The Big Sea: Shedding Light on the Dark Side of the Surfing Industry
Release Date: 06/14/2024
Celebrating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary: A New Era of Ocean Protection
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin shares exciting news about the establishment of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California. This sanctuary is groundbreaking as it is the first of its kind in California to be co-managed in partnership with Indigenous peoples, specifically the Chumash people. Spanning 4,500 square miles, the sanctuary will prohibit oil drilling and protect numerous cultural resources, including the suspected remains of ancient submerged villages. The designation of this marine protected area...
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From Exploration to Ocean Solutions: How OceanX is Changing the Narrative on Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Dr. Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, discusses the organization's evolution and its shift in messaging. OceanX was founded by Ray and Mark Dalio, inspired by the need to celebrate and protect the ocean. Initially, the focus was on conducting exciting scientific expeditions and showcasing the beauty of the ocean through compelling media. However, as OceanX gained popularity and recognition, they began to receive requests from governments and organizations seeking solutions to ocean-related issues. This prompted a pivot in their mission to not only highlight the...
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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...
info_outlineAndrew Lewin interviews Chris Nelson and Lewis, two surfers and filmmakers, about the impact of the surfing industry on the environment. They discuss the evolution of the surfing industry, the challenges it faces in aligning with environmental values, and the need for more sustainable practices. They also highlight the role of smaller, more environmentally conscious brands in filling the gap left by larger, mainstream brands. The conversation touches on the use of petrochemicals in surfboards and wetsuits, the environmental impact of travel for surfing, and the need for greater awareness and action within the surfing community. The documentary film explores the environmental and health impacts of neoprene production in Cancer Alley, a predominantly black community in the deep south. The film highlights the historic layers of environmental racism and the increased cancer risk faced by the community. It also exposes the complicity of the surf industry in supporting the petrochemical company responsible for the pollution. The filmmakers aim to raise awareness and drive consumer-driven change by promoting the use of natural rubber as an alternative to neoprene. The film is currently in post-production and will be released soon.
Film Website: https://thebigsea.org/
Instagram:
Film: https://www.instagram.com/thebigseaorg/
Lewis Arnold: https://www.instagram.com/lasurfpics/
Chris Nelson: https://www.instagram.com/approachinglines/
Takeaways
- The surfing industry has evolved over time, with larger mainstream brands giving way to smaller, more environmentally conscious brands.
- Surfers have a deep connection to the environment and are increasingly aware of the impact of the industry on the oceans and the planet.
- The use of petrochemicals in surfboards and wetsuits, as well as the carbon footprint of travel for surfing, are major environmental concerns.
- There is a need for greater awareness and action within the surfing community to promote sustainability and protect the oceans.
- The documentary 'The Big C' sheds light on the dark side of the surfing industry and aims to inspire change and promote more sustainable practices. The film exposes the environmental and health impacts of neoprene production in Cancer Alley, a predominantly black community in the deep south.
- It highlights the historic layers of environmental racism and the increased cancer risk faced by the community.
- The film reveals the complicity of the surf industry in supporting the petrochemical company responsible for the pollution.
- The filmmakers aim to raise awareness and drive consumer-driven change by promoting the use of natural rubber as an alternative to neoprene.
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