Insider Insights: What to Expect at the International Marine Conservation Congress
Release Date: 05/29/2024
False Killer Whale Stranding in Tasmania – Why It Happened and What We Can Learn
How To Protect The Ocean
False killer whale strandings in Tasmania are rare; however, on February 20, 2025, approximately 157 whales stranded and passed away, with at least 99 being euthanized after multiple attempts to float them back into the ocean failed. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I dive into the tragic stranding of 157 false killer whales on Tasmania’s northwest coast in February 2025. Despite the heroic efforts of rescuers, the event ended with the euthanasia of the remaining survivors. We’ll explore the possible causes behind this heartbreaking event, what it reveals about marine...
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How the Panama Canal Expansion is Threatening Panama’s Ecosystem and Water Supply
How To Protect The Ocean
The Panama Canal expansion allowed bigger ships to move through the canal; however, it also allowed an invasion of saltwater and saltwater fish into a freshwater lake, which threatened freshwater fish species and half of the country's drinking water. I dive into the unintended consequences of the 2016 Panama Canal expansion. Saltwater species from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are now invading Lake Gatún, displacing native freshwater fish and jeopardizing the water supply for nearly half of Panama’s population. Find out how this ecological shift is affecting local communities and the...
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Protecting Manta Rays from Over-Tourism in Hawaii – Martina Wing’s Mission
How To Protect The Ocean
How is the rise in tourism affecting manta rays in Hawaii? Martina Wing shares her firsthand experience with the challenges of growing tourism and its impact on manta ray populations. Learn how Martina is working to protect these majestic creatures and what needs to change to ensure their survival. This eye-opening conversation reveals the delicate balance between eco-tourism and marine conservation. Websites: Follow a career in conservation: Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program. Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the...
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How NOAA and EPA Layoffs Threaten Environmental Research and Public Safety
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we dive into the recent layoffs at NOAA and EPA, which have led to over a thousand scientists and environmental professionals losing their jobs. What does this mean for climate research, weather forecasting, and environmental protection? Join us as we unpack the consequences and what can be done to support these critical agencies. Follow a career in conservation: Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program. Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: Sign up for our...
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How Bahamian Music and Education Inspire Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
How do you get people interested in learning about the ocean? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we speak with Bahamian artist and educator Javan Hunt, who combines music and education to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. Discover how his nonprofit work is helping kids in the Bahamas connect with their marine environment and why their backyard is key to conservation. Join us for a conversation on culture, biodiversity, and the power of storytelling to protect our oceans. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more ocean conservation insights! Follow a career in...
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How Much Do We Rely on Weather Forecasting? | The Truth About Weather Predictions
How To Protect The Ocean
How much do we truly depend on weather forecasting? Whether it’s planning our daily commute, scheduling outdoor events, or making critical decisions for agriculture and disaster preparedness, we rely on meteorologists and weather models more than we realize. But how accurate are these predictions, and what happens when they go wrong? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of weather forecasting with meteorologist Dave Jones. We explore the technology behind weather predictions, why forecasts sometimes miss the mark, and how climate change is making weather patterns more...
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Are all protected areas in the ocean equal? A study on the bonus species protection
How To Protect The Ocean
Are OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) just as effective as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in protecting biodiversity? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we break down the differences, benefits, and challenges of OECMs, particularly in Canada’s conservation strategy. Learn how fisheries closures and Indigenous-led conservation initiatives contribute to marine biodiversity and whether they should be counted toward Canada’s 30x30 target. 🔹 What are OECMs, and how do they compare to MPAs? 🔹 Can fisheries closures serve as effective conservation...
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The Vaquita is on the Edge of Extinction – Can Technology Save It?
How To Protect The Ocean
The vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus) is the rarest marine mammal, with fewer than 10 individuals remaining in the wild. Found only in Mexico’s Gulf of California, this elusive species is critically endangered due to illegal gillnet fishing for totoaba, a fish highly valued in Chinese markets. 💡 But new conservation technology is offering hope! In this video, we explore: ✅ What makes the vaquita unique ✅ Why gillnets are the biggest threat ✅ How drones, sonar, and AI are being used to detect illegal fishing ✅ The latest conservation efforts by scientists and organizations...
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How Sustainable Supply Chains Are Changing Business
How To Protect The Ocean
Discover how sustainable supply chains are transforming businesses worldwide! In this insightful interview, Christophe Girardier dives into the challenges and innovations in supply chain sustainability. From reducing carbon footprints to adopting ethical sourcing practices, learn how companies are making a real impact on the environment and their bottom line. Don’t miss this conversation about the future of sustainable business! 🔹 Topics Covered: ✔️ Sustainable supply chain strategies ✔️ ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices ✔️ Reducing carbon emissions in...
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The Plastic Straw Ban Failed – Here’s What We Can Learn to Protect Our Oceans
How To Protect The Ocean
The plastic straw ban was meant to be a win for the environment—but why did it fail? In this video, we break down what went wrong, why people resisted, and what behavioral science teaches us about designing better conservation campaigns. 🌊🚯 We’ll explore: ✅ Why plastic straws became a target for bans ✅ The backlash and why some people rebelled against the ban ✅ How psychological and behavior change theories explain resistance ✅ Smarter ways to design future conservation efforts that actually work If we want to protect the ocean from plastic pollution, we need to rethink our...
info_outlineAndrew Lewin discusses the value of marine science and conservation conferences. Highlighting the International Marine Conservation Congress in South Africa this October, the host emphasizes its significance for scientists at all levels. The conference offers opportunities for networking, collaboration, and learning about various marine conservation topics, making it a must-attend event for anyone in the field.
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Attending the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) in Cape Town, South Africa, offers valuable networking opportunities and the potential for collaborations in the marine conservation field. The episode transcript highlights the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere at IMCC, where attendees, regardless of their career stage, have the chance to interact with renowned conservationists, practitioners, and academics from around the world. The conference provides a unique platform for individuals to connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and build lasting relationships.
The networking aspect of IMCC is emphasized throughout the discussion, with examples of attendees engaging in conversations with key figures in marine conservation, such as former directors of organizations like NOAA. The episode also mentions the diverse mix of participants at IMCC, ranging from early career researchers to established professionals, creating a conducive environment for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Moreover, the episode highlights the informal settings at IMCC, such as karaoke nights and social events, where attendees can interact in a relaxed atmosphere, fostering meaningful connections beyond the formal conference sessions. The supportive nature of the conference, as evidenced by the code of conduct, safety officer presence, and friendly interactions, further enhances the networking experience for participants.
Additionally, the episode mentions the opportunities for early career professionals, students, and individuals from developing countries to attend IMCC through discounted registration fees and travel scholarships. These initiatives aim to make the conference accessible to a diverse range of participants, facilitating networking and collaboration among individuals with varying backgrounds and expertise in marine conservation.
Overall, attending IMCC in Cape Town, South Africa, presents a unique opportunity to network with a global community of marine conservation professionals, engage in discussions on pressing conservation issues, and potentially form collaborations that can drive positive change in marine conservation efforts worldwide.
IMCC: A Unique and Welcoming Environment for Learning
The International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) offers a unique and welcoming environment for attendees to learn from a diverse group of professionals, ranging from early career researchers to seasoned conservationists. As highlighted in the podcast episode, IMCC stands out as a Congress rather than just a conference, emphasizing inclusivity and collaboration among attendees.
Diverse Group of Professionals: IMCC brings together individuals from various backgrounds, including academics, practitioners, educators, and policymakers, creating a rich and diverse learning environment. The Congress provides a platform for early career researchers to present their work, receive feedback, and network with established professionals in the field. This interaction allows for the exchange of ideas, knowledge sharing, and potential collaborations that can benefit the marine conservation community as a whole.
Supportive and Inclusive Atmosphere: The podcast discussion emphasized the welcoming nature of IMCC, where attendees are encouraged to engage with one another, share their experiences, and build connections. The Congress fosters a sense of community where individuals feel valued and respected, regardless of their career stage or background. This supportive atmosphere enables meaningful discussions, networking opportunities, and the chance to learn from a wide range of perspectives.
Learning Opportunities: IMCC offers a wide range of sessions, symposia, and workshops covering various topics in marine science and conservation. Attendees have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge research, conservation initiatives, and case studies from around the world. The Congress provides a platform for attendees to expand their knowledge, gain insights into different conservation issues, and stay updated on the latest developments in the field.
Networking and Collaboration: One of the key benefits of attending IMCC is the opportunity to network with professionals from diverse backgrounds. The Congress facilitates interactions between early career researchers and seasoned conservationists, creating a space for mentorship, knowledge exchange, and potential collaborations. By engaging with a broad spectrum of professionals, attendees can broaden their perspectives, build relationships, and contribute to the collective efforts in marine conservation.
In conclusion, IMCC offers a unique and welcoming environment where attendees can learn, connect, and collaborate with a diverse group of professionals in the marine science and conservation field. The Congress serves as a platform for individuals at all career stages to come together, share their expertise, and work towards a common goal of protecting and preserving the ocean.
IMCC, the International Marine Conservation Congress, aims to make the conference accessible to a wider audience by providing registration discounts for specific groups. As mentioned in the podcast episode, early career professionals, individuals from Africa, and those from developing countries are eligible for significant registration discounts. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds and financial situations can attend the conference and benefit from the valuable networking and learning opportunities it offers.
The registration discounts for early career professionals, individuals from Africa, and those from developing countries serve as an incentive for a broader range of participants to engage with the marine conservation community at IMCC. By reducing financial barriers, the conference organizers are actively promoting inclusivity and diversity within the marine science and conservation field. This approach not only fosters a more representative and inclusive conference environment but also facilitates the exchange of ideas and collaboration among professionals from different regions and career stages.
Furthermore, the availability of travel scholarships for early career individuals from these regions further enhances the accessibility of the conference. These scholarships can help offset the costs associated with attending the conference, including travel expenses, accommodation, and registration fees. By offering such support, IMCC demonstrates its commitment to supporting the professional development and participation of individuals who may face financial constraints in accessing international conferences.
Overall, the registration discounts and travel scholarships provided by IMCC play a significant role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the marine conservation community. By making the conference more accessible to early career professionals, individuals from Africa, and those from developing countries, IMCC creates a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and networking that benefits the entire marine science and conservation field.