The Latest Orca News: Two Species Considered, Marineland Tragedy, and Lagoon Rescue
Release Date: 04/08/2024
Hurricanes, Politics, and Climate Change: Navigating the Stormy Waters
How To Protect The Ocean
Andrew Lewin discusses the intersection of politics and climate change, particularly in the context of recent hurricanes, Milton and Helene, that impacted Florida and surrounding areas. Andrew expresses frustration over the political responses to these natural disasters, highlighting how misinformation and conspiracy theories undermine genuine efforts to address climate change. He critiques the notion that the government is manipulating weather patterns to influence elections, arguing that such beliefs distract from the real issues, including the increasing intensity of hurricanes due to...
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From Academia to Entrepreneurship: Stephanie Manka's Journey in Wildlife Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Stephanie's Career Journey Early Interests and Education: Stephanie Manka, originally known as Stephanie Shuttler, began her academic journey with a major in biology, initially considering a career in medicine as a backup to her interest in acting. She discovered her passion for wildlife biology during a study abroad program in Africa, which opened her eyes to the possibility of a career in wildlife conservation. Academic Path: Stephanie pursued her PhD focusing on forest elephants and animal behavior, utilizing non-invasive genetics for her research. After completing her PhD, she undertook...
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4ocean: 40 Million Pounds and Counting - The Impact of 4ocean on Ocean Cleanup Efforts
How To Protect The Ocean
Alex Schulze grew up on a small island on the west coast of Florida, where he developed a passion for the ocean through activities like surfing, diving, and fishing. He initially pursued a degree in ocean engineering but later switched to business management and entrepreneurship after realizing he preferred hands-on work over desk jobs. Inspiration: The idea for 4ocean emerged during a surf trip to Bali, where Alex and his friends were confronted with the stark reality of plastic pollution on the beaches. This experience motivated them to find a way to fund ocean cleanup efforts. Initial...
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Inspiration to Action: How to Make a Difference for the Ocean
How To Protect The Ocean
How to Get Inspired and Follow Your Dreams to Act for the Blue Find Your Inspiration: Look for stories or examples of individuals and organizations making a positive impact on the ocean. For instance, the podcast host shares an inspiring interview with a co-founder of a successful organization that has made a significant global impact. This can motivate you to think about what you can do. Overcome Fear and Self-Doubt: Acknowledge that fear of rejection or failure is common. The host emphasizes that many people hesitate to pursue their dreams due to these fears. It's important to push through...
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She is talking about Oceanography on TikTok and has 98K followers!
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Dr. Paige Hoel, a recent PhD graduate in coastal eutrophication from UCLA and a popular science communicator on TikTok. With nearly 100,000 followers, Paige has gained recognition for her engaging storytelling about ocean science, particularly focusing on topics like the impacts of human activity on ocean health and the intricacies of coastal ecosystems. Paige shares her journey into oceanography, which began at a young age when she became fascinated by the ocean after watching a documentary about Dr....
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Hurricane Helen: The Impact of Climate Change on Intense Storms
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin addresses the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helen, which has caused significant property damage and claimed 52 lives across the U.S., particularly in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. The discussion centers around the implications of climate change on hurricane intensity and frequency, highlighting how storms are rapidly escalating in size and strength. Andrew also explores the current hurricane categorization system and the possibility of introducing a new category to better reflect the increasing severity of...
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Building Baby Steps: How Small Goals Lead to Big Changes in Ocean Conservation and Climate Action
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode, we explore an engaging teaching exercise designed to help children understand the concepts of challenge and perseverance. A teacher sets out pieces of paper on the floor, guiding a young boy to give him a high five by stepping only on those papers. As the exercise progresses, the teacher gradually removes pieces of paper, increasing the distance the boy must jump to reach his goal. Each attempt illustrates the importance of overcoming obstacles and adapting to more challenging situations. The moral of the story emphasizes that while goals may become harder to reach,...
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Politics vs. Science: The Troubling Future of Canada's Cod Fishery
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode, we delve into the ongoing challenges facing the cod fishery in Canada, drawing parallels between the current situation and the historical 1992 moratorium on cod fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador. The discussion highlights how political pressures have repeatedly overridden scientific advice regarding fishing quotas, leading to detrimental outcomes for the cod population. We examine the recent push by fisheries unions and indigenous groups to increase the fishing quota from 15,000 tons to 25,000 tons, and the subsequent decision to raise it only to 18,000 tons despite...
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Beyond Plastics: The Hidden Dangers of Marine Pollution
How To Protect The Ocean
In 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...
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Crowdfunding Innovating Seagrass Restoration: The Underwater Seed Harvester Project
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode, we explore the crucial role of seagrass habitats in coastal ecosystems and their importance in combating climate change. Join us as we discuss Project Seagrass and their innovative initiative to create a seed harvester designed to efficiently gather seeds from seagrass meadows. Dr. Richard Unsworth, the chief scientific officer of Project Seagrass, shares insights into the challenges of restoring degraded seagrass habitats and the potential impact of their crowdfunding campaign aimed at developing this essential technology. Discover how you can contribute to the preservation...
info_outlineToday's episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast dives deep into the world of orcas. From the consideration of two species of orca to the tragic death of an orca at Marineland in France, and a delicate rescue operation for a mother orca off the coast of Vancouver Island, host Andrew Lewin covers it all.
Tune in to stay updated on the latest ocean news and learn how you can make a difference for our marine friends.
Link to one of the articles: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/06/stranded-orca-calf-rescue-canada/
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Efforts are being made to reunite the stranded calf with its extended family of transient orcas to ensure its survival. The calf, left orphaned after its mother tragically drowned in a scenic lagoon off the coast of Vancouver Island, is in a precarious situation. The calf is unable to survive on its own in the lagoon, as it requires marine mammal meat such as seals or sea lions for sustenance, rather than the birds it has been seen hunting.
A team of marine mammal experts, drone technicians, veterinarians, environmental consultants, and indigenous people are working together to devise a plan to reunite the calf with its extended family. The hope is that the calf's grandmother, aunts, and other members of the transient orca family will come to the lagoon to retrieve the calf. However, the calf is currently unable to navigate the narrow passage out of the lagoon on its own.
Various methods have been considered to facilitate the calf's reunion with its family. Initially, attempts were made to entice the calf out of the lagoon by playing sounds that mimic the calls of its family members. However, this method was unsuccessful. Other options, such as using a helicopter to lift the calf out of the water or craning it out and transporting it to the other side of the lagoon, are being considered. These methods pose risks to both the calf and the crew involved, as being out of water for an extended period can be stressful and dangerous for the orca.
The indigenous people in the area have a deep cultural connection to the orcas, viewing them as symbolic of their ancestors. The orca's role in their stories is significant, further emphasizing the importance of saving the stranded calf. The collaborative efforts of experts, including the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, veterinarians, and indigenous communities, highlight the urgency and complexity of the situation.
The clock is ticking for the calf, and a decision must be made soon to ensure its survival. The tragic loss of its mother, who was pregnant at the time of her death, adds to the urgency of reuniting the calf with its family. The ultimate goal is to ensure the well-being and survival of the orphaned calf by reuniting it with its extended family of transient orcas.