Beyond Plastics: The Hidden Dangers of Marine Pollution
Release Date: 09/23/2024
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
Buy Now The Shopping Conspiracy: A Marine Biologist Reviews
How To Protect The Ocean
Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy is a documentary that was released on Netflix a week before Black Friday. The movie reveals the shocking truth about how large corporations manipulate consumers to increase their profits at the peril of the consumer's wallet and the planet's health. In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the recently released Netflix documentary, Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy. The episode focuses on the themes of consumerism, overconsumption, and their environmental impacts, especially in the context of the holiday shopping...
info_outlineIn this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin welcomes back Dr. Judith Weis, the author of the newly released second edition of "Marine Pollution: What Everyone Needs to Know." Andrew reflects on his first interview with Judith, marking a decade of discussions on marine pollution. They delve into essential topics surrounding marine pollution, including not just plastic but also toxins, chemicals, and algae that impact ocean health. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges facing our oceans and learn about actionable steps they can take to contribute to ocean conservation.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation that revisits the crucial issues surrounding marine pollution and highlights the importance of staying informed and engaged.
Buy the book: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/marine-pollution-9780197753811?q=marine%20pollution&lang=en&cc=ca
Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp
Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc
YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Marine Pollution: A Multifaceted Issue
Marine pollution is a complex and pressing environmental challenge that extends far beyond the commonly discussed issue of plastic pollution. While plastics have garnered significant attention due to their visible impact on marine life and ecosystems, other forms of pollution pose equally serious threats to ocean health. These include toxins from harmful algal blooms and the pervasive issue of microplastics originating from everyday products like textiles and tires.
Toxins from Harmful Algal Blooms
One critical aspect of marine pollution is the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can release a variety of toxins into the water. These blooms are often fueled by nutrient pollution, primarily from agricultural runoff and sewage discharge, leading to eutrophication. As nutrients accumulate in water bodies, they can trigger explosive growth of certain algal species, some of which produce harmful toxins.
For instance, a recent incident in Florida affected approximately 80 different fish species due to toxins released from dinoflagellates. These toxins can have devastating effects on marine life, leading to symptoms such as disorientation and death, as seen with the sawfish that exhibited unusual behavior before succumbing to the toxins. This situation underscores the importance of understanding and addressing nutrient pollution as a significant contributor to marine pollution.
The Microplastics Problem
In addition to the visible impacts of plastic debris, microplastics have emerged as a significant concern in marine environments. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items and are also released from everyday products, particularly textiles and tires.
Textiles
Synthetic clothing sheds microfibers during washing, contributing to the microplastics problem. These microfibers can enter wastewater systems and eventually make their way into oceans and waterways. The textile industry is aware of this issue, and researchers are working on developing fabrics that shed fewer microfibers. Consumers can also play a role by choosing natural fibers, washing clothes in full loads, and using front-loading machines, which tend to release fewer fibers.
Tires
Another significant source of microplastics is tire wear. As tires degrade from use, tiny particles are released into the environment, especially during rainfall, when these particles can wash into storm drains and subsequently into water bodies. A particularly concerning chemical found in tires, 6PPD-Q, is highly toxic to salmon and poses a risk to aquatic ecosystems. The lack of awareness and action from the tire industry regarding this issue highlights the need for further research and potential policy interventions.
Conclusion
Marine pollution is a multifaceted issue that encompasses a variety of pollutants, including toxins from harmful algal blooms and microplastics from textiles and tires. While plastic pollution remains a critical concern, it is essential to recognize and address the broader spectrum of marine pollution to protect ocean health and biodiversity. By increasing awareness, supporting research, and advocating for effective policies, individuals and communities can contribute to mitigating the impacts of marine pollution on our oceans.