The Alliance for Seafood Solutions: Promoting Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Release Date: 05/17/2024
Ontario Weakens Species Protections | Hawaii’s Climate Fee | Deep Sea Mining Clash | Frilled Shark Expansion
How To Protect The Ocean
Endangered species protection in Ontario is under threat as the provincial government proposes Bill 5, repealing the Endangered Species Act in favor of weaker legislation. Host Andrew Lewin breaks down what these changes mean for biodiversity, habitat protection, and public accountability, and shares how Ontarians can respond through the Environmental Registry. Climate action in Hawaii is taking a bold step forward with a new tourism climate fee aimed at offsetting ecological damage from visitors. Meanwhile, an ancient species—the frilled shark—has been spotted off the coast of Chile,...
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Deep Sea Mining in U.S. Waters: A New Era of Ocean Extraction
How To Protect The Ocean
Deep sea mining in the U.S. is entering a new chapter after a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump authorized exploration and extraction not only in U.S. Exclusive Economic Zones but potentially in international waters. This move marks a dramatic shift in ocean policy and raises serious questions about compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which governs activities beyond national jurisdiction. The risks of deep-sea mining are substantial. From disturbing unique and fragile ecosystems on the ocean floor to triggering global...
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Coral Bleaching Across 82 Countries: Why This Global Event Is the Deadliest Yet
How To Protect The Ocean
Coral bleaching is not just a temporary event—it’s a climate emergency that can unfold over years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin dives deep into the devastating history of global coral bleaching events, revealing how the fourth and current one (2023–2025) is affecting over 80% of coral reefs worldwide. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Caribbean, bleaching is now a global phenomenon threatening biodiversity, food security, and coastal protection. Climate change and rising ocean temperatures are causing corals to lose the vital algae that keep them alive....
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Octopus Ocean Book: Exploring the Genius Minds Beneath the Waves with Mark Leiren-Young
How To Protect The Ocean
Octopus intelligence is nothing short of extraordinary—and in this episode, we dive deep with award-winning author Mark Leiren-Young to explore the surprising minds, behaviors, and conservation challenges of one of the ocean’s most elusive animals. Inspired by his latest book Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep, Mark shares jaw-dropping stories about tool-using octopuses, their ability to dream, their strange biology (think blue blood and donut-shaped brains), and why these misunderstood creatures deserve our awe and protection. Octopus conservation is becoming a hot topic thanks to a...
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US Government Rolls Back Environmental Protections for Energy Drilling
How To Protect The Ocean
Energy policy shifts in the U.S. are sparking concern as the government rolls back environmental regulations to fast-track oil and gas drilling. In this episode, we examine how these rollbacks could jeopardize ecosystems, especially marine environments, and undermine efforts to transition to clean energy sources. Environmental protections have long served as safeguards for biodiversity and climate resilience, but these new changes prioritize short-term energy gains over long-term sustainability. We discuss the potential consequences for marine protected areas, public health, and climate...
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Defunding Science Due To DEI: What It Means for Canada
How To Protect The Ocean
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have become integral components of Canadian science funding. In this episode, we explore Pierre Poilievre's plan to strip funding from research programs that incorporate so-called "woke" policies like EDI. We examine how EDI policies are currently embedded in major grants from NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, and more, and discuss what could be at stake for Canada's research innovation if these changes move forward. Pierre Poilievre's proposal has sparked a broader debate within the Canadian academic and scientific communities. Many fear that removing EDI requirements...
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US Opens Up Marine Protected Areas to Fishing: What This Means for Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Fisheries: In this episode, we see the surprising news that the U.S. government is opening up parts of its marine protected areas (MPAs) to commercial fishing. This rollback of protections in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument has sparked debate about the future of sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity. Ocean: We explore what this decision signals for global ocean governance and why it could undermine years of conservation progress. Focusing on political motivations and international implications, we ask the hard questions: Are MPAs truly protected if they can be so...
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AI-Powered Conservation: The Future of Coral Reef Protection with Andy Ridley
How To Protect The Ocean
Great Barrier Reef bleaching is accelerating at a dangerous pace, and yet, hope rises from a unique blend of technology, data, and collective action. In this powerful episode, Andrew talks to Andy Ridley, the founding CEO of Citizens of the Reef, about how they are building one of the most ambitious citizen science movements on the planet. They discuss how climate change rapidly degrades one of the world’s natural wonders and how empowering ordinary people to contribute data can shift the tide toward reef recovery. Citizen science plays a key role in understanding reef health on a massive...
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How McKnsea Balances Her Marine Career and Content Creation to Inspire Ocean Advocacy
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation is more than a job—it’s a calling. In this episode, we sit down with McKenzie Margereth, known online as McKnsea, who shares her inspiring journey of making bold career decisions in marine biology while becoming a powerful voice for science communication on social media. Her story highlights the challenges and triumphs of balancing a full-time role in marine science with a passion for educating the public about the ocean. Science communication becomes a lifeline when it’s driven by love for the sea. McKenzie opens up about the emotional and professional toll of...
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Coral Restoration In Trouble: Why Saving Reefs Takes More Planting Coral
How To Protect The Ocean
Coral restoration is often seen as a beacon of hope for our oceans—but are we putting too much faith in it? In this episode, we dive into why coral bleaching has become an annual event, especially on the Great Barrier Reef, and whether restoration can keep up with the pace of climate change. We explore what recurring stress events mean for the long-term survival of reefs and how restoration, while helpful, might be insufficient if larger systemic issues like warming seas and pollution aren’t addressed. Restoration is discussed not just as a solution, but as a strategy that needs to be...
info_outlineThis episode features Ryan Bigelow, the Director of Projects for the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions. He discusses the seafood industry, the alliance's role, and the importance of conservation. From consumer to industry perspectives, the conversation delves into the challenges of sustainable seafood practices.
Tune in to learn about the Seafood Watch program and how to make informed seafood choices for a better ocean.
Website: https://solutionsforseafood.org/
The Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions is dedicated to improving sustainability in the seafood industry by fostering collaboration between NGOs and businesses. With approximately 150 members from 22 countries worldwide, the Alliance works towards enhancing the sustainability of seafood. It serves as a platform for experts from various organizations to address key topics such as improving fisheries, social responsibility in seafood, and advancing sustainability efforts.
One of the primary functions of the Alliance is to provide guidance and resources for businesses seeking to enhance their sustainability practices in the seafood industry. By closely collaborating with NGOs and businesses, the Alliance aims to ensure all stakeholders are aligned in promoting sustainable seafood practices. The organization also facilitates discussions, collaborations, and the sharing of best practices to drive positive change within the industry.
Through initiatives like Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), the Alliance supports fisheries in their journey towards sustainability by setting goals and timelines for improvement. Additionally, the Alliance places a strong emphasis on social responsibility within the seafood industry, addressing issues such as human rights violations, unsafe working conditions, and gender inequity. By integrating social responsibility considerations into sustainability efforts, the Alliance recognizes the interconnected nature of environmental and social issues within the seafood supply chain.
The Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and responsible practices in the seafood industry by fostering collaboration, providing guidance, and advocating for the integration of social responsibility principles into sustainability initiatives.
The Alliance for Seafood Solutions, led by Director of Projects Ryan Bigelow, provides essential guidance on various seafood industry topics, with a focus on sustainable seafood practices. Working with a diverse group of NGOs and businesses, the Alliance aims to improve global sustainability standards. This guidance is vital for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability efforts and align with industry standards.
Additionally, the Alliance actively supports fishery improvement projects (FIPs) to address environmental and social issues within fisheries, such as overfishing. By providing guidance on participating in FIPs, the Alliance helps fisheries progress towards sustainable practices.
Another significant aspect of the Alliance's work is addressing social responsibility in fisheries, including human rights violations and unsafe working conditions. The Alliance emphasizes integrating social responsibility into seafood sustainability efforts to ensure these issues are addressed alongside environmental concerns.
The Alliance collaborates with industry stakeholders, NGOs, and experts to develop comprehensive guidance documents that address the complex challenges faced by the seafood industry. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the Alliance promotes responsible and ethical practices in the seafood supply chain.
Building trust with industry partners is a crucial aspect of the Alliance's work. By collaborating with businesses in the seafood industry, the Alliance promotes sustainability and addresses social responsibility issues. Active listening, collaboration, and providing valuable resources without immediate financial expectations are key strategies to build trust and engage effectively with industry partners towards shared goals.