Science Communication in Academia has changed and you should know about it
Release Date: 11/15/2023
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 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 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 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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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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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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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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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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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 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 importance of science communication in academia. He highlights the changing landscape of communication, including the rise of social media and digital channels. Lewin emphasizes the value of having good communication skills and investing time in science communication. He recalls how research used to receive coverage on traditional media platforms, such as TV shows and newspapers, and the impact it had on people's interest.
Tune in to learn more about how researchers can effectively share their work on university channels and advocate for a better ocean.
Link to article: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0290504#sec001
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The host of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast encourages listeners to engage with the show in various ways. He appreciates those who listen to every episode and invites them to provide comments and feedback on the podcast's content and performance. Additionally, he encourages listeners to connect with him on Instagram at How to Protect the Ocean. The host also requests that listeners leave a rating and review on popular podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. By actively participating in the podcast community through comments, feedback, and social media interaction, listeners can contribute to the growth of the show.
In one episode, the host emphasizes the significance of science communication within universities and urges researchers to dedicate more time to sharing their research. The host acknowledges the evolving landscape of science communication at universities and stresses the importance of researchers understanding its relevance. They highlight the need for researchers to possess strong communication skills and be willing to invest additional time in science communication. The host suggests that researchers can increase the visibility of their research by collaborating with their university's central communications office. They advise researchers not to wait for the university to promote their work, but rather to proactively develop a science communication strategy to publish their research through the university. The host also mentions that science communication can be a valuable learning experience for PhD, postdoc, and master's students, as it allows them to collaborate with the university's central communications office. Overall, the episode emphasizes the value of science communication for researchers within universities and encourages active engagement in sharing their research.
The host of the podcast emphasizes the importance of listeners leaving ratings and reviews on their preferred podcast platforms. They highlight how these ratings and reviews contribute to the organic growth of the podcast. By leaving positive ratings and reviews, listeners can help attract new audience members who are interested in similar topics, such as the ocean. The host also expresses appreciation for listener feedback and engagement, as it helps improve the podcast and provide valuable information. Alongside leaving ratings and reviews, listeners are encouraged to engage with the host on social media, particularly on Instagram at "How to Protect the Ocean." This demonstrates the host's value for interaction and communication with their audience.