Why you should be pursuing paid jobs when seeking a career in marine science and conservation
Release Date: 04/05/2024
Whales don’t get cancer: How bowhead whale DNA could change human health
How To Protect The Ocean
Whales don’t get cancer as often as you might expect, and in this episode you learn how the bowhead whale’s unique DNA repair system is helping scientists understand cancer prevention and healthy aging. This Arctic giant lives more than 200 years, grows to airplane size, and still avoids the runaway mutation patterns that lead to tumors in other species. Whales don’t get cancer at high rates because their cells repair DNA damage with remarkable accuracy, and recent studies show that bowhead whales have powerful repair proteins like CIRBP that might someday guide cancer research. You will...
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Fish feed in aquaculture, understanding what goes into feeding farmed fish
How To Protect The Ocean
Fish feed in aquaculture is at the center of a complicated global story that most people never hear about. In this episode, Andrew sits down with marine biologist and policy expert Marine Cusa to explore the hidden world of fishmeal, fish oil, feed ingredients, and the surprising connections between aquaculture, wild fisheries, West African communities, and even penguin populations in Antarctica. Marine breaks down what actually goes into the pellets fed to farmed fish, why transparency is lacking in the supply chain, and how her genetics research is uncovering the real species being...
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Orcas vs Great White Sharks: How Killer Whales Are Changing Shark Populations
How To Protect The Ocean
Orcas vs Great White Sharks is more than a dramatic headline—it’s a sign of how ocean ecosystems are shifting before our eyes. New drone footage shows orcas in the Gulf of California attacking and killing juvenile great white sharks in what scientists believe are nursery zones. The footage, captured in 2020 and 2022, reveals orcas flipping young sharks onto their backs, inducing tonic immobility, and surgically removing their livers—a precise and efficient hunting technique that may reshape predator-prey dynamics. For years, scientists have known about great white shark nurseries, but...
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Seagrass Decline in Moreton Bay: What Long-Term Research Reveals About Ocean Change
How To Protect The Ocean
Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet overlooked ecosystems on our planet. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explores a new 19-year study from Moreton Bay, Australia, which shows that seagrass coverage and diversity are declining over time despite short-term recovery periods. This long-term research reveals that while short-term studies might show seagrass bouncing back after storms or floods, the bigger picture tells a story of gradual loss and ecological transformation. The episode also highlights why this decline matters: seagrass meadows are nurseries for...
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Animals Affected by Climate Change: How Seabirds Reveal the Hidden Impacts of Warming Oceans
How To Protect The Ocean
Animals affected by climate change are showing us how fragile our ecosystems have become. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with Dr. Helen Killeen, a marine ecologist whose research connects seabird reproduction to shifting ocean temperatures, prey diversity, and climate pressures across the northern hemisphere. Animals affected by climate change, from seabirds in the Arctic to those in the Pacific, serve as living indicators of ocean health. Helen explains how changes in prey diversity and warming oceans disrupt seabird breeding success, what this means for...
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Marine Conservation Projects: Why Recent Wins for Endangered Species Matter
How To Protect The Ocean
Marine Conservation Projects are driving real wins: green sea turtles downgraded to least concern in many regions, North Atlantic right whales showing a small but meaningful uptick, and a new vaquita calf sighting offering hope. In this episode I explain the common thread behind these stories, targeted local projects, science monitoring, and laws that actually get enforced, and I share practical ways you can support the people doing the work. From night patrols that protect turtle nests to whale disentanglement teams and community programs in Mexico that replace gillnets, you will hear how...
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Bill Gates & Climate Change: Why His Latest Comments Shocked the Climate Community
How To Protect The Ocean
Bill Gates and Climate Change have become a trending topic after the billionaire philanthropist argued that the world is too focused on cutting carbon emissions and not focused enough on improving human welfare. In this episode, I unpack what Gates said, why it caused such a reaction, and how his argument connects to decades of work in climate justice and climate equity. Many climate justice organizations have long emphasized that people struggling with hunger, illness, or poverty cannot prioritize environmental action until their basic needs are met. Gates’s claim—that people fighting to...
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Are These Whales Doing Better?
How To Protect The Ocean
North Atlantic right whales have been teetering on the edge of extinction for decades, with fewer than 400 individuals left. But recent reports hint at a small sign of hope: the population may finally be stabilizing, or even slightly increasing. In this episode, Andrew Lewin explores what that really means. Conservation efforts, from slower ship speeds to ropeless fishing gear, are starting to make a difference—but are they enough to ensure these whales survive? Andrew breaks down the latest science, the hard numbers from NOAA’s newest technical memo, and why every calf, especially every...
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Art and Ocean Science: How Creativity Reveals the Deep Sea’s Hidden Stories
How To Protect The Ocean
Art and Ocean Science are merging in ways that bring new life to marine research and conservation. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with the creative minds behind Ocean Networks Canada’s “Surfacing Secrets” project, a groundbreaking collaboration where sculptors, theatre directors, and scientists explore how art can help people see, feel, and understand the ocean in fresh ways. Ocean creativity takes center stage as guests share how sculpture can represent underwater sounds, theatre can transform data into emotion, and how cross-disciplinary...
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Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary Approval: What It Means for Captive Whales and Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary has officially received provincial approval, marking a monumental step toward creating Canada’s first ocean refuge for retired whales. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explains how this decision moves the Whale Sanctuary Project closer to reality, what challenges remain before the sanctuary opens, and why this could change the way the world cares for marine mammals. Andrew also dives into how the Whale Sanctuary Project built the foundation for this historic milestone through years of environmental assessment, scientific planning, and...
info_outlineAndrew Lewin discusses the choice between unpaid volunteer and internship opportunities versus paid jobs in marine science and conservation. He explores why many individuals are opting for volunteer experiences to gain valuable skills and knowledge. Andrew emphasizes the importance of taking action to protect the ocean by pursuing a career in marine science and conservation, especially for early career researchers and scientists.
Tune in to learn more about the benefits of volunteering and how it can contribute to a better ocean future.
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Building a career in marine science and conservation requires patience and a focused approach towards finding paid jobs. As discussed in the podcast episode, many individuals in the field are eager to work in marine science and conservation, driven by a passion for the ocean. However, the episode highlights the importance of seeking paid positions rather than solely relying on non-paid internships or volunteer opportunities.
The host emphasizes the need for individuals to invest time and effort in searching for paid jobs within the marine science and conservation industry. It is noted that securing a paid job in this field can be challenging and may require a significant amount of patience. The host shares personal experiences of taking six months to find their first paid marine science job, underscoring the perseverance and dedication required in the job search process.
Furthermore, the episode stresses the significance of financial stability while pursuing a career in marine science and conservation. It is recommended that individuals consider taking on other part-time or full-time jobs to ensure financial security while actively seeking paid positions in their desired field. This approach allows individuals to maintain stability and focus on their job search without being overwhelmed by financial concerns.
Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of networking and building connections within the industry to increase job prospects. Networking through platforms like LinkedIn and engaging with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights, job leads, and potential opportunities. By actively networking and establishing relationships with industry professionals, individuals can enhance their chances of securing paid positions in marine science and conservation.
In conclusion, the episode emphasizes the need for patience, focus, financial stability, and networking when building a career in marine science and conservation. By prioritizing the search for paid jobs, maintaining financial security, and actively networking within the industry, individuals can increase their chances of securing rewarding and sustainable career opportunities in marine science and conservation.
Investing in people within organizations is crucial for fostering loyalty and productivity. In the podcast episode, the host emphasizes the importance of organizations paying professionals for their work in marine science and conservation. By compensating employees adequately, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to valuing and supporting their staff. This investment in people not only ensures financial stability for employees but also cultivates a sense of loyalty and dedication towards the organization.
Furthermore, the host mentions that professionals who feel valued and supported are more likely to produce high-quality work, leading to better outcomes for the organization. Loyalty from employees can result in increased productivity, efficiency, and overall job satisfaction. When employees feel appreciated and compensated fairly, they are more motivated to contribute their best efforts to the organization's goals and objectives.
By investing in people within organizations, not only does it create a positive work environment, but it also helps in retaining talented individuals. Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay with the organization long-term, reducing turnover rates and ensuring continuity in projects and initiatives. This loyalty and retention of skilled professionals can lead to a more stable and successful organization in the long run.
In conclusion, the podcast episode highlights the significance of investing in people within organizations to foster loyalty and productivity. By prioritizing the well-being and professional development of employees, organizations can create a positive work culture, enhance job satisfaction, and ultimately achieve greater success in their conservation and scientific endeavors.
Networking, improving job application materials, and staying financially stable are crucial strategies for securing paid jobs in the marine science and conservation field. In the podcast episode, Andrew Lewin emphasizes the importance of building a strong network within the industry. He suggests reaching out to professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, connecting with them, and showing genuine interest in their work. By building relationships and trust within the industry, individuals can increase their chances of hearing about job opportunities and receiving recommendations.
Furthermore, Andrew highlights the significance of having well-crafted job application materials, such as resumes and cover letters. He advises against using templates and encourages tailoring each application to the specific job and organization. Seeking feedback from other professionals in the field can help improve the quality of these materials and make them more appealing to potential employers.
Additionally, maintaining financial stability while searching for paid jobs is essential. Andrew shares his personal experience of working in a different industry to ensure financial security while pursuing opportunities in marine science and conservation. By having a stable source of income, individuals can focus on their job search without the added pressure of financial stress.
Overall, the combination of networking, enhancing job application materials, and staying financially stable are key strategies that can significantly enhance one's chances of securing paid jobs in the competitive field of marine science and conservation.