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Navigating the Challenges: Why One-Fifth of Migratory Species Are at Risk

How To Protect The Ocean

Release Date: 02/20/2024

Climate Change Actions Using Sargassum and Black Fly Larvae show art Climate Change Actions Using Sargassum and Black Fly Larvae

How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Dr. Annalisa Bracco, a professor at Georgia Tech specializing in ocean and climate dynamics. The discussion centers around innovative climate solutions, moving away from the typical focus on the negative impacts of climate change. Key Climate Solutions Discussed: Sargassum Management: Problem: Since 2011, there have been significant blooms of sargassum in the tropical Atlantic, impacting beaches in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. These blooms require costly cleanup efforts, amounting to approximately...

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Half of Murres seabird population dies after this happened show art Half of Murres seabird population dies after this happened

How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Luan discusses the significant decline in the population of common murres, a seabird species in Alaska, which has seen about half of its population die off—approximately 4 million individuals—since the marine heat wave known as "the blob" occurred from 2014 to 2016. The primary reason for this drastic decline is linked to the effects of the heat wave on the marine food web rather than direct thermal stress on the birds themselves. The heat wave caused shifts in the availability of food sources, leading to starvation among...

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Mind Your Plastic Pollution: A Conversation On Changing Behaviors show art Mind Your Plastic Pollution: A Conversation On Changing Behaviors

How To Protect The Ocean

Mind your plastic pollution is a conversation that we all need to have because we all partake in using single-use plastic as the system is set up that way.  In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin engages in a conversation with Natasha Tucker, the Executive Director of Mind Your Plastic, a Canadian charity focused on eliminating plastic pollution. The discussion centers around the pervasive issue of plastic in our environment, emphasizing the need for behavioral change among individuals and businesses to reduce our dependence on plastics. Key points from...

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Plastic Pollution Clean Up Through Absorption show art Plastic Pollution Clean Up Through Absorption

How To Protect The Ocean

Plastic pollution clean up through absorption is now a possibility by using a combination of cotton and chittin to take microplastics out of the ocean...but can this work at scale? In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lo discusses the pressing issue of microplastics in the ocean and introduces a promising new method for their absorption using a combination of cotton and chitin. The mechanism involves creating a sponge-like substance called CT cell biomass, which combines cellulose from cotton and chitin from squid. This innovative material is designed to...

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Climate Action When Governments Won't Help show art Climate Action When Governments Won't Help

How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of climate change and the challenges posed by government inaction. With the recent political shifts in North America, particularly the incoming administration in the United States, there are concerns about the rollback of environmental regulations and policies that protect the ocean and climate. Key points include: Government Inaction: The episode highlights the potential consequences of a new U.S. administration that may prioritize economic interests over environmental protection,...

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Orcas Playing with Their Food: Wearing Salmon on Their Head show art Orcas Playing with Their Food: Wearing Salmon on Their Head

How To Protect The Ocean

Orcas playing with their food is not a new behavior; however, wearing salmon on their heads is not usual.  In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses a fascinating phenomenon involving orcas wearing salmon as hats. A recent photograph captured an orca in Puget Sound sporting a salmon on its head, reminiscent of similar behaviors observed in the 1980s when orcas from the southern resident population also donned salmon hats. Lewin explores the potential reasons behind this behavior, suggesting it could be a playful act, a celebration of a successful...

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Leave the seashells on the Seashore show art Leave the seashells on the Seashore

How To Protect The Ocean

Seashells on the seashore are being taken in large quantities and it's increasing erosion along beaches. A new study reveals the tourism industry is taking too many seashells along coastlines in Costa Rica.  In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the environmental impact of taking seashells from coastal areas, particularly in Costa Rica. He highlights a growing crisis where the removal of seashells, driven by tourism, destabilizes beaches, accelerates erosion, and harms marine ecosystems. Seashells are essential for various marine species,...

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Abandoned Fish Farms in Greece: Ghost Farm Clean Up by Healthy Seas show art Abandoned Fish Farms in Greece: Ghost Farm Clean Up by Healthy Seas

How To Protect The Ocean

Abandoned fish farms in Greece are plaguing the coastline with marine debris; however, Healthy Seas is working to clean up some of the sites and raise awareness for support to tell the Greek government that fish farm owners should be responsible for cleaning up their sites once the business is done operating.  In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of ghost farms—abandoned fish farms that are polluting oceans, particularly in Greece. The episode highlights the work of the organization Healthy Seas, which is actively...

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Solar Panel Efficiency Improvements Mimicking Giant Clam Algae show art Solar Panel Efficiency Improvements Mimicking Giant Clam Algae

How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Luan discusses the fascinating connection between giant clams and the efficiency of solar panels. He highlights the vibrant colors of giant clams, which are not only visually stunning but also play a crucial role in coral reef ecosystems, particularly in the Southeast Pacific. The key focus is on the algae, specifically zooxanthellae, that live within the soft tissue of giant clams. These algae absorb sunlight and are essential for the clams' survival, as they facilitate photosynthesis and contribute to the clam's calcium...

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Orcas vs. Whale Sharks: A New Apex Predator Dynamic show art Orcas vs. Whale Sharks: A New Apex Predator Dynamic

How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the fascinating behavior of orcas, particularly their recent predation on whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. Orcas, known as apex predators, have been observed hunting whale sharks in the Gulf of California. This behavior was documented in a new study published in the journal Frontiers of Marine Science, which includes video footage and images of the attacks. The orcas target the whale sharks by striking their underbelly and grabbing their pectoral fins, aiming for the nutrient-rich liver,...

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More Episodes

Andrew discusses a new report revealing that one-fifth of migratory species on land, freshwater, and in the ocean are at risk of extinction. He explores the two major causes behind this issue and suggests ways to address it.

Tune in to learn more about the UN Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals and why it's crucial to protect these species for a better ocean ecosystem.

Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/one-five-worlds-migratory-species-risk-extinction-un-report-2024-02-12/

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One-fifth of migratory species on land, freshwater, and in the ocean are facing the threat of extinction due to two major causes: over-exploitation and habitat destruction. This alarming statistic was revealed in a recent report from the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. Host Andrew Lewin delves into the reasons behind this concerning trend, shedding light on the critical issues impacting these species.

Over-exploitation, particularly in the context of fishing and hunting, poses a significant risk to migratory species. The relentless pursuit of these animals for commercial gain has led to a decline in their populations. Andrew highlights the historical exploitation of whales for their oil, which pushed many species to the brink of extinction. While some populations have shown signs of recovery due to conservation efforts, overfishing remains a prevalent threat to marine species.

Habitat destruction is another key factor driving migratory species towards extinction. As these animals traverse vast distances across different ecosystems, they rely on specific habitats for feeding, breeding, and rest. Disruptions to these habitats, whether through human activities or natural changes, can have devastating consequences for the survival of these species. Andrew emphasizes the importance of identifying and protecting these distinctive areas to ensure the well-being of migratory species.

The impact of climate change further exacerbates the challenges faced by migratory species. Shifts in ocean currents, temperature patterns, and food availability can alter the traditional migration routes of these animals. As they struggle to adapt to changing environmental conditions, the survival of migratory species hangs in the balance. Andrew underscores the need for continued research, conservation efforts, and global cooperation to safeguard these vulnerable populations.

Despite the sobering statistics, Andrew offers a glimmer of hope by highlighting that four-fifths of migratory species are not currently at risk of extinction. This positive outlook serves as a reminder of the progress that can be made through dedicated conservation initiatives. By raising awareness, advocating for sustainable practices, and protecting critical habitats, there is a chance to reverse the trajectory of these at-risk species. The episode's informative and engaging approach encourages listeners to join the conversation and take action to protect the ocean's migratory wildlife.

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin highlights a positive aspect of conservation efforts regarding migratory species. Despite the concerning statistic that one-fifth of migratory species are at risk of extinction, Andrew emphasizes that the majority of these species are not currently facing such threats. This revelation provides a glimmer of hope and optimism for the future of these species and conservation efforts.

Andrew points out that out of the 1,189 species examined in the report, 44% have experienced declining numbers, and 22% could potentially vanish altogether. However, he underscores that this means 56% of the species are not currently at risk of extinction. This majority of migratory species that are not in immediate danger signifies a positive outlook for conservation efforts.

The host's engaging and conversational style conveys the importance of this positive aspect amidst the concerning statistics. By highlighting that the majority of migratory species are faring well, Andrew encourages listeners to view this as a starting point for further conservation actions. He stresses the significance of continuing to work towards protecting these species and their habitats to ensure their long-term survival.

Overall, Andrew Lewin's enthusiastic and knowledgeable presentation of this information instills a sense of hope and motivation in the audience. The positive outlook provided by the fact that the majority of migratory species are not currently at risk of extinction serves as a catalyst for ongoing conservation efforts and reinforces the importance of protecting these vital species for the health of our oceans.

Protecting distinctive areas where migratory species stop for feeding, resting, and protection is crucial to ensuring their survival amidst changing environmental conditions. In the podcast episode, Andrew Lewin emphasizes the importance of these distinctive areas for the survival of migratory species. These areas serve as essential stopovers where these species can find food, rest, and protection from predators during their long journeys.

Lewin highlights the significance of these distinctive areas by discussing the migratory patterns of various species such as whales, sharks, and sea turtles. For example, he mentions how humpback whales travel from Hawaii to the Arctic, covering hundreds of thousands of kilometers and relying on specific stopover points for essential activities like giving birth, feeding, and resting. These areas act as crucial waypoints in the migratory routes of these species, providing them with the resources they need to survive and thrive.

Furthermore, Lewin explains that the protection of these distinctive areas is essential in the face of changing environmental conditions, such as climate change. As temperatures shift and currents alter, the traditional habitats of migratory species may no longer provide the necessary resources for their survival. By safeguarding these stopover points, conservation efforts can help mitigate the impacts of environmental changes on migratory species.

The host's passion for ocean conservation shines through as he underscores the urgency of protecting these distinctive areas. Through personal anecdotes and engaging storytelling, Lewin conveys the message that safeguarding these critical habitats is not only vital for the survival of migratory species but also for maintaining the overall health and balance of marine ecosystems. By raising awareness about the importance of these areas and advocating for their protection, the podcast episode inspires listeners to take action and support conservation initiatives aimed at preserving these essential stopover points for migratory species.