How To Protect The Ocean

Nearshore conservation is often overlooked in favor of flashy offshore marine protected areas. But a growing movement of community-led initiatives is showing that protecting coastal waters might be one of the smartest, most effective ways to safeguard ocean biodiversity and build climate resilience. This episode explores new insights from the Nearshore Ocean Progress report by the Center for Ameri...

Gray whales are dying along the Pacific coast—and the reasons are alarming. In this episode, we dive into why hundreds of gray whales have stranded or died between 2019 and 2023. From food shortages in their Arctic feeding grounds to the rising risks of ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, we break down what NOAA has called an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) and how climate change is accel...

Endangered species protection in Ontario is under threat as the provincial government proposes Bill 5, repealing the Endangered Species Act in favor of weaker legislation. Host Andrew Lewin breaks down what these changes mean for biodiversity, habitat protection, and public accountability, and shares how Ontarians can respond through the Environmental Registry. Climate action in Hawaii is taking a...

Deep sea mining in the U.S. is entering a new chapter after a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump authorized exploration and extraction not only in U.S. Exclusive Economic Zones but potentially in international waters. This move marks a dramatic shift in ocean policy and raises serious questions about compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (U...

Coral bleaching is not just a temporary event—it's a climate emergency that can unfold over years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean , host Andrew Lewin dives deep into the devastating history of global coral bleaching events, revealing how the fourth and current one (2023–2025) is affecting over 80% of coral reefs worldwide. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Caribbean, bleaching is now...

Octopus intelligence is nothing short of extraordinary—and in this episode, we dive deep with award-winning author Mark Leiren-Young to explore the surprising minds, behaviors, and conservation challenges of one of the ocean's most elusive animals. Inspired by his latest book Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep , Mark shares jaw-dropping stories about tool-using octopuses, their ability to dream,...

Energy policy shifts in the U.S. are sparking concern as the government rolls back environmental regulations to fast-track oil and gas drilling. In this episode, we examine how these rollbacks could jeopardize ecosystems, especially marine environments, and undermine efforts to transition to clean energy sources. Environmental protections have long served as safeguards for biodiversity and climate...

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have become integral components of Canadian science funding. In this episode, we explore Pierre Poilievre's plan to strip funding from research programs that incorporate so-called "woke" policies like EDI. We examine how EDI policies are currently embedded in major grants from NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, and more, and discuss what could be at stake for Canada's resea...

Fisheries : In this episode, we see the surprising news that the U.S. government is opening up parts of its marine protected areas (MPAs) to commercial fishing. This rollback of protections in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument has sparked debate about the future of sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity. Ocean : We explore what this decision signals for global ocean govern...

Great Barrier Reef bleaching is accelerating at a dangerous pace, and yet, hope rises from a unique blend of technology, data, and collective action. In this powerful episode, Andrew talks to Andy Ridley , the founding CEO of Citizens of the Reef , about how they are building one of the most ambitious citizen science movements on the planet. They discuss how climate change rapidly degrades one of...

Ocean conservation is more than a job—it's a calling. In this episode, we sit down with McKenzie Margereth, known online as McKnsea , who shares her inspiring journey of making bold career decisions in marine biology while becoming a powerful voice for science communication on social media. Her story highlights the challenges and triumphs of balancing a full-time role in marine science with a pass...

Coral restoration is often seen as a beacon of hope for our oceans—but are we putting too much faith in it? In this episode, we dive into why coral bleaching has become an annual event, especially on the Great Barrier Reef , and whether restoration can keep up with the pace of climate change. We explore what recurring stress events mean for the long-term survival of reefs and how restoration, whil...

Rebuilding fisheries in Canada: Capelin biomass is only at 16% of its pre-collapse level, which spells disaster for northern cod's recovery. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin breaks down the troubling state of Canada's east coast fisheries. With DFO ignoring science-based recommendations, capelin is being harvested despite dangerously low numbers—and the ripple effects...

Shark communication is critical in changing their "man-eating" reputation from the movie Jaws. Sharks need protection so telling people about the wonders of sharks is essential. Marine biology is more than just a job — it's a lifestyle driven by passion and purpose. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean , host Andrew Lewin speaks with marine biologist Kenzie Horton, who shares how her love f...

De-extinction is no longer just science fiction. In this episode, we dive into the controversial concept of bringing back extinct species—specifically the dire wolf—using cutting-edge genetic engineering. Inspired by the headline-grabbing efforts to resurrect woolly mammoths, scientists are now exploring how DNA from ancient canids could be used to reintroduce this Ice Age predator into modern eco...

Intersex marine mammals are an exceptionally rare topic in marine biology, and in this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking discovery of an intersex southern right whale. The whale, sampled in 1989, was recently found to possess XY chromosomes through genetic testing. This revelation opens up new conversations about sex differentiation in marine species and the complexities of whale biology that...

Deep sea mining is making headlines as the United States considers allowing operations within its boundaries. In this episode, Andrew Lewin dives into a recent development involving a Canadian company, The Metals Company, that is pushing to mine the deep sea in US territory. What does this mean for the environment, international law, and ocean conservation? The US government's stance on deep sea m...

Fisheries are more than just the act of catching fish—they're tightly woven into the fabric of science, activism, and community livelihoods. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean , we speak with Eva van Heukelom about the many layers of fisheries management and how sustainable practices are shaped not just by data and tradition but by the legal frameworks that support them. Law plays a centr...

Ocean conservation careers often don't follow a predictable path—and that's completely normal. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean , host Andrew Lewin shares why expecting a traditional, linear route in marine biology or conservation can lead to frustration. Instead, he reflects on the non-linear journeys many professionals, including himself, have taken to find meaningful work in the fiel...

Ocean conversations matter more than we think. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean , Andrew Lewin explores how the simple act of bringing up marine topics in everyday conversations—with friends, at restaurants, during social gatherings—can lead to a ripple effect of awareness, engagement, and ultimately, protection. The ocean affects all of us, yet it's rarely discussed in casual settings....

D and D can help with environmental education by creating immersive, story-driven learning experiences that engage students on a deeper level. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Thaler, who's using Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) to teach environmental concepts in a way that feels more like play than a lesson. Through world-building, role-playing, and strategic storytelling, students aren't just...

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing threats to our oceans today. In this episode, we explore how microplastics—tiny fragments of plastic waste—make their way into tropical marine ecosystems and cause lasting damage. Whether it's through broken-down consumer products or fishing gear, plastic pollution infiltrates ocean habitats and harms marine life in ways we're just beginning to underst...

Global tuna fisheries are facing mounting pressure from overfishing, bycatch, and unsustainable fishing practices. Gala Moreno from the International Sustainable Seafood Foundation (ISSF) shares her expert insights on the current state of tuna populations and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. She explains how ISSF is collaborating with fishers, policymakers, and scientists to create strat...

Marine conservation is in trouble — and the biggest problem isn't just pollution or overfishing. The real issue is that people are becoming disconnected from the ocean, and that lack of concern is threatening marine ecosystems worldwide. In this episode, I'm reporting from Oahu, Hawaii , where I've witnessed firsthand the troubling signs of ocean health decline — and why fewer people seem to care....

False killer whale strandings in Tasmania are rare; however, on February 20, 2025, approximately 157 whales stranded and passed away, with at least 99 being euthanized after multiple attempts to float them back into the ocean failed. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I dive into the tragic stranding of 157 false killer whales on Tasmania's northwest coast in February 2025. Despite the h...