mentioned:Horniman Museum & Gardens — Project Coral — Website: https://www.horniman.ac.uk/project/project-coral/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hornimanmuseumgardens/Coral Spawning International — Website: https://www.coralspawninginternational.com/SECORE International — Website: https://www.secore.org • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secore.international/Tropical Marine Centre (BioCSL) — Website: https://tropicalmarinecentre.com • BioCSL: https://tropicalmarinecentre.com/uk/sector-bio-csl-coral-spawning-labs • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmarinecentre/MARS Sustainable Solutions — Building Coral — Website: https://www.buildingcoral.com Canon (World Unseen: Coral Matchmaking) — Feature: https://www.canon-europe.com/view/world-unseen-coral-matchmaking-episode-1/ Nature Seychelles — Website: https://natureseychelles.org • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturesey/Learn more about the show and follow us at REEF Roundup — https://reef-roundup.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reefroundup/

In this episode, we’re honored to feature Rose Huizenga, founder of Coral Catch and co-founder of Gili Shark Conservation. Originally from the Netherlands, Rose has spent the past decade on Gili Air, Indonesia, transforming a dream to restore her island’s reefs into a powerful movement for ocean conservation and women’s empowerment.Through Coral Catch, Rose has built a sisterhood of local women—known as the Coral Catch Superwomen—who are trained as certified divers, reef restoration experts, and community leaders. These women are not only reviving reefs across Indonesia but also sparking ripple effects of change in their communities, proving that empowering women is a catalyst for stronger ecosystems and societies.For Rose, this mission is deeply personal. Every time she takes her daughters into the ocean, she’s reminded why she began: so the next generation can inherit a living, thriving ocean. Her vision is bold yet tangible—to empower 100 women to pursue conservation careers and 100 more to learn how to swim, ensuring a brighter future for both people and reefs.If you’re looking for a powerful story of how one person’s dream can ignite lasting change, this episode is a must-listen. Follow the journeys of the Coral Catch Superwomen on Instagram @coralcatch, and support their work at coralcatch.org/donate.

In this episode we are featuring Rebecca Daniel @rebecca_saltysea, the visionary Director of @themarinediaries. Rebecca’s journey from a young ocean enthusiast to a leading marine conservationist storyteller is nothing short of extraordinary. We'll explore how The Marine Diaries is making waves in ocean conservation, from educating the public on marine ecosystems to launching powerful campaigns and creating an ocean community through events and experiences. Discover their visually stunning short films on YouTube, such as "The Big Blue", which takes you deep into the heart of the ocean, and get a taste of adventure with their annual "Great African Seaforest Adventure", showcasing the wonders of Cape Town’s underwater world. Whether you’re passionate about marine science, eager to learn how you can help protect our ocean, or simply love a good story, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you inspired and ready to take action! Make sure to visit The Marine Diaries at www.themarinediaries.com and follow them on Instagram @themarinediaries to stay updated on their latest initiatives.

Marina Garmendia is a marine scientist and co-founder & CEO of Coralisma, a non-profit organization aimed at rebuilding coral populations in Mexico. With a background in professional diving, she recognized the urgency to address coral reef degradation. In addition to her leadership at Coralisma, Marina is deeply involved in research to improve coral restoration methods. She is a graduate research assistant at the CRRAM Lab while pursuing her M.S in Marine Science at NSU. She presented findings on coral microfragmentation at the 50th annual Benthic Ecology Meeting as well as at the 2022 International Coral Reef Symposium. Her work also extends internationally, including projects aimed at restoring the Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park in Mexico, as well as work in Southeast Florida. Besides these many accomplishments, Marina has the rare ability to beautifully communicate complex scientific concepts, so we think this episode will be a real treat! Check out their website here: https://www.coralisma.com/ And you can find them on Instagram here: Coralisma A.C. (@coralisma_mx) • Instagram photos and videos @nsu_crram_lab https://instagram.com/nsu_crram_lab Follow us @ REEF Roundup Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup)⁠⁠⁠⁠ REEF Roundup Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠(reef-roundup.com)⁠⁠⁠⁠ REEF Scuba Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ (reef-scuba.org)

Join us for a fantastic interview with Zack Rago as he touches on the importance of combining science with art, outreach, and storytelling. Most ocean advocates will be familiar with Zack from his involvement in the Chasing Coral documentry. In this episode you'll learn more about what he's up to now - still pushing to save the ocean for future generations. We were honored to have him on the show and we know you'll enjoy this special episode! Follow Zack on Twitter: Zack Rago (@Zackropora) Follow us @ REEF Roundup Instagram ⁠Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup)⁠ REEF Roundup Website ⁠(reef-roundup.com)⁠ REEF Scuba Website⁠ (reef-scuba.org)

Join us for a fantastic interview with Dr. Andrea Grottoli as she touches on many important topics, but in particular the importance of ensuring that the science is turned into policy and the policy becomes action! Dr. Andrea Grottoli is a Distinguished Professor of Earth Sciences and former President of the International Coral Reef Society She is also the co-author on the recently released paper "Rebuilding Coral Reefs: A Decadal Grand Challenge" calling for new commitments and actions by the world's policymakers to protect and restore coral reefs. The recommendations for policy action are to: Reduce global climate change threats by establishing and following through on commitments such as the Paris Agreement and Blue Carbon Initiatives. Improve local conditions to build resilience through active coordination among agencies at all levels of government for the management and protection of reefs and surrounding coastlines. Invest in active restoration to enhance recovery coupled with support for innovation. You can find more about Dr. Grottoli here.  Follow us @ REEF Roundup Instagram Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup) REEF Roundup Website (reef-roundup.com) REEF Scuba Website (reef-scuba.org)

Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert is Global Lead for the Blue Economy at the World Bank, where she is responsible for guiding the Bank’s transition towards a Blue Economy approach, defined as the sustainable and integrated development of oceanic sectors in healthy oceans. She is also Program Manager for PROBLUE, a Multi-Donor Trust Fund launched in 2018, which aims to identify new ways to finance the transition to a blue economy. As a Senior Fisheries Specialist, she has co-authored some of the Bank’s seminal publications on fisheries and the blue economy, including The Sunken Billions Revisited, a chapter on fisheries and subsidies in The Changing Wealth of Nations, a report on fisheries and climate change and fisheries in Africa, and a report on The Potential of the Blue Economy : Increasing Long-term Benefits of the Sustainable Use of Marine Resources for Small Island Developing States and Coastal Least Developed Countries. Dr. de Fontaubert holds an M.Sc. in Sea-Use Law, Economics and Policy from the London School of Economics and a Ph.D. in Marine Studies from the University of Delaware. Charlotte de Fontaubert | Global Lead for the Blue Economy, World Bank Follow us @ REEF Roundup Instagram Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup) REEF Roundup Website (reef-roundup.com) REEF Scuba Website (reef-scuba.org)

Welcome to the second half of our talk with Dr. Iris Ziegler, head of international cooperation at SharkProject international. Dr. Iris is a natural scientist, and an expert on sustainable, ecosystem-compatible fisheries and ocean risk management. Dr. Iris is also a voting member of the IUCN, which decides which species need to be protected globally. She engages in international lobbying and cooperation with other NGOs and working groups at the EU and around the world, and is a huge advocate and voice in the highest policy levels, pushing for further protections for sharks in particular and the health of the ocean generally. Sharkproject Home EN | SHARKPROJECT - internationally active in the research, education and advocacy for the conservation of sharks and the marine ecosystems Sharkproject International (@sharkproject) / Twitter

We are excited to be talking to Dr. Iris Ziegler, Head of International Cooperation at SharkProject International. Dr. Iris is a natural scientist, and an expert on sustainable, ecosystem-compatible fisheries and ocean risk management. Dr. Iris is also a voting member of the IUCN, which decides which species need to be protected globally. She engages in international lobbying and cooperation with other NGOs and working groups at the EU and around the world, and is a huge advocate and voice in the highest policy levels, pushing for further protections for sharks in particular and the health of the ocean generally. Sharkproject Home EN | SHARKPROJECT - internationally active in the research, education and advocacy for the conservation of sharks and the marine ecosystems Sharkproject International (@sharkproject) / Twitter 

"There is no reason why the public works budget shouldn't include money for the protection of the reef, because the reef is protecting the economic engine. And we are absolutely in discussions with governments about this kind of thinking." - Simon Young Today we talk with Simon Young, a volcanologist who went diving in the aftermath of a volcano and hurricane, and realized the need for quick remediation of damage following a natural disaster. He now works for WTW, and is helping to pilot a new type of coverage, parametric insurance. Parametric insurance provides immediate compensation for "non-traditional asset classes" - among those coral reefs - after a devastating storm. WTW now manages insurance policies for organizations throughout the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR), and they are planning expansion to the Caribbean and eventually the rest of the world. With more storms never far away, this insurance provides an innovative way to ensure that damage can be mitigated quickly, allowing both the reefs and the people who depend on them to recover as quickly as possible. Don't miss it! Links to organizations mentioned in the podcast below. WTW: https://www.wtwco.com/en-US/Insights/research-programs-and-collaborations/climate-and-resilience-hub Ocean Risk Alliance: https://www.oceanriskalliance.org/ Reef Resilience: https://reefresilience.org/ The Mar Fund: https://marfund.org/en/ The Nature Conservancy (TNC): https://www.nature.org/en-us/ The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund: https://www.caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/ Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve: http://www.turneffeatollmarinereserve.org/maps Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and our Instagram page, answer the episode survey and question if you're listening on Spotify. If you're feeling particularly generous (or haven't done a good deed in a while ;)), please leave a review and share with your friends and family. Thank you! REEF Scuba's Ocean Champions Newsletter | Substack REEF Roundup Instagram Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup) REEF Roundup Website (reef-roundup.com) REEF Scuba Website (reef-scuba.org)

In this episode we talk with Simon Young, a volcanologist who went diving in the aftermath of a volcano and hurricane, and realized the need for quick remediation of damage following a natural disaster. He now works for WTW, a risk advisory company, and is helping to pilot a new type of coverage, parametric insurance. Parametric insurance provides immediate compensation for "non-traditional asset classes" - among those coral reefs - after a devastating storm. WTW now manages insurance policies for the countries that make up the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR), and they are planning expansion to the Caribbean and eventually the rest of the world. With more storms never far away, this insurance provides an innovative way to ensure that damage can be mitigated quickly, allowing both the reefs and the people who depend on them to recover as quickly as possible. Don't miss it! Links to organizations mentioned in the podcast below. WTW: https://www.wtwco.com/en-US/Insights/research-programs-and-collaborations/climate-and-resilience-hub Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance: https://www.oceanriskalliance.org/ Reef Resilience Network: https://reefresilience.org/ The MAR Fund: https://marfund.org/en/ The Nature Conservancy (TNC): https://www.nature.org/en-us/ The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund: https://www.caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/ Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve: http://www.turneffeatollmarinereserve.org/maps Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and our Instagram page, and to answer the episode survey and question if you're listening on Spotify. If you're feeling particularly generous (or haven't done a good deed in a while ;)), please leave a review and share with your friends and family. Thank you! REEF Roundup Instagram Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup) REEF Roundup Website (reef-roundup.com) REEF Scuba Website(reef-scuba.org)

In this episode we discuss Coral Reef Monitoring. From the first marine biologists tracking the health of the reef, all the way to new satellites being launched by NASA, we hope you'll agree that there have been lots of incredible developments, and that we're in a better position than ever to know what's happening to the world's coral reefs. Join us! Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and our Instagram page, answer the episode survey and question if you're listening on Spotify. If you're feeling particularly generous (or haven't done a good deed in awhile ;)), please leave a review and share with your friends and family. Thank you! REEF Roundup Instagram Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup) REEF Roundup Website (reef-roundup.com) REEF Scuba Website (reef-scuba.org)

In this episode we discuss the Ocean Agency, and their 50 Reefs Initiative. The Ocean Agency is behind a variety of incredible projects, from the Chasing Coral documentary, to Google's underwater "streetview". Learn more about their 50 REEFs Initiative, which used a combination of marine science, mathematical, and even financial modeling to select the reefs which are the plant's most sure bets for the future. The idea is a bit controversial, so we will look at it from a variety of angles. Join us! Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast, and if you're feeling particularly generous, please leave a review and share with your friends and family. Thank you! REEF Roundup Instagram Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup) REEF Roundup Website (reef-roundup.com) REEF Scuba Website (reef-scuba.org)

Thank you for joining us for the launch of Season Two of the REEF Roundup podcast! Today we reflect on our favorite ocean stories from 2021, the research and developments that gave us hope. As we all know, when we lose hope, we lose the strength to keep working on important but difficult topics. Therefore, as we launch 2022 and the next season of REEF Roundup, we wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on some incredible ways that we are moving forward. You'll learn about progress being made on the 30 x 30 initiative, about incredible new techniques which utilize eDNA in the ocean, about new ocean species that were recently identified, and much more! Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast, and if you're feeling particularly generous, please leave a review and share with your friends and family. Thank you! REEF Roundup Instagram Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup) REEF Roundup Website (reef-roundup.com) REEF Scuba Website (reef-scuba.org)

We are excited to be reporting to you from the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille, France. We are honored to have received press passes to cover this important event, which takes place every four years and decides which species will be added to the United Nations' IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. The event draws conservation experts from around the world, and we will be brining you daily content, sharing the latest developments on our favorite ocean species, as well as covering a variety of ocean themed content. Listen to this episode for a bit more information on what we've learned so far. As always, please share and post this important content, and we thank you for being our loyal listeners! RedList Website: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species IUCN Twitter: @IUCN REEF Roundup Instagram: Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup)

We are excited to be reporting to you from the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille, France. We are honored to have received press passes to cover this important event, which takes place every four years and decides which species will be added to the United Nations' IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. The event draws conservation experts from around the world, and we will be brining you daily content, sharing the latest developments on our favorite ocean species, as well as covering a variety of ocean themed content. Listen to this episode for a bit more information on what we've learned so far.  As always, please share and post this important content, and we thank you for being our loyal listeners! RedList Website: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species IUCN Twitter: @IUCN REEF Roundup Instagram: Marine Conservation Podcast (@reefroundup)