Why the Tuna on Your Plate Didn’t Run Out
How To Protect The Ocean
Tuna sustainability might be the biggest ocean success story you’ve never heard about. Nearly 100 percent of global tuna catch is no longer experiencing overfishing, but that didn’t happen by accident. There is a hidden system behind the scenes that most people never see, and it is quietly changing how fisheries work around the world. Harvest rules for fisheries are replacing political negotiations with science-based decisions. Instead of arguing every year about how much fish to catch, managers now use pre-agreed rules that respond automatically to changes in fish populations. This shift...
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How Do We Know If Tuna Is Running Out?
How To Protect The Ocean
Tuna fishing is a global industry, but how do we actually know if we’re catching too much? Every time you eat tuna, you’re relying on a system most people have never heard of: stock assessments. These scientific models estimate how many fish are in the ocean, how fast they reproduce, and how much can be caught without causing long-term damage. Stock assessments are not about counting every fish, they’re about making the best possible decisions with imperfect data. Scientists use catch records, fishing effort, and biological information to understand whether tuna populations are healthy...
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The Tuna Story Nobody Is Really Talking About
How To Protect The Ocean
What if one of the most popular seafoods in the world isn’t the disaster story you’ve been told? Tuna has been at the center of overfishing conversations for decades. But something changed, and most people have no idea. In this episode, we unpack the hidden system behind tuna fishing, how it nearly failed, and what turned it around. This isn’t about saying everything is fine. It’s about understanding what actually worked, why it worked, and what it means for the future of ocean conservation. Because if tuna can improve, it raises a bigger question: Why isn’t every fishery doing the...
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The Ocean Career Path Nobody Talks About
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean careers often look straightforward from the outside, but the reality is far more complicated. In this episode, Andrew flips the script and shares what actually happened behind the scenes as he landed his latest role, including the uncertainty, tradeoffs, and decisions most people never see. Career paths in ocean conservation are rarely linear. From networking to timing to unexpected opportunities, this episode breaks down how jobs really happen in this field and why chasing the “perfect job” can sometimes hold you back more than help you. If you’re trying to build a career in...
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Why Ocean Jobs Look Great, Until You Actually Start One
How To Protect The Ocean
A lot of people dream about working in ocean conservation, but far fewer talk about what it takes to actually stay in the field. In this episode, Andrew breaks down why so many careers in ocean conservation burn out, from low pay and short-term contracts to emotional exhaustion and unstable funding. You’ll hear the truth about the three major career paths in the field, why passion alone is not enough, and how building transferable skills, multiple income streams, and your own platform can help you create a career that lasts. This episode is for anyone trying to get into ocean conservation,...
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You Have the Skills, So Why Is Nobody Hiring You?
How To Protect The Ocean
You got the degree. You built some skills. Maybe you even started networking. So why does getting that first real job in ocean conservation still feel nearly impossible? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I break down the real reason so many early career ocean professionals get stuck. I talk about the experience trap, how to rethink what counts as experience, why small projects matter more than people realize, and how strategic volunteering can either help your career or waste your time. I also share how reputation, reliability, and offering value first can open doors that job boards...
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What’s Really Stopping You From Starting an Ocean Career
How To Protect The Ocean
A lot of people think the path into ocean conservation is simple: get the degree, get the experience, then get the opportunity. But that is not how it works for many people anymore. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I talk about why waiting for permission, waiting to feel ready, or waiting for someone to teach you everything first can quietly kill momentum before your career even begins. I break down the myth that credentials alone will open doors, the real skills employers and collaborators notice, and why building proof of your abilities matters more than saying you are...
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Most Ocean Jobs Aren’t Posted, So How Do People Get Them?
How To Protect The Ocean
If you’ve been applying for ocean conservation jobs and hearing nothing back, this episode is for you. Too many people think opportunities come from polished resumes and endless job applications. In reality, many careers in ocean science and conservation are built through trust, familiarity, and real relationships. In this episode, Andrew breaks down the hidden job market in ocean conservation, why cold applications often fail, what networking actually means, where to build connections in this field, and how to reach out without sounding awkward. This is not about asking for a job. It is...
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How Business and Storytelling Are Changing Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation is changing, and science alone is no longer enough. In this episode, Andrew Lewin speaks with Peter Simek, CEO of EarthX, about how business, investment, and storytelling are shaping the future of environmental solutions. They discuss why collaboration across industries is critical, how market-driven innovation is accelerating impact, and what it takes to turn ideas into scalable solutions. If you want to understand how ocean protection actually happens in the real world, this episode breaks it down. Sign up for Earthx20206: Support Independent Podcasts: Help fund a...
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Why Facts Fail and Stories Save the Ocean, The Science of Changing Human Behavior
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean storytelling is not just communication, it is a conservation tool. Why do people ignore climate data, overfishing statistics, and coral reef loss, even when the science is clear? In this episode, we break down the psychology behind why facts alone fail to drive action, and how storytelling can bridge the gap between knowledge and behavior. You will learn how emotional connection, relatability, and narrative framing influence real-world ocean conservation outcomes. Science communication is evolving, and the ocean depends on it. We explore real examples like the UN’s “Don’t Choose...
info_outlineAndrew Lewin discusses a controversial incident in Australia involving a humpback whale and a swimmer. The incident has raised concerns about the impact of swim-with-whale tourism on humpback whale behavior. Join Andrew as he delves into the story and explores potential actions that could be taken, possibly starting with government intervention.
Tune in to learn more about protecting our oceans and how you can make a difference.
Links:
Contact the Queensland Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation:
https://www.desi.qld.gov.au/contactus
Queensland Rules around whale watching: https://environment.desi.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/watching-marine-mammals/rules
Stephanie Stack's TikTok Video: https://www.tiktok.com/@whalescientist/video/7409906978316930350
Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp
Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue
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YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Regulations and enforcement in the swim-with-whale tourism industry are crucial for protecting humpback whales and ensuring tourist safety. The incident discussed in the podcast episode highlighted the potential dangers of close interactions between humans and humpback whales during swim tours. The humpback whale carrying a person out of the water demonstrated the unpredictability of these interactions and the need for stricter regulations.
The episode emphasized the importance of establishing clear guidelines and rules for swim-with-whale activities to prevent disturbances to humpback whales. Research conducted by ecologists, including Stephanie Stack, indicated that the behavior of humpback whales was significantly altered during swim tours, leading to disruptions in their resting patterns and overall behavior. These disturbances could have negative implications for the well-being of the whale population and the sustainability of marine tourism.
To address these concerns, it was suggested that the Queensland government should implement stronger regulations and enforcement measures for swim-with-whale tours. Currently, there appears to be a lack of specific laws governing these activities, leaving room for operators to potentially overlook important safety and conservation protocols. Strengthening regulations would not only protect humpback whales from potential harm but also ensure the safety of tourists participating in these immersive experiences.
Furthermore, the episode highlighted the need for collaboration between whale-watching companies, scientific researchers, and conservationists to develop comprehensive codes of conduct for swim-with-whale tours. By establishing industry-wide standards and promoting adherence to these guidelines, operators can minimize disruptions to humpback whales and create a safer environment for both the animals and tourists.
In conclusion, the podcast episode underscored the urgency of enhancing regulations and enforcement in the swim-with-whale tourism industry to safeguard humpback whales and promote responsible marine tourism practices. By prioritizing the well-being of these majestic creatures and implementing stringent guidelines, stakeholders can work towards creating a sustainable and ethical environment for human-wildlife interactions in the marine realm.
Humpback whales can be disturbed by human interactions, impacting their behavior and potentially affecting their population recovery. The episode highlights an incident in Australia where a humpback whale carried a person out of the water during a swim-with-whale tourism activity. This interaction, although seemingly harmless as the person was unharmed, can have significant consequences for the whales.
Research conducted by ecologists, including Stephanie Stack, has shown that commercial swimming with whale tours can lead to disturbances in humpback whale behavior. The study found that the whales made direct changes when swimmers were in the water, and the whales did not resume undisturbed behavior even after the swimmers exited the water. This disruption can have negative implications for the whales, especially since humpback whales are capital breeders with limited energy reserves.
Furthermore, the study revealed a 50% reduction in the proportion of time that whales spent resting during swim tours compared to whale watch tours. This reduction in resting time can impact the overall health and well-being of the humpback whale population. It is crucial to minimize disturbances to humpback whales to ensure their continued population recovery and the sustainability of the marine tourism industry.
The episode emphasizes the need for robust education, enforcement programs, and continued monitoring of humpback whale populations to mitigate the impacts of human interactions. Regulations and enforcement of these rules are essential to protect humpback whales from disturbances caused by swim-with-whale activities. By understanding and addressing the potential negative effects of human interactions on humpback whales, we can work towards ensuring the conservation and recovery of this species.
Collaboration between operators, scientists, and government officials is crucial for the development and implementation of effective regulations for swim-with-whale tours. In the podcast episode, it was highlighted that the incident involving a humpback whale carrying a person out of the water raised concerns about the impact of swim-with-whale tourism on humpback whale behavior.
Stephanie Stack, a researcher studying whale tourism impacts, emphasized the need for robust education, enforcement programs, and continued monitoring of population dynamics through scientific research to minimize negative impacts on humpback whales. She conducted a study in Hervey Bay where the whale-watching fleet developed their own code of conduct for swim tours, indicating a proactive approach by operators in response to research findings.
The episode also mentioned the importance of strengthening and enforcing existing regulations to ensure the safety of both humans and whales during these interactions. It was noted that while regulations exist, there is a need for additional rules to address specific scenarios, such as maintaining adequate distances and respecting whale resting times.
By fostering collaboration among operators, scientists, and government officials, a comprehensive set of regulations can be developed that considers the well-being of humpback whales and the safety of tourists. Operators can benefit from scientific insights to enhance their practices, while government officials can ensure that regulations are effectively enforced to protect marine wildlife.
Overall, the episode underscores the significance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in creating sustainable and responsible swim-with-whale tours. By working together, these parties can address the challenges posed by such activities and strive towards a harmonious coexistence between humans and humpback whales in their natural habitat.