Bill Gates and Climate Change have become a trending topic after the billionaire philanthropist argued that the world is too focused on cutting carbon emissions and not focused enough on improving human welfare. In this episode, I unpack what Gates said, why it caused such a reaction, and how his argument connects to decades of work in climate justice and climate equity.

Many climate justice organizations have long emphasized that people struggling with hunger, illness, or poverty cannot prioritize environmental action until their basic needs are met. Gates's claim—that people fighting to survive won't care about climate change—has reignited a long-standing debate: should the global focus be on saving people now or saving the planet long-term? I explore what this means for climate policy, philanthropy, and how we communicate solutions for ocean and human health together.

You'll also hear how these conversations tie back to ocean conservation, coastal communities, and the delicate balance between adaptation, mitigation, and justice.

North Atlantic right whales have been teetering on the edge of extinction for decades, with fewer than 400 individuals left. But recent reports hint at a small sign of hope: the population may finally be stabilizing, or even slightly increasing. In this episode, Andrew Lewin explores what that really means.

Conservation efforts, from slower ship speeds to ropeless fishing gear, are starting to make a difference—but are they enough to ensure these whales survive? Andrew breaks down the latest science, the hard numbers from NOAA's newest technical memo, and why every calf, especially every female calf, matters for the species' future.

This episode balances realism and optimism, showing how policy, technology, and human compassion can still change the course for one of the ocean's most endangered giants.

Shark conservation: All The Sharks brings you into the water with filmmakers and scientists, exploring how camera choices, site selection, and safety shape close encounters with tiger sharks, hammerheads, white sharks, and whale sharks. You will hear candid stories about reading shark behavior, managing lighting on fast passes from silky sharks, and turning footage into conservation wins that help real populations.

Underwater cinematography: From South Africa to the Bahamas and Bimini, we compare scuba and freedive tactics, frame sharks without stressing them, and translate field lessons into science communication that actually moves people. The team breaks down filming ethics, bycatch and fishing pressure, and what Shark Week gets right and wrong, all to help the audience understand sharks and support smarter protection.

Shark Docs: https://www.sharkdocs.org/ 
Chris Malinowski's Website: https://www.chrismalinowski.org/
Brendan Talwar's Website: https://talwarbrendan.wixsite.com/btalwar

Did you know that killer whales (Orcinus orca) are taking down great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in South Africa? 🦈🐋 In this video, we break down groundbreaking research that provides genetic evidence of orcas hunting and preying on white sharks! Scientists analyzed bite wounds on a white shark carcass and found killer whale DNA, confirming this apex predator battle.

Why does this matter? The absence of great whites in certain areas due to orca predation could change entire marine ecosystems! 🌊 Discover how this interaction reshapes the ocean food chain, why orcas target shark livers, and what it means for conservation.

Link to article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.70786

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Are you a recent Marine Conservation graduate who is struggling to find a job? Join the rest of us!!! I've been there! The mental and emotional stress of not finding a job today is excruciating. Many graduates have been searching for more than 3 years after graduating with little success.

Is it time to think of a new way we can do Marine Conservationists even if we are not working in the field or we decide to become an entrepreneur?

Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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I had a great conversation with a friend of mine on the weekend, where we discussed politics (I know, I know...it's a taboo topic for most people to discuss politics over drinks, especially between two people who have different views). However, the conversation was really good. There was no arguing. No personal attacks. No one was trying to change their minds. It was just two people, who were discussing their political views and events surrounding those views. 

I often get into conversations, where people have a different view as mine surrounding Marine Conservation. I tell you how I approach the conversation about Marine Conservation during this episode.

Take a listen.

Do you agree with my approach? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speeakupforblue.com/group.

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Governments all around the world have made great promises to reduce their impact on Climate Change; however, actions have not been taken towards greenhouse gas reductions that are necessary. For example, the Canadian Government has implemented a Carbon Tax while buying a pipeline at the same time. The US Government is back in the Climate Denial phase. Citizens from these nations are wondering what the hold up is in acting to reduce climate change. 

Do you think any industry should have lobbyists involved in Climate Talks? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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A new paper is out that studied numerous studies on the entanglements in fishing gear and single-use plastics of sharks and rays from around the world. The paper identified the specific animal and/or habitat characteristics that put sharks and rays at more risk. 

Take a listen to the episode for more information.

What would you do to stop the problem of ghost nets? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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There is big news on the Sargassum Belt and how Caribbean beaches are bombarded by tons of the seaweed as it is deposited onshore. I've witnessed it myself first hand and I've seen the reactions from tourists who are not happy to see trucks working 10 hours a day to remove the Sargassum from the beach, which they thought was supposed to be peaceful.

Ed Yong wrote a great article on the subject for the Atlantic and I covered it on this episode. Take a listen while you are on the go.

Would Sargassum on a beach prevent you from visiting beaches in the Caribbean? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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This episode is based on a great article that was written for Mongabay News. The article looks at a coastal town in the Philippines that has a booming ecotourism industry for whale shark viewing; however, the sightings have declined over the past few years and it is affecting the coastal town. Find out how by listening to the episode.

What do you think the town should do about their Ecotourism Industry? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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Ed Yong wrote another great article on the evolution of intelligence in the Octopus. The Mollusc species got more intelligent as they lost their shells. They developed behavioral flexibility and camouflage. It's a great piece that you could read here, but don't forget to listen to the episode if you want the information on the go.

How would you test an Octopus Intelligence? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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There is a great podcast called "Commons" that is doing a series on how the Oil and Gas industry has influenced life and politics in Canada. The Commons' latest episode dives into the conspiracy that Conservative politicians have labeled anyone or organization that has foreign funding as eco-extremists trying to keep Canada's Energy landlocked.  It's an interesting time to be a Marine Conservationist, where information spewed by politicians, true or false, tends to dominate the narrative. 

Take a listen and get ready to be met by a $30 Million war room to attack anyone who speaks out against oil and gas to protect the environment. There are interesting times ahead.

Will this stop you from speaking out against the fossil fuel industry? Share your perspective in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was photographed while meeting with some teenagers in his home riding with a bag of plastic cutlery after announcing, just 2 weeks ago, a proposal to ban single-use plastic by 2021. Did he buy the plastic? Probably not; however, the optics are not great and opponents are on the attack. 

We all get caught up in a destructive and wasteful society because that is what we have created. Our society has opted for making money with lighter and cheaper materials rather than sturdy and more efficient materials. 

However, we shouldn't worry about getting caught up in this type of society. We should be more focused on how we ourselves should change the types of products that we use. 

I have some ideas that I mention in the podcast. Share your thoughts on this topic in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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An article in the New York Times is highlighting some good news for a subpopulation of Loggerhead Sea Turtles, whose population is rebounding after being considered Endangered almost 10 years ago. 

Find out why the population is rebounding by listening to this episode. Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group (http://www.speakupforblue.com/group) on how other projects similar to this one in Georgia could benefit Sea Turtle populations in other locations.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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In this episode, we explore the alarming assault on science happening within the U.S. government, specifically targeting NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Discover how these essential organizations are being undermined, why it matters for our planet, and what we can do to support evidence-based decision-making in environmental policies.

Join us as we unpack the critical role of NOAA and the EPA in protecting our environment and why their work is more vital than ever. 🌍

🔔 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights on ocean conservation and environmental protection.

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I sat down with Ryan Lindsay as he was sitting in his car getting ready to travel with his young family (18-month-old daughter, wife, and dog) to educate retailers and potential customers on the benefits of regenerative agriculture. His primary goal is to create a better world for his daughter to inherit while his secondary goal is to sell some products. 

Check out the advantage of how regenerative agriculture can sequester Carbon, produce better cattle, and more crops. 

REP Provisions - https://repprovisions.com/

REP Provisions Products - https://repprovisions.com/collections/all

REP Provisions Regenerative Agriculture - https://repprovisions.com/pages/regenerate

Share your thoughts on this episode by joining the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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We discussed Whale Sea Side Sanctuaries in previous episodes (Episode 190) but at that time there was never any reason to believe that captive facilities would ever give up any of the Cetaceans to a Sea Side Sanctuary. However, times have certainly changed. 

Merlin Entertainment has created a company policy of no Cetacean captivity. When Merlin bought an aquarium in Shanghai, they immediately made the decision to find a new home for the two captive Beluga whales names Little Grey and Little White. 

Two years later, the Belugas arrived at their new home ready to be in the wild again. 

Take a listen to the episode to find out more details and share your thoughts on Whale Sea Side Sanctuaries in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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The mating between a Beluga Father and Narwhal Mother over 30 years ago gave way to a hybridization called a Narluga. The mixing of species sounds great and fun to see the mixing of two species that give features of both parents. However, hybridization could lead to a decrease in adaptive genes that make it easier for Arctic animals to survive in a harsh environment. 

Check out the episode and share your thoughts on how hybridization can be a threat to animals in the Arctic: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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An unfortunate incident happened along a shoreline within the past week, where a teenage girl was bitten by a sea lion. Video captured the incident as it showed the girl dancing in ankle-deep water as the sea lion bit her. The incident seemed to be unprovoked. 

The girl is okay; however, she is understandably frightened of sea lions. 

The animal was tested for diseases and was identified to have Domoic Acid poisoning, which can occur during algal blooms along a coastline. 

In this episode, I comment on the incident; how the media reported on it; and, the rarity of these types of attacks. 

Are you afraid of sea lions after hearing this story? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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Melissa Marquez (host of the ConCiencia Azul Podcast) wrote a great article in Forbes about the sighting of a potential mating event for Whale Sharks. 

Whale Sharks are a majestic and mysterious species that researchers are trying to research to help conserve the species as it is now listed and an IUCN Red List "Endangered" Species. 

Check out why I think the species needs to be researched more and how discovering potential mating areas at places such as Ningaloo Reef are so important.

Click here to read more of Melissa's articles of sharks on Forbes

Do you support Whale Shark Research? Share the ways you support Whale Sharks in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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I am joined by Jenny Roberts and Alicia Wood from the Pacific Whale Foundation to discuss their new campaign to get their audience to ReTHINK their use of single-use plastics. 

One of their strategies in the campaign, which I absolutely love by the way, is a video published once a week to discuss ways you can ReTHINK your use for specific items (Click here for the link). 

Pacific Whale Foundation

ReTHINK Campaign

How are you ReThinking your use of single-use plastic? Share your strategies in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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Ghost nets are a huge problem in the Ocean. Fishing nets that are discarded in the Ocean continue to catch fish, sea turtles, marine mammals, and seabirds in numbers in the hundreds of thousands. 

It is estimated that half of the marine debris in the Ocean is made up of Ghost Nets. We have to make sure that we don't put any more nets into the sea, but it would also be great to get rid of some of the ghost nets that are already out there. 

Ocean Voyages Institute's Founder, Mary T. Crowley, is already in the process to clean up some of the ghost nets. Mary and her colleagues handed out GPS units to mariners and asked them to attach the units to ghost nets. The Ocean Voyages Institute's crew used satellite trackers to collect 40 tons of nets. 

Mary wants to hand out more GPS units this year (150), but each unit costs $1600. If you would like to donate to Ocean Voyages Institute to help them reach their goal, then click here.

Do you think we should be removing ghost nets? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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The Canadian Government declared a climate emergency one day and approve the expansion of a pipeline the next. Can you really reduce climate change when you invest in oil and gas? The answer may seem simple, but it is more complex than you think.

Share your thoughts on the way Canada and other governments are approaching the fight against climate change in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Page: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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A larger group of divers, 633 divers to be exact, got together last weekend to clean the seafloor along Deerfield Beach. The group beat the previous record of 614 set in the Red Sea a few years earlier. 

These events are great for people who want to do more for the Ocean and/or they get more inspired by their actions that they include their friends in the next event that will inspire others. 

Have you picked up trash during a dive? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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A number of authors wrote an article in the Conversation about the poo problem that has hit the increasingly populated Australian Coastlines. The descriptive article compares a number of cities that have experienced an increase in the human population, which has increased the amount of sewage that needs to be treated before it goes out to the Ocean.

I discuss some of the effects of "poopy" water on the environment and on the human population and their drinking water supplies.

Does your city have proper sewage treatment? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group/.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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Andrew Lewin and Tao Leigh Goffe dive deep into the intersection of storytelling, culture, and the urgent issue of climate change with renowned scholar Tao Leigh Goffe. Through an engaging conversation, we explore how storytelling serves as a bridge between individuals, communities, and the global climate crisis. Tao highlights the importance of amplifying voices from marginalized and vulnerable communities on the frontlines of environmental change.

We discuss the power of cultural narratives to inspire action, reframe perspectives, and foster empathy in addressing the climate crisis. Tao emphasizes how the arts, history, and personal storytelling can challenge dominant narratives about climate change, making the issue more accessible and emotionally impactful.

The episode also examines the ocean's role in storytelling, its significance to cultural identity, and how its degradation affects communities worldwide. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how storytelling can be a transformative tool in mobilizing change, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering a collective commitment to protecting our planet.

Link to Tao's Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/725301/dark-laboratory-by-tao-leigh-goffe/ 
Website: https://www.taoleighgoffe.com/

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I had the pleasure to sit down and chat with Nick Wehner about something different other than Open Access Journals! We talk about Nick's career in Marine Conservation, and more specifically, Nick's experience in Marine Conservation as a member of the LGBTQ Community. 

One thing that I realized with Nick is that he works to serve other people, whether it is in Marine Conservation or being the President of the LGBTQ community in grad school. 

Take a listen to Nick's story and share your thoughts on the episode in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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I had the pleasure of interviewing James Nikitine for this episode. James is a Marine Conservationist with a specialization in Marine Policy and Science Communication. 

James and I discuss how he got to where he is today and what his production company, Manaia Productions, is going to do for marine conservation. He also discusses his recent move with the family to New Zealand and how this will help his business and Marine Conservation.

Links for James Nikitine:

Manaia Productions: http://manaiaproductions.com/

James On Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesnikitine

James On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesnikitine/

What form of Science Communication do you prefer the most? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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There is a video that is making rounds on Canadian Social Media feeds that attacks the proposed bill on a Canadian-wide ban of single-use plastics by 2021. While the rest of the world is rejoicing at the thought of the ban, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's opponents say the bill should not matter because Canada does not produce most of the plastic pollution as compared to other nations.

It is estimated that 165 million tons of plastic pollution in the ocean.

Even 1%, which is what the video estimates as Canada's plastic pollution output is, of that would be over 1 million tons of plastic pollution. That's quite a bit of pollution. 

I refute many of the "facts" that the video provides. 

Take a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.spreakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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I sit down with Christine Figgener today to discuss #SeaTurtleWeek that started on June 8th and ends on June 16th. There is a coordinated effort by sea turtle practitioners all over the world to create awareness for the 7 species of Sea Turtles on the planet. 

Christine tells us her story of how she became interested in Marine Conservation, specifically Sea Turtles and how she got into science communication (scicomm). 

Sea Turtle Week Links:

Sea Turtle Week: https://www.seaturtleweek.com/

See Turtles: https://www.seeturtles.org/

Christine Figgener Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfiggener/

Christine Figgener YouTube:  
https://www.youtube.com/seaturtlebiologist

Have you seen Sea Turtle information pop up in your feed? Share the information (text, images or videos) in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

What do you think about the ban? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a federal ban on single-use plastic to be implemented in 2021. There will be a list of items that will be banned; however, the list hasn't been fully created yet. 

Trudeau also mentioned that the plan will include working with manufacturers to reduce the amount of plastic used in their packaging. 

There is some criticism from the opposition party, but you will have to take a listen to find out more.

What do you think about the ban? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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I had the pleasure to speak to Dianna Cohen, CEO of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, a coalition of 750 organizations, businesses, and individuals. 

During our conversation, we discuss how Dianna got into fighting Plastic Pollution, how the coalition started, why REFUSE is the fourth (and first R), and how you could like a plastic-free lifestyle.  

Do you strive to live a Plastic-Free lifestyle? Share your tactics in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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I hope you have a wonderful World Ocean's Day. I have a little something for you to think about on this day and every day moving forward.

Take a listen.

What are you doing on Ocean's Day? Share what you are doing in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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I had the pleasure to sit down with Sara Cannon to discuss her PhD work on how coral reefs in Micronesia respond to Human Impacts and Coral Reefs.

Sara brings up a great point in the interview that some coral reef species are not better off in an MPA as they may not be good for MPAs, especially if they have a large cover. She adds that if those coral species are susceptible to climate change and are responsible for most of the coral coverage, then the reef will have a difficult time recovering as most of the coral will be bleached and often dead.

Sara and I also discuss June being Pride month and her challenges as someone who is part of the LGBTQ + community faces in the Marine Conservation field.

What are your thoughts on this episode? Feel free to share your opinions in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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Two fishermen who recorded (yes, recorded) themselves mutilating a Greenland Shark at sea by cutting off its tail and throwing it back in the water and laughing as it tries to swim away. You can watch the video here, but I will warn you that it is graphic. 

I focused my discussion on enforcement and how some agencies are using video recorded by idiots in this story that mutilate animals on the Ocean. 

What are your thoughts on enforcement in the Ocean? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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Dr. Chris Parsons, Director Of Science Content for Speak Up For Blue, interviews Jen Sewada of the PEW Charitable Trusts on how they are working with partner organizations to get Mako, Guitar, and Wedge Sharks protected in the CITES list. 

Find out what CITES is and the strategy used to get other sharks on the list by listening to this episode.

What are your thoughts on CITES? Share them in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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Are harmful algal blooms (HABs) endangering whales? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we explore how HABs might disorient whales, putting them in dangerous situations. Drawing on insights from studies and an article from Mongabay News, I discuss the science, controversies, and potential conservation solutions.

Tune in to learn more about this critical ocean health issue and what can be done to protect marine life. 

Link to article: https://news.mongabay.com/2025/02/study-suggests-algal-blooms-disorient-whales-putting-them-in-danger/

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Dr. David Shiffman wrote a great article for Scientific American based on a science journal article about the management of protected species. The journal article in Ecology and Evolution looked at the interactions of one protected species, the great white shark, with another protected species, the sea otter. Both species are conservation success stories; however, the great white sharks are killing sea otters with exploratory bites.

So how do we manage the influence of one protected species on another? I discuss it in this episode. Take a listen.

Do you think Marine Protected Areas are the solution? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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There was a great write up on Medium.com about how nature documentaries may focus too much on the beautiful nature and not enough on the behavior change that is necessary to solve the issues facing nature. 

I would like to hear your thoughts on nature documentaries and their role in conservation. Share them in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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In yesterday's episode, I mentioned that working to live an Ocean-Friendly life can lead to a change in mindset in each individual that could lead to bigger changes. I explain it all in this episode and I think it will help you when someone tells you that doing stuff as an individual doesn't do anything for the environment. 

Do you agree with me? share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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In 2016, a mass die-off of thousands of tufted puffins washed up emaciated and either dead or dying due to changes in their food supply. 

Puffins are seabirds that feed on pollock, cod, and other fish at the edge of cold pools in the Bearing Sea. The puffins rely on the healthy fish to eat so that they have the energy to fly, molt, and survive the harsh environment of Alaska. 

Unfortunately, the warming weather prevents the cold pools from forming, which spreads the fish out over thousands of kilometers. The puffins have to fly further to catch prey. 

Listen to the episode for more details of why puffins are dying and how Climate Change is playing a role.

Do you have Climate Change stories? Share them in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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Darcie Anderson is my guest today and she is here to tell us how she is living for a better Ocean. Darcie has lived in 5 countries, including living 500 meters from the Ocean in a Nature Reserve. She is a second-year student in Marine Science at the University of Highlands and Islands in Scotland and she is a youth leader from AYUDH Europe, an organization that empowers youth to lead in social and environmental change. 

Check out what Darcie has accomplished in such a short time by listening to this episode. 

Here are the links mentioned in this episode:

Beach Watch By Marine Conservation Society

Hunt For THe Nurdle

Ask Darcie a question in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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Did you know that countries ship their recycled waste to other countries for recycling and disposal? Well, apparently it's been happening for a while, but it seems like it's going to stop now.

Malaysia and the Philippines are sick and tired of Canada's Recycled and Contaminated waste so they are sending it back. 

As a Canadian, I am appalled that we were sending our Trash away. It will be interesting to see what happens to the trash we get back and what we produce in the future. As usual, I have some thoughts and share them in this episode.

What are your thoughts? Share them in the Speak Up For BLue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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I've lived through a Category 3 Hurricane before and it was intense...I know, I know, that's nothing compared to what the people along the US East Coast have experienced. I can't imagine what it would be like to live through a Category 5 Hurricane!

Well, according to recent research from Columbia University and NOAA, hurricane intensity may increase further as Climate Change progresses. 

Sea Surface Temperature

An increase in global sea surface temperature can affect everything from phytoplankton to the migration patterns of whales. It can also affect the intensity of Hurricanes, which we have witnessed over the past few decades. 

Wind Shear

Wind Shear (the difference between wind speed or direction between the lower and upper troposphere) can also be affected by Climate Change. High wind shear will keep Hurricanes less intense, whereas as low wind shear will intensify the landfalling and the storm surge.

I discuss how this effect can affect the way people live along the Eastern seaboard. 

Will this news change your thoughts on living along the US Coastline? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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The title of this episode changes as I provide my opinion on the clothes that are available (fast fashion) and the clothes that we should be buying (vintage, 2nd hand clothes made of natural fibers). The whole idea of fast fashion selling cheap clothes ($4 for a t-shirt is just not right!) makes me queezy...it makes me even more queezy that I am attracted to those deals because, well, I'm cheap!

I change the topic during this episode because I figured out that changing from fast fashion to 2nd-hand clothing is a change in behaviour and it needs to be convenient for us in order to change. People will not buy eco-friendly products just because you say it's better for the environment. The product needs to work and be convenient to purchase. 

Article I discussed during the episode: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/vintage-shopping-saskatchewan-sustainability-textiles-landfills-1.5141839

What are your thoughts on changing products? Share them in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

At the Collision Conference, I had the chance to speak with some of the Entrepreneurs that are trying to disrupt the current environmentally harmful markets with products and services that will replace the status quo. 

I describe four companies that impressed me at the conference that was out to change the world. 

The Brands I Talked About During The Show:

Edible Brandz

Plant Plus - no website right now

EcoP

Loliware

Would you use the products from these companies? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

This episode is coming at you straight from the Collision Conference, a conference where tech meets solutions for everything. Today, I am focused on the Planet: Tech portion of the conference, where I saw speakers from the Plastic Pollution Coalition, Climate Action Network Canada, Loliware, Akoin (From the musician, Akon!), and the CEO of the Leonardo Dicaprio Foundation. I also saw a very special guest, Environment And Climate Change Minister, Catharine McKenna!

They all converged to discuss how we need technology to fight climate change, loss of biodiversity and a whole suite of problems facing the planet. 

I provide a quick summary of what went down during the morning and I hope to get you some interviews in the coming days.

Let me know in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group what tech solutions you know of that are helping the planet: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

Polar bears affected by climate change saw the Hudson Bay population decrease from 1,200 individuals to 600 individuals. We explore the alarming decline of polar bear populations in the western part of Hudson Bay, Canada. Scientists have recorded a drastic decrease from 1,200 to 600 individuals, largely due to climate change and the loss of Arctic sea ice. We discuss the impact of rising temperatures, shifting food sources, and conservation efforts to protect these iconic predators. Join us as we uncover the latest research, the challenges ahead, and what can be done to support polar bear conservation in the face of a warming planet.

Link to article: https://abcnews.go.com/US/climate-change-impacted-polar-bear-populations/story?id=118217343

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Nick Wehner from Open Communications For The Ocean (OCTO) joins me again today to discuss the updates to the new version of the MarXiv (https://marxiv.org) pre-print, open-access database. 

During the episode, Nick and I discuss the goals achieved by the database in less than two years and how much money it saved users who would otherwise have to pay a high fee subscription just to get access to important Marine Conservation research behind paywall accounts. 

Have you accessed MarXiv yet? Let me know why in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

I was invited to a conference by a listener of this podcast, Rachel Wheeler, that I've never attended before. The conference is called the Collision Conference, which involves solving a number of problems through technology. There are 500 speakers at the conference including Prime Minister Trudeau, Seth Rogen, the CEO from the Plastic Pollution Coalition, and the CEO from the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Needless to say, I am pretty excited; however, I am a little nervous as I don't know what to expect. 

This episode is how I am prepping for a new conference and what I will do with my media badge.

How do you prep for conferences? Share your strategies in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.