How To Protect The Ocean

Rebuilding fisheries requires information on fisheries stock assessments for each species. Collecting that data is not easy; it takes time and money to do. The Canadian Government is mandated to gather information on the 200 commercially fished species, but it's lacking. Not to worry. Ocean Canada has taken on the burden to collect and presenting the fisheries information in their Annual Fisheries...

How do we stop over fishing? Fishing transparency is a great start. Many fisheries around the world lack the data to provide managers with the information to make better management decisions. The Coalition of Fisheries Transparency aims to work with their partners to help gain more information on each fishery. Maisie Pigeon, the Director for the Coalition, koins Andrew Lewin to discuss how transpa...

The largest solar farm on the ocean is now running off the coast of China as the country continues to invest in ways to support its sustainable energy needs.  In the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses China's deployment of the world's largest open sea offshore solar panel farm. The project, developed by CHN Energy, spans 1,223 hectares (3,023 acres) and is located 8 ki...

The impact of the avian flu of elephant seals resulted in the death of 17,000 individuals in a population in Argentina. Researchers think the marine mammals caught the virus from migrating birds near their haul out areas that are usually packed with the animals one on top of the other. Unfortunately, 97% of the elephant seal pups were lost resulting in a devastating loss for generations to come. ...

A new marine protected area has been designated in Puerto Rico to bring their total ocean protection up to 27%, 3% away from the 30 x 30 promise many countries have promised to meet. The US has a total of 26% of its ocean in marine protected areas. In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses establishing a new marine protected area (MPA) in Puerto Rico, w...

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses practical ways for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. Here are the key strategies highlighted: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint : Start by determining your current carbon footprint using a reliable calculator. Understanding your baseline is essential for tracking progress. Food Choices : Opt for Plant-Ba...

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of plastic pollution and highlights a promising biological solution involving African mealworms. The episode focuses on the Kenyan lesser mealworm, a larval form of the  Alphitobius  darkling beetle, which has shown the ability to break down polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam. This capab...

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the significant return of the Southern Resident orca population, specifically L-Pod, to Penn Cove, Washington, after more than 50 years. This return is particularly poignant given the tragic history of the area, where in the 1970s, a brutal capture event took place. During this event, 80 orcas were corralled usi...

Are you sick of hearing about plastic straws? Andrew Santino, a comedian, doesn't think that plastic straws are hurting sea turtles even though a video went viral for a scientist pulling a plastic straw from a sea turtle's nose in Costa Rica. Four months later, the same scientist pulled a plastic fork from a sea turtle's nose about 70 kilometres from the original site.  In this episode of the "How...

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Dr. Ayla Hodgson, a marine social scientist and science communicator for the Save Our Seas Foundation. The focus of the conversation is on Isla's experience attending two significant conferences back-to-back: the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) in Cape Town, South Africa, and the European Elas...

Climate change misinformation has been a persistent issue for decades, fueled by campaigns funded by the fossil fuel industry. In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the ongoing struggle to raise awareness about climate change and the detrimental effects of misinformation on public perception and policy. He highlights a recent article from The Cool Dow...

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Luen discusses a remarkable predation event that occurred in 2014 in the Barents Sea off the coast of Norway. During this event, approximately 2 million Atlantic cod consumed around 10 million capelin, which is nearly 50% of the capelin population present at the time. The episode highlights how this massive predation event was...

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses three key strategies for succeeding in science communication, particularly in the context of ocean conservation. Here's a summary of those three ways: Overcome the Fear to Begin : Acknowledge that fear and imposter syndrome are common when starting any project, especially in science communication. It's important...

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the 2024 Living Planet Report, titled "A System in Peril," released by WWF and the London Zoological Society. The report highlights a staggering decline in biodiversity, with species populations down by 73% over the last 50 years. Specific regions, such as Latin America and Africa, have seen even more drastic de...

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lu discusses the importance of finding and building a community focused on ocean conservation. He reflects on his own experiences and the recurring theme of community in his life and work. Andrew emphasizes that being part of a community can provide support, motivation, and a sense of purpose, especially when facing environment...

Key Considerations for Restoring Mangroves Site Selection : It is crucial to choose appropriate locations for planting mangroves. Areas that are prone to tidal flooding may not be suitable, as seedlings can drown. Historical mangrove sites may no longer be viable due to changes in land and sea levels. Long-Term Planning : Restoration efforts should focus on the longevity of the mangrove ecosystem....

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the environmental impact of cruise ships, particularly focusing on the use of scrubbers that release toxic chemicals directly into the ocean. Cruise ships are likened to floating cities, providing travelers with unique experiences while visiting various destinations. However, the pollution generated by these shi...

The Surfrider Foundation has made a significant positive impact over its 40-year history, evolving from a grassroots organization focused on protecting surf spots to a powerful advocate for ocean and coastal conservation. Here are some key highlights of its achievements: Grassroots Mobilization : Surfrider has built a network of over 200 chapters and more than 100,000 volunteers across the U.S. an...

In this episode of the  How to Protect the Ocean  podcast, host Andrew Lewin shares exciting news about the establishment of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California. This sanctuary is groundbreaking as it is the first of its kind in California to be co-managed in partnership with Indigenous peoples, specifically the Chumash people. Spanning 4,500 square miles, th...

Dr. Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, discusses the organization's evolution and its shift in messaging. OceanX was founded by Ray and Mark Dalio, inspired by the need to celebrate and protect the ocean. Initially, the focus was on conducting exciting scientific expeditions and showcasing the beauty of the ocean through compelling media. However, as OceanX gained popul...

Andrew Lewin discusses the intersection of politics and climate change, particularly in the context of recent hurricanes, Milton and Helene, that impacted Florida and surrounding areas. Andrew expresses frustration over the political responses to these natural disasters, highlighting how misinformation and conspiracy theories undermine genuine efforts to address climate change. He critiques the no...

Stephanie's Career Journey Early Interests and Education : Stephanie Manka, originally known as Stephanie Shuttler, began her academic journey with a major in biology, initially considering a career in medicine as a backup to her interest in acting. She discovered her passion for wildlife biology during a study abroad program in Africa, which opened her eyes to the possibility of a career in wildl...

Alex Schulze grew up on a small island on the west coast of Florida, where he developed a passion for the ocean through activities like surfing, diving, and fishing. He initially pursued a degree in ocean engineering but later switched to business management and entrepreneurship after realizing he preferred hands-on work over desk jobs. Inspiration : The idea for 4ocean emerged during a surf trip...

How to Get Inspired and Follow Your Dreams to Act for the Blue Find Your Inspiration : Look for stories or examples of individuals and organizations making a positive impact on the ocean. For instance, the podcast host shares an inspiring interview with a co-founder of a successful organization that has made a significant global impact. This can motivate you to think about what you can do. Overcom...

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Dr. Paige Hoel, a recent PhD graduate in coastal eutrophication from UCLA and a popular science communicator on TikTok. With nearly 100,000 followers, Paige has gained recognition for her engaging storytelling about ocean science, particularly focusing on topics like the impacts of human activity on ocean healt...