Sand Dunes: The Unsung Heroes of Coastal Resilience
Release Date: 05/15/2023
Ontario Weakens Species Protections | Hawaii’s Climate Fee | Deep Sea Mining Clash | Frilled Shark Expansion
How To Protect The Ocean
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 bold step forward with a new tourism climate fee aimed at offsetting ecological damage from visitors. Meanwhile, an ancient species—the frilled shark—has been spotted off the coast of Chile,...
info_outline
Deep Sea Mining in U.S. Waters: A New Era of Ocean Extraction
How To Protect The Ocean
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 (UNCLOS), which governs activities beyond national jurisdiction. The risks of deep-sea mining are substantial. From disturbing unique and fragile ecosystems on the ocean floor to triggering global...
info_outline
Coral Bleaching Across 82 Countries: Why This Global Event Is the Deadliest Yet
How To Protect The Ocean
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 a global phenomenon threatening biodiversity, food security, and coastal protection. Climate change and rising ocean temperatures are causing corals to lose the vital algae that keep them alive....
info_outline
Octopus Ocean Book: Exploring the Genius Minds Beneath the Waves with Mark Leiren-Young
How To Protect The Ocean
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, their strange biology (think blue blood and donut-shaped brains), and why these misunderstood creatures deserve our awe and protection. Octopus conservation is becoming a hot topic thanks to a...
info_outline
US Government Rolls Back Environmental Protections for Energy Drilling
How To Protect The Ocean
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 resilience, but these new changes prioritize short-term energy gains over long-term sustainability. We discuss the potential consequences for marine protected areas, public health, and climate...
info_outline
Defunding Science Due To DEI: What It Means for Canada
How To Protect The Ocean
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 research innovation if these changes move forward. Pierre Poilievre's proposal has sparked a broader debate within the Canadian academic and scientific communities. Many fear that removing EDI requirements...
info_outline
US Opens Up Marine Protected Areas to Fishing: What This Means for Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
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 governance and why it could undermine years of conservation progress. Focusing on political motivations and international implications, we ask the hard questions: Are MPAs truly protected if they can be so...
info_outline
AI-Powered Conservation: The Future of Coral Reef Protection with Andy Ridley
How To Protect The Ocean
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 the world’s natural wonders and how empowering ordinary people to contribute data can shift the tide toward reef recovery. Citizen science plays a key role in understanding reef health on a massive...
info_outline
How McKnsea Balances Her Marine Career and Content Creation to Inspire Ocean Advocacy
How To Protect The Ocean
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 passion for educating the public about the ocean. Science communication becomes a lifeline when it’s driven by love for the sea. McKenzie opens up about the emotional and professional toll of...
info_outline
Coral Restoration In Trouble: Why Saving Reefs Takes More Planting Coral
How To Protect The Ocean
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, while helpful, might be insufficient if larger systemic issues like warming seas and pollution aren’t addressed. Restoration is discussed not just as a solution, but as a strategy that needs to be...
info_outlineJust when I thought I understood the delicate balance between nature and human intervention along coastlines, the Dunes project revealed an unexpected twist that left me stunned. Get ready for a jaw-dropping revelation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about protecting our vulnerable shorelines.
In this episode, you will be able to:
-
Discover the critical role of sand dunes in safeguarding coastlines against erosion.
-
Uncover the objectives of the Dunes project in pinpointing vulnerable zones and preparing for erosion.
-
Realize the vulnerability of European nations to climate change and coastal flooding.
-
Delve into the history of human-environment interactions in coastal areas across the globe.
-
Find inspiration to take a stand in safeguarding our oceans for future generations.
If we can't do that [prepare for the vulnerability of coastal communities], those coastal communities are at risk and we don't know which ones will be more at risk than others. And these are people's livelihoods that we're talking about. - Andrew Lewin
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
-
Share your thoughts on coastal flooding and erosion on Instagram at @howtoprotecttheocean (https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG).
-
Book a conservation journey interview with Andrew Lewin through the calendar link: https://calendly.com/sufb/sufb-interview
-
Check out the Dunes project article on phys.org (https://bit.ly/3nDEpSR) for more information on how sand dunes can act as a barrier against erosion and flooding.
-
Consider using natural systems, such as sand dunes, to protect against erosion and flooding rather than human-altered systems.
-
Prepare for climate change and adapt to the consequences by identifying vulnerable areas and fortifying them with natural or human-altered systems.
-
Show appreciation for mothers and the sacrifices they make for their families.
Building on Past Successes
Looking back at successful conservation efforts is vital in shaping the future of environmental protection. Understanding the factors that have contributed to these victories can offer valuable lessons and inspiration for future initiatives. In the podcast, Andrew Lewin expresses excitement for upcoming episodes, which will delve into past successes and challenges facing conservation efforts. By hearing from experts in ocean conservation, marine biology, and related fields, Lewin hopes to inspire others to take action and build on previous accomplishments, ultimately achieving positive results in protecting our oceans.
Challenges in Conservation
The numerous challenges facing ocean conservation can seem insurmountable. However, understanding these obstacles and learning how to navigate them is key to protecting our coastlines and the marine ecosystems they support. Throughout the podcast, Andrew Lewin speaks passionately about the threats to our oceans and emphasizes the importance of overcoming these challenges. He calls listeners to action, encouraging them to take simple steps such as reducing single-use plastic to make a difference. By highlighting the successes and obstacles in conservation efforts, Lewin’s podcast promises to offer valuable insights and advice that can inspire and guide coastal residents in their own battles to protect the ocean.
Dune's Evolution
Understanding the evolution of sand dunes is vital to protecting coastlines from erosion. By learning how dunes have formed and developed over time, coastal residents can adapt their strategies to better suit the changing landscape. The interactions between humans and their coastal environments have left their mark on dunes, shaping their past and future evolution. During the podcast, Andrew Lewin discusses the international span of the Dunes project, which is researching coastal regions across countries like France, Portugal, the UK, Brazil, Mozambique, North America, and New Zealand. By examining the history of human-environment interactions in these coastal areas, the Dunes project aims to gain insights into how dunes have evolved and will continue to act as barriers against erosion in the face of climate change.
Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc