How To Protect The Ocean
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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.
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.
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Microplastics are now found in the deepest ocean trenches, Arctic ice, seafood, drinking water, and even human blood. Headlines often claim that all plastics are toxic, but what does the science actually say? Recent research has detected microplastics in human lungs, placentas, and cardiovascular tissue, raising urgent questions about inflammation, chemical exposure, and long term health risks. At the same time, scientists caution that not all plastics behave the same way, and toxicity depends on polymer type, additives, breakdown processes, and exposure levels. This episode breaks down the difference between plastic pollution, chemical leaching, and biological impact. It explores what we know about endocrine-disrupting additives like BPA and phthalates, how microplastics move through marine food webs, and what remains uncertain in current human health research. If plastics are everywhere, the real question is not whether they exist, but what they are doing inside ecosystems and inside us. Anthony's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-merante/ Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Marine Protected Areas are expanding faster than ever, but new research raises an uncomfortable question: are they actually protecting top predators? Satellite tracking of silky sharks shows that even inside designated protected zones, highly migratory species frequently move into heavily fished waters. If sharks cross invisible boundaries every day, how effective are those boundaries in the first place? Shark conservation and ocean governance collide when industrial fishing fleets concentrate along MPA borders and enforcement resources struggle to keep up. Studies reveal that some protected areas allow extractive activities, while others lack the monitoring capacity needed to deter illegal or unregulated fishing. The result: declining shark populations in places that are supposed to be safe havens. Ocean science and policy must align if marine protection is going to work. This episode examines the silky shark case, border fishing pressure, enforcement gaps, and the growing debate over whether some MPAs are delivering real conservation outcomes or simply drawing lines on a map. Follow the show to stay informed on the science shaping the future of our ocean. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Marine Protected Areas are expanding worldwide, but new research shows that protection on paper does not always translate to protection in reality. Satellite tracking of silky sharks reveals that highly mobile predators regularly cross MPA boundaries into heavily fished waters, exposing serious enforcement gaps. When fishing fleets concentrate along invisible ocean borders, even large reserves struggle to deliver real conservation outcomes. Shark conservation and ocean governance are at the center of this story. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals and vessel tracking data from Global Fishing Watch show that industrial fishing pressure can persist inside or along the edges of protected zones. Weak enforcement, multi-use designations, and migratory behavior create loopholes that undermine top predator recovery. Ocean policy and enforcement gaps raise a bigger question: if marine protection exists only on a map, does it count? This episode examines silky sharks as a case study, then expands to global MPA effectiveness, industrial fishing pressure, and what true protection should look like in the open ocean. Subscribe to stay informed on the science shaping ocean conservation. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Coral Reef Recovery is happening faster than many scientists once believed possible, but only under the right conditions. Long-term monitoring from the Caribbean and Indo Pacific shows that reefs can regain coral cover and rebuild three-dimensional structure when fishing pressure is reduced, water quality improves, and protections are enforced. The idea that reefs are doomed after bleaching events is being challenged by real data collected over decades. Reef Resilience Science reveals that recovery is not random. Areas with healthy herbivore populations, strong marine protected area enforcement, and fewer back to back heat stress events show measurable rebounds in coral recruitment and structural complexity. Studies published in Science and Nature Climate Change highlight that while climate change raises the baseline risk, local management decisions strongly influence whether reefs collapse or rebuild. Ocean Conservation Strategy becomes clearer when recovery case studies are compared to areas still declining. Flattening reefs are not inevitable; they are often the result of cumulative stress. When that stress is reduced, ecosystems respond. The evidence points to a simple but powerful conclusion: give reefs breathing room, and many of them fight their way back. Listen to the full episode. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Coral reefs can still show living coral cover and yet be ecologically collapsing beneath the surface. In this episode, we break down new coast-to-coast reef assessments from Thailand that reveal a critical warning sign: reefs are losing structural complexity even when coral is still present. Structural complexity, also known as rugosity, is what gives reefs their three-dimensional shape. That shape creates habitat for fish, supports predator-prey balance, fuels biodiversity, and protects coastlines from storms. New research published in Science and Nature Climate Change shows that repeated bleaching events and chronic stress are flattening reef architecture, reducing resilience and weakening ecosystem function long before coral disappears completely. This episode explains why coral cover alone is no longer enough to measure reef health, what structural degradation means for fisheries and coastal communities, and how monitoring needs to evolve if we want real conservation progress. Follow the show for clear, science-based ocean updates every weekday. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Ocean-Human Health Connection is not just a theory, it is a reality unfolding beneath the surface of our coastal waters, and most people have no idea their wellbeing depends on a disappearing underwater meadow. In this episode, we explore how seagrass meadows clean the water we swim in, protect shorelines from storms, support the seafood we eat, and regulate coastal ecosystems that directly influence human health. If these habitats continue to vanish, the consequences will not stay underwater, they will show up in our food systems, our economies, and our communities. Seagrass Meadows are powerful blue carbon ecosystems that stabilise sediments, filter nutrients, reduce pollution exposure, and provide nursery habitat for fish that sustain global fisheries. Yet pollution, coastal development, warming seas, and nutrient runoff are driving rapid decline. The loss is largely invisible because it happens underwater, but its impacts are measurable in poorer water quality, declining fisheries, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather. One Health Concept connects environmental health, animal health, and human health, and seagrass is a living example of that connection in action. One of the most surprising insights from this episode is this: when seagrass declines, water quality worsens, and that can directly increase human exposure to harmful bacteria and pollutants. This is not just about saving a plant, it is about protecting communities. Listen to the full episode. Link to article: https://theconversation.com/seagrass-meadows-could-be-good-for-your-health-yet-theyre-disappearing-fast-273120 Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
What is ethical seafood, and why does it matter if fish can suffer in the systems designed to feed the world? As seafood consumption rises globally, most people never see what happens on fish farms or how ethical decisions are made behind closed doors. This episode asks a simple but uncomfortable question: if fish feel pain and stress, what responsibility do we have when we farm and eat them? Fish welfare in aquaculture is rarely discussed in public, yet it affects hundreds of millions of animals every year. In this conversation, we unpack how fish are raised, handled, and harvested, why welfare is often overlooked, and how improving conditions can actually benefit farmers, ecosystems, and consumers at the same time. You will learn how science is being used to measure fish stress, what ethical treatment really looks like in practice, and why welfare is not just an animal rights issue but a sustainability issue. Ethical seafood choices can feel overwhelming, especially when labels, certifications, and marketing claims all compete for attention. One of the most surprising insights from this episode is that small, practical changes in fish handling can dramatically reduce suffering without increasing costs, and in some cases even improve productivity. This challenges the idea that ethics and food production are always in conflict. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Right whale baby boom is giving scientists and conservationists a rare moment of hope, but it comes with a hard question: is this surge in newborn calves enough to save one of the most endangered whales on Earth? With only around 360 North Atlantic right whales left, every birth matters, and this episode breaks down why this moment is so important and why the clock is still ticking. North Atlantic right whale recovery has been painfully slow for decades due to ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and shifting ocean conditions. In this episode, we explore what led to 21 calves being born this season, how researchers track these whales, and why human activity remains the biggest threat to their survival, even during a year that feels hopeful. Whale conservation efforts are finally showing signs of progress through vessel slow-down zones, new fishing gear technology, and cross-border cooperation. One of the most emotional insights from this episode is that some female right whales are giving birth for the first time in years, a sign that protection efforts can work if they are strengthened and enforced. Listen to the full episode. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Scientific Discoveries are transforming our understanding of the ocean in ways that were once unimaginable. In this episode of Surfacing Secrets: Explore the Ocean. Know the Planet, Richard Dewey, Kohen Bauer, and Gwen Klassen of Ocean Networks Canada share some of the most exciting breakthroughs made possible by real-time ocean monitoring. From mysterious sediment flows to acoustic insights that map marine life, this conversation reveals how cutting-edge technology is unraveling underwater mysteries. Ocean conservation has never felt more urgent or more hopeful. Scientific discoveries discussed in this episode include how the Delta Dynamics Laboratory survived a dramatic tumble, what we're learning from acoustic data in the Salish Sea, and why collaboration between scientists and Indigenous communities is driving innovation. One surprisingly emotional insight came when Gwen shared how listening to the ocean in real time gave her goosebumps and a sense of connection she hadn't expected. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Marineland Beluga Whales are once again at the center of a national debate, and the outcome could shape the future of captive whales in Canada. Marineland Beluga Whales face uncertain futures as government decisions, export permits, and welfare concerns collide, raising a critical question, are these whales being protected or simply moved out of sight? Beluga whales in captivity reveal a deeper problem that goes beyond one facility. This episode breaks down the latest updates on relocation plans, the role of federal permits, and why animal welfare groups argue that sending belugas to other aquariums is not a true solution. The discussion explains what sanctuaries are, why they matter, and why timing is becoming a life-or-death issue for these whales. Beluga whale sanctuary Canada becomes the emotional core of this episode. One surprising and powerful insight is that euthanasia was openly discussed as a possible outcome if permits were denied, a reality that shocked advocates and accelerated government action. This moment exposes how fragile the protection of captive whales really is, and why long-term sanctuary solutions are urgently needed. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Will the US move towards Deep-Sea Mining? This question is no longer theoretical, it is urgent, political, and deeply consequential for the ocean. As pressure grows to secure critical minerals for batteries and clean energy, the US is facing a decision that could permanently alter the deep ocean. In this episode, we break down what deep-sea mining really means, why it is suddenly back in the spotlight, and why scientists are sounding the alarm about what we stand to lose before we even understand it. Deep sea mining explained through real testimony, expert insight, and clear examples that cut through the noise. You will hear how mining the ocean floor could disrupt ecosystems that have taken millions of years to form, and why regulation has not kept pace with industry ambition. One of the most surprising insights in this episode is that the deep ocean is being considered for industrial extraction even though scientists still do not know how many species live there, or how long recovery would take, if recovery is even possible. Is deep sea mining dangerous for marine life and for people who rely on a healthy ocean? This episode connects the dots between geopolitics, green energy promises, and environmental risk, showing how decisions made far from the ocean could have irreversible consequences beneath the surface. The emotional core of this conversation is clear: once damage is done in the deep sea, there may be no way to undo it. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Should bull sharks be culled? Shark bites spark fear, outrage, and calls for action, but the real question is whether killing sharks actually makes people safer. In this episode, we unpack why bull shark incidents happen, what science tells us about risk, and why quick emotional reactions can lead to decisions that do more harm than good. Bull shark attacks are tragic and serious, but one surprising insight from this episode is that bull sharks often bite because they cannot clearly see what is in front of them. Murky water, river runoff, and warm summer conditions dramatically increase confusion for these sharks, making humans more vulnerable without the sharks intending to target people. Living with sharks means accepting that the ocean is not a controlled environment. The emotional moment in this episode comes from recognizing that fear-driven solutions like culling may feel satisfying, but they do not reduce risk and can damage ecosystems that keep oceans healthy and predictable for everyone. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Ethical climate storytelling asks a hard question that most climate conversations avoid: why do so many people shut down when the science is clear and the stakes are high, and how do we tell stories that actually move people to care and act. In this episode, we explore how ethical climate storytelling can reconnect audiences to climate issues without fear, guilt, or manipulation, and why this approach matters for protecting the ocean and the communities that depend on it. Climate communication strategy often defaults to urgency and catastrophe, but our guest explains why that approach can backfire. Drawing on real-world media campaigns and public engagement work, Maya Lilly of The Years Project breaks down how human-centered narratives help people see themselves inside the climate story, especially when it comes to ocean warming, sea level rise, and coastal impacts. Hope-based climate communication emerges as one of the most emotional and surprising insights of the episode. Maya shares how ethical storytelling is not about sugarcoating reality, but about restoring agency. Listeners will hear why people are more likely to protect the ocean when they feel respected, informed, and capable, rather than overwhelmed or blamed. Connect with Maya: IG: @yearsofliving and @GunghoEco FB: @yearsofliving TikTok: @theyearsproject YT: @Years and @GunghoEco LinkedIn: TheYearsProject BlueSky: @theyearsproject.bsky.social and @mayalilly.bsky.social Threads: @yearsofliving and @GunghoEco X: @YearsofLiving @GunghoEco Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Who Decides Offshore Drilling is the central question behind decisions that shape coastlines for decades, yet are often made by people who never have to live with the consequences. This episode breaks down how offshore drilling decisions are made far from the coast, why public input often feels symbolic, and how risk quietly shifts from decision-makers to coastal communities. Offshore oil and gas leasing sounds like a technical process, but the impact is deeply human. Through firsthand voices from across the US, this episode reveals a surprising truth: once an area is leased, the future of that ocean space is largely locked in, even if drilling happens years or decades later. That long delay creates distance, distance that protects power while leaving communities to absorb the risk. Coastal communities and offshore drilling collide in ways that rarely make headlines. One emotional insight stands out clearly: the people closest to the ocean are often the first to notice damage, the first to respond to disasters, and the last to be heard when decisions are made. This episode brings those voices forward and asks what real accountability should look like. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Cook Inlet offshore oil drilling is being pushed forward through new federal lease plans, but the people who live closest to these waters are asking a hard question: who really benefits, and who takes the risk. In this episode, we unpack why Cook Inlet matters so deeply for salmon, beluga whales, and coastal communities, and why offshore drilling decisions made far from Alaska can have permanent local consequences. Alaska offshore oil and gas leasing has shaped the state's economy, politics, and identity for decades, and that history still influences how people talk about jobs, revenue, and energy security today. Our guests from Cook Inletkeeper explain how past promises of prosperity created long-term dependence, and why many Alaskans are now questioning whether repeating that model makes sense in a changing climate and economy. Community opposition to offshore drilling emerges as one of the most emotional and surprising themes of this conversation. Despite assumptions that Alaskans broadly support expansion, many residents, including fishers and families tied to the water, are worried about spill risk, wildlife impacts, and being locked into fossil fuels just as the rest of the world starts to move on. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Distant water fishing fleets are operating just beyond national borders, pulling massive amounts of squid from the ocean with almost no rules, and this episode asks a simple but urgent question: can the new high seas treaty stop ecological collapse before it is too late? Off the coast of Argentina, hundreds of vessels gather in international waters to exploit a regulatory loophole, threatening a keystone species that supports whales, seabirds, and entire food webs. What happens here does not stay here, it affects global fisheries, biodiversity, and the seafood on our plates. High seas squid fishing has exploded in recent years, with satellite data showing fishing effort increasing dramatically while oversight remains weak. In this episode, I break down how squid fuel marine ecosystems, why their short life cycle makes them especially vulnerable, and how unregulated fishing in places like Mile 201 puts the entire South Atlantic at risk. I also explain what the new high seas treaty actually does, what it cannot do, and why enforcement and political will matter more than headlines. High seas treaty 2026 is often described as historic, but one surprising and deeply emotional insight from this episode is that the treaty does not automatically stop overfishing. It creates a toolset, not a safety net. Without coordinated action, transparency, and pressure on distant water fleets, the ocean could continue to be emptied in plain sight, even under a new global agreement. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Hidden costs of seafood are shaping the global tuna industry in ways most people never see, and this episode asks why it matters for the ocean, workers, and anyone who buys seafood. Hidden costs of seafood raise a simple but uncomfortable question: if an industry cannot survive without public money, can it truly be sustainable, and who is paying the price behind the scenes? Tuna fishing subsidies are at the center of this story. Drawing from new peer-reviewed research, this episode breaks down how fuel tax exemptions and government support keep European tuna fleets operating, even when they run operational losses. Without these subsidies, many fleets would struggle or collapse, revealing an economic model that depends on taxpayers while fishing pressure on the ocean continues. Sustainable seafood myths are challenged by one surprising and emotional insight from this episode: some tuna fleets appear profitable on paper while actually losing money every year without subsidies, meaning the public absorbs the financial risk while ecosystems and fishing communities absorb the consequences. This changes how we should think about sustainability, accountability, and what responsible seafood really means. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
This ocean place will help protect the planet but it is disappearing faster than scientists can track it, and that puts climate goals, food security, and coastal protection at risk. In this episode, we explore why seagrass meadows are one of the most powerful and overlooked ecosystems on Earth, and why failing to measure them properly could undermine global conservation and climate efforts. Seagrass conservation and climate solutions are deeply connected, yet monitoring these underwater meadows has been inconsistent and fragmented around the world. We break down why scientists have struggled to compare seagrass data across regions, what an Essential Ocean Variable really is, and how standardizing measurements could transform how countries protect biodiversity and report climate progress. Ocean biodiversity and blue carbon ecosystems reveal one surprising and emotional insight in this episode: despite storing massive amounts of carbon and supporting fisheries and livelihoods, seagrass often receives less protection than coral reefs or mangroves, largely because it is harder to see and harder to measure. Fixing that data gap could be one of the most effective nature-based climate solutions available today. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Ocean carbon sequestration is failing because we are ignoring one of the ocean's most powerful climate allies, seaweed forests, and that blind spot could cost us precious time in the fight against climate change. This episode asks a simple but urgent question: how can one of the fastest-growing, most productive ecosystems on Earth still be missing from climate policy? Seaweed blue carbon challenges everything we think we know about how the ocean stores carbon, because kelp forests do not lock carbon in place, they move it. Scientists are now tracking how seaweed captures carbon near the coast and exports it to the deep ocean, where it can be stored for centuries, yet conservation frameworks have not caught up with this science. Kelp forests climate change reveals the emotional core of this story: we are losing ecosystems that protect biodiversity, support fisheries, and quietly help stabilize the climate, often without realizing their value until they are gone. The surprising insight is that seaweed may already be helping the climate far more than we give it credit for, but only if we choose to protect it. Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
How Scientists Detect Ocean Life is one of the biggest challenges in ocean conservation, because we cannot protect what we cannot see, measure, or even prove exists. How Scientists Detect Ocean Life using environmental DNA asks a powerful question: what if a simple bottle of seawater could reveal more species than divers, cameras, and nets combined, and what does that mean for how we protect the ocean? Environmental DNA ocean monitoring is changing how scientists understand marine biodiversity, especially for rare, shy, or hard-to-detect species. In this episode, you will learn how tiny fragments of DNA left behind by fish can be collected, analyzed, and matched to species, revealing hidden ecosystems that were previously invisible to science. One surprising insight from this research is that eDNA often finds species scientists did not even know were present, exposing how incomplete our current monitoring really is. Ocean conservation science depends on accurate data, and this episode explores why better detection tools lead to stronger marine protected areas, smarter management decisions, and earlier warnings when ecosystems are in trouble. This story is not just about new technology, it is about hope, because knowing what lives in the ocean gives us a real chance to protect it before it disappears. Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
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Podcast bagus, sebagai bagian dari Ocean Literacy.
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⛔THERE NEEDS YO BE A WARNING BEFORE THIS EPISODE‼️‼️ - ie. THE LIVE "BAIT"!
Andrew, 🌊🐠🐚 -You are a jewel in the treasure chest of information.
This is a FANTASTIC podcast!!! I am memorized by the facinating life below the surface.