Dr. Andrew Thaler: 10 Years of Crowdfunding Success on Patreon
Release Date: 05/31/2024
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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....
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineDr. Andrew Thaler, a deep-sea biologist, and expert in utilizing crowdfunding for marine science projects, shares his success in funding side projects through platforms like Patreon, Kickstarter, and experiment.com. Over the past 10 years, he has raised $50,000 for various initiatives involving 3D printing, ROV technology, and sampling bottles.
Tune in to learn how Dr. Thaler's crowdfunding campaigns have made a significant impact and gain valuable insights for funding your marine conservation projects.
Andrew Thaler's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Andrew_Thaler/posts
Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp
Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc
YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and Experiment.com have been recognized as valuable tools for funding side projects in marine science and conservation, as discussed in a podcast episode featuring Dr. Andrew Thaler, a deep-sea biologist. Dr. Thaler shared his successful experience using Patreon to fund various projects, including the OpenCTD, research papers, and aid missions to countries affected by natural disasters.
Dr. Thaler stressed the importance of cultivating a dedicated audience and engaging with them through platforms like Twitter and Patreon. He noted that Patreon enabled him to raise funds for projects that traditional sources might overlook, such as high-risk pilot studies and creative media endeavors.
The benefits of Experiment.com were also highlighted as a platform that combines foundation support with crowdfunding, making it easier for researchers to secure funding for their scientific projects.
The podcast episode also addressed the challenges of using social media platforms for crowdfunding, noting the evolving landscape. While platforms like Twitter were once effective for promoting campaigns, their effectiveness has diminished in recent years. Dr. Thaler emphasized the importance of direct outreach to potential supporters, engaging with communities, and utilizing traditional platforms like email to promote crowdfunding efforts.
In summary, the episode showcased how crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and Experiment.com offer researchers and conservationists an alternative funding source for their marine science and conservation side projects.
Maintaining support on crowdfunding platforms like Patreon requires engaging with your audience and providing regular updates on your projects. Dr. Andrew Thaler, a deep-sea ecologist and conservation technologist, shared his experience with Patreon, emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication with supporters.
Dr. Thaler keeps his patrons informed through his blog, Southern Fried Science, rather than posting private content on Patreon. By sharing updates on his projects, research findings, and activities, he ensures his supporters are aware of how their contributions are being utilized, building trust and keeping patrons engaged.
Additionally, Dr. Thaler highlighted the significance of providing value to patrons through perks like custom stickers. Introducing a sticker campaign on Patreon significantly increased his funding and engagement levels. By offering tangible rewards and involving other artists in creating unique stickers, he enhanced the overall experience for his supporters.
Furthermore, Dr. Thaler stressed the importance of personal interactions and one-on-one conversations in securing support for crowdfunding projects. Many of his donations came from in-person conversations and direct outreach efforts, establishing connections with potential supporters and leading to long-term commitments.
In conclusion, maintaining a strong relationship with your audience, providing regular updates, offering valuable perks, and engaging in personal interactions are key strategies for sustaining support on crowdfunding platforms like Patreon. By fostering a sense of community and transparency, creators can cultivate a loyal and supportive fan base for their projects.
Building partnerships and engaging with other creators on platforms like Patreon can be a valuable strategy to connect with communities interested in supporting your work. Dr. Andrew Thaler, a deep-sea ecologist and conservation technologist, highlighted the importance of interacting with other Patreon creators who produce similar creative media. Subscribing to other creators and engaging with their content can establish connections within communities sharing an interest in your work.
Dr. Thaler emphasized utilizing Patreon as a social network to connect with like-minded creators. While some campaigns may not yield significant financial returns, engaging with other creators can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations. By interacting with fellow creators on Patreon, you can tap into existing communities interested in supporting your projects.
Moreover, Dr. Thaler mentioned that in-person conversations have been instrumental in securing donations for his projects, underscoring the importance of building personal connections and engaging directly with individuals to garner support for your work. Actively reaching out to potential supporters, whether online or in person, can expand your network and connect with communities aligned with your goals and interests.
Overall, building partnerships and engaging with other creators on platforms like Patreon can not only help access funding but also foster a sense of community and collaboration within your niche. By actively participating in the Patreon community and forming connections with other creators, you can enhance visibility, attract supporters, and establish meaningful relationships contributing to the success of your projects.