23. An Ocean-Positive Future: Combating Deep-Sea Mining & Protecting Marine Ecosystems w/ Carissa Cabrera

Carissa Cabrera, CEO of FutureSwell and marine biologist, joins us to discuss her multifaceted approach to ocean conservation through media, education, and community building. Based in Hawaiʻi, Carissa integrates Indigenous management with modern conservation practices while serving as a National Geographic educator and content creator. We explore the challenges facing marine ecosystems, including the ongoing threat of deep-sea mining, where regulatory decisions continue to be delayed until 2025. As both a scientist and entrepreneur, Carissa shares insights on building a conservation media business and using storytelling to reconnect people with the ocean. Her work demonstrates how creators in the marine science space can amplify critical conservation messages while building sustainable careers.

 

RAY OF HOPE:

FutureSwell’s mission to democratize access to ocean conservation knowledge is creating waves across digital platforms and real-world communities. Through innovative media strategies and authentic storytelling, marine science creators like Carissa are successfully bridging the gap between complex scientific research and public understanding. The delay in deep-sea mining regulations provides more time for advocates to build awareness and opposition to potentially destructive practices. Young professionals are finding new pathways to combine entrepreneurship with environmental impact, proving that conservation careers can be both meaningful and financially sustainable.

 

CONNECT:

• Follow our guest Carissa Cabrera on Instagram: @carissaandclimate
• Connect with FutureSwell: @futureswell
• Other ocean conservation accounts to follow:
• SeaLegacy: @sealegacy
• National Geographic Pristine Seas: @natgeopristineseas

 

RESOURCES:

• FutureSwell website: futureswell.org
• Carissa Cabrera’s website: www.carissacabrera.com
• Deep Sea Conservation Coalition: deep-sea-conservation.org - Latest on deep sea mining issues
• Sustainability & The Sea Podcast: Carissa’s ocean conservation podcast
• Kuleana Coral Restoration: kuleanacoralrestoration.com - Community-based coral restoration
• International Seabed Authority: www.isa.org.jm - Deep-sea mining regulations

CALL TO ACTION:

Oppose deep-sea mining! Contact your representatives to express opposition to deep-sea mining and support for stronger ocean protections. The International Seabed Authority continues to delay final regulations, giving us time to build momentum against this destructive practice.

Support Ocean Creators: Follow and share content from marine science communicators who are making ocean conservation accessible. Amplify the voices of Indigenous ocean stewards and community-based conservation efforts.

 

Find your representatives: 

• House: house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
• Senate: senate.gov/senators/senators-contact

 

Sample message: “I urge you to oppose deep-sea mining and support policies that protect our ocean ecosystems. Please advocate for stronger marine conservation measures and Indigenous ocean management practices.”