The Faroe Islands Pilot Whale and Dolphin Hunt Claims: Busted by a New Report
Release Date: 11/06/2023
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,...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineIn this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the controversial topic of the pilot whale and white-sided dolphin hunts in the Faroe Islands. He highlights a recent report by marine conservation organizations that questions the claims of these hunts being humane, sustainable, and integral to the local culture. Join Andrew as he delves into the debate surrounding these hunts and explores the implications for ocean conservation.
Links to articles:
1) https://www.awionline.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/Unravelling-the-Truth-Whale-Killing-in-the-Faroe-Islands.pdf
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The host of the show repeatedly encourages listeners to leave a message and a review, emphasizing the importance of sharing their thoughts on the episode. He expresses a genuine desire to hear from the audience, as well as highlighting the value of their feedback for potential new listeners. The host provides various avenues for listeners to get in touch, including Instagram, the podcast's website, and even voicemail. Additionally, he reminds listeners to follow or subscribe to the podcast for regular updates on new episodes. Overall, the host actively values and encourages listener engagement and feedback.
The episode delves into the controversial topic of the Faroe Islands' drive hunts for pilot whales and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. It raises thought-provoking questions about the claims of these hunts being humane, sustainable, and integral to the local culture. The episode references a report titled "Unraveling the Truth, Whale Killing in the Faroe Islands" by a coalition of marine conservation organizations, which challenges these claims.
Throughout the episode, the controversy surrounding the Faroese drive hunts and the opposition they face is highlighted. Criticism or attempts to cancel the hunts often result in backlash from those who participate in and profit from them. Defenders argue that the hunts are deeply rooted in their culture and have been practiced for centuries. They also claim that the hunts are carried out as humanely as possible and that the populations of the hunted animals are sustainable.
However, the episode presents counterarguments to these claims. It suggests that while modern hunting techniques have made the hunts more efficient, they may not necessarily be humane. The methods used to chase, secure, and kill the whales and dolphins would not be permitted in the killing of livestock or other animals in most countries. A review of these techniques concludes that they are ethically and morally unacceptable, considering the sentient nature of these animals.
Furthermore, the episode questions the sustainability of the hunts. It highlights that the technology used allows for the capture of larger numbers of whales and dolphins, potentially harming their populations. Concerns are also raised about the consumption of the hunted animals, particularly regarding high mercury levels in their meat. The episode suggests that consuming whale meat may not be advisable due to these health risks.
Overall, the episode critically examines the Faroese drive hunts for pilot whales and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. It challenges the claims of cultural significance, sustainability, and humane practices, presenting arguments and evidence that question the validity of these claims.
In addition, the host invites listeners to share their thoughts on the Faroese drive hunt and encourages them to reach out through Instagram or the podcast's website. He expresses a genuine interest in hearing what listeners think about the hunt and whether they believe it should continue or be stopped. The host acknowledges the challenges of having a dialogue with hunters and locals as outsiders, but suggests finding ways to engage in conversation and understand their perspectives. He also asks for suggestions on how to initiate a dialogue and learn why the hunters continue to hunt, as well as what can be done to stop the hunt. The host welcomes different viewpoints and encourages listeners to participate in online petitions and support organizations working towards ending the Faroese hunt.