From Ideas to Action: The Impactful Projects of Mindfully Wired
Release Date: 07/17/2024
How French Polynesia Protected 4.8 Million km² of Ocean: The World’s Largest MPA
How To Protect The Ocean
French Polynesia marine protected area is now the largest in the world, covering nearly 4.8 million square kilometers of ocean. This groundbreaking conservation effort was announced during the United Nations Ocean Conference and includes large no-take zones near the Society and Gambier Islands, along with expansive areas that restrict harmful activities like deep-sea mining and bottom trawling. The MPA recognizes traditional fishing rights while also preserving critical marine habitats. Marine conservation leadership by French Polynesia demonstrates how small island states can make bold...
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The Problem with Seaweed Aquaculture: Hidden Threats to Marine Life
How To Protect The Ocean
The problem with seaweed aquaculture is that it’s not always as ocean-friendly as it seems. While seaweed farming is often praised as a climate solution—able to sequester carbon, improve water quality, and support sustainable food systems—scientists are now warning that its rapid, unregulated expansion could be damaging vital marine ecosystems. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we dive into how seaweed farms are being placed over seagrass meadows, disrupting fish nurseries, smothering biodiversity, and altering water chemistry in ways we’re only beginning to understand....
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UN Ocean Conference 2025: Big Promises, Global Funding, and the Push for Ocean Protection
How To Protect The Ocean
UNOC 2025 brought major headlines in ocean conservation—from billions pledged to protect biodiversity, to significant movement on the High Seas Treaty. In this episode, Andrew Lewin returns from the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, with a firsthand account of what was announced, what was promised, and what might actually happen. Ocean finance was a hot topic this year. Governments, development banks, and private investors pledged record-breaking funding to tackle everything from plastic pollution to marine ecosystem restoration. But Andrew dives into why these billions still fall...
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Why Cayman Islanders Voted to Stop a Cruise Ship Pier and Save Their Reef
How To Protect The Ocean
Why Cayman Islanders Voted against a massive cruise ship pier is a rare and powerful story of reef protection over profit. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin unpacks the bold decision by Cayman citizens to reject a development project that would have severely damaged their coral reef ecosystem. The vote sent a clear message: the long-term health of the ocean matters more than short-term tourism dollars. Why Cayman Islanders Voted is also a reminder that grassroots action can be effective. Andrew explores how this vote happened, what it means for ocean conservation around...
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How US Climate Policy Affects Renewable Energy and Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Climate policy in the U.S. has taken a wild ride in recent years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I speak with Chris Moyer, founder of Echo Communication Advisors, about the turbulent shifts in federal policy—especially during the Trump and Biden administrations, and how these shifts have disrupted progress in renewable energy. We examine the implications of these changes for energy development, environmental protection, and the impact of public messaging on political will to act. Renewable energy isn’t just a technological challenge—it’s also a communication challenge....
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Oceans Day: A Message of Hope and Action for Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Oceans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a moment to reflect on the state of our blue planet and our role in protecting it. In this heartfelt episode, Andrew Lewin shares a personal message for Oceans Day 2025 (and any day after), speaking directly to those who feel overwhelmed by climate anxiety and unsure of their place in ocean conservation. His reminder is clear: the problems may be big, but so is our potential to create change. Ocean conservation isn’t only for scientists or policymakers—it’s for everyone. Andrew emphasizes that small, intentional actions taken by...
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Surfacing Secrets: Mavericks and Visionaries
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) began as a bold idea—to create a real-time, always-on listening system for the ocean. In this episode, Surfacing Secrets: Mavericks and Visionaries, we go behind the scenes with the people who made that idea real. From laying cables deep in the Pacific to building trust with research institutions and government partners, this is the untold story of how a world-leading ocean observatory came to life. Our guests—Kate Moran (President and CEO of Ocean Networks Canada), John Delaney (Professor Emeritus, School of Oceanography, University of Washington), and...
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Ocean Conservation and the Rise of the WaveMaker Movement
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation is more than protecting ecosystems—it’s about empowering people to lead change. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew, Serena, and Amanda explore the WaveMaker identity, what it means to be part of a movement, and how The Undertow is creating a community where action and support go hand-in-hand. WaveMakers aren’t just scientists or campaigners—they’re everyday people standing up for the ocean. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of The Undertow and the people who are already making waves in ocean conservation worldwide. Join The...
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Ocean Conservation Meets Innovation: Inside The Undertow’s Global Mission
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation is evolving—and The Undertow is leading the way by merging storytelling, technology, and community. In this episode, host Andrew Lewin is joined by Amanda Horn and Serena Nguyen to unveil The Undertow, a new platform designed to supercharge ocean action by connecting people from all backgrounds to meaningful environmental impact. Innovation lies at the heart of The Undertow’s mission: to create 10 million new ocean connections and unlock $5 million in tangible ocean action by World Ocean Day 2030. Whether you’re a marine biologist, marketer, artist, or someone curious...
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Prevent Overfishing: How Transparency Can Save the Ocean
How To Protect The Ocean
Prevent overfishing by making the invisible visible. In this episode, Courtney Farthing from Global Fishing Watch explains how vessel tracking and open data systems are key to protecting marine life and holding industrial fisheries accountable. With over 75% of industrial fishing vessels missing from public monitoring systems, it’s time to shine a light on what’s happening at sea. Global Fishing Watch is leading the charge to prevent overfishing through transparency—making vessel locations, identities, and activities publicly accessible. Courtney shares how this data empowers...
info_outlineToday on the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin speaks with Katrina Ryan, the founder of Mindfully Wired. Katrina discusses how her company is dedicated to helping the planet, particularly the oceans, through innovative projects focused on conservation and policy. They delve into the unique approach Mindfully Wired takes in combining scientists, policymakers, and communication experts to make a positive impact.
Tune in to learn about the projects Katrina has led and her vision for the future of ocean conservation.
Mindfully Wired: https://www.mindfullywired.org/
Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp
Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
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Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc
YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Mindfully Wired is dedicated to positive and optimistic projects that offer solutions to environmental challenges, as discussed in the podcast episode. The company's strategy involves addressing complex marine conservation and fisheries management issues in a manner that promotes change and reduces anxiety. By focusing on projects that deliver tangible solutions and positive outcomes, Mindfully Wired aims to inspire hope and optimism in the face of environmental obstacles.
An example of this approach is the collaboration with Surfers Against Sewage, where Mindfully Wired facilitated the co-authoring of the first youth ocean and climate manifesto. This initiative empowered 200 youth activists to express their concerns and aspirations for clean water and sustainable surfing environments. By engaging with the public in this manner, Mindfully Wired not only amplifies the voices of the younger generation but also instills a sense of agency and empowerment in addressing environmental issues.
Furthermore, the company's involvement in initiatives like the Blue Carbon Action Partnership demonstrates a commitment to driving high-quality blue carbon projects globally. Blue carbon ecosystems, such as salt marshes and mangroves, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. By actively participating in projects that protect and enhance these ecosystems, Mindfully Wired contributes to the broader goal of environmental conservation and sustainability.
Overall, Mindfully Wired's emphasis on positive and optimistic projects aligns with their mission to effect meaningful change in the marine conservation and environmental realm. By highlighting solutions, collaboration, and communication, the company not only tackles environmental challenges but also fosters hope and progress in the face of complex issues.
Mindfully Wired collaborates with a diverse team of experts from various professional backgrounds to work on intricate environmental projects. The founder, Katrina Ryan, mentions that the team at Mindfully Wired includes individuals with backgrounds in science, policy, linguistics, and communications. This diverse team enables them to address complex environmental issues such as offshore wind, seafood supply, and forestry. The team's expertise in science and policy aids in developing projects that are technically sound and aligned with sustainable practices. Additionally, the team includes agency communications experts who bring a senior dimension to the projects, ensuring effective communication strategies are in place.
The company's approach to building a diverse team reflects their commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. By bringing together individuals with different expertise and perspectives, Mindfully Wired can develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. The team's ability to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and effective communication is highlighted in their work with clients and projects. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of their work but also allows them to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, retailers, and local communities.
Overall, the diverse team at Mindfully Wired plays a crucial role in driving positive change in the environmental sector. Their ability to work together, leveraging their unique skills and experiences, enables them to address complex issues and advocate for sustainable practices. The company's success in working on a variety of projects, from advocating for better fisheries management to promoting blue carbon projects, showcases the power of collaboration and diversity in achieving environmental goals.
Mindfully Wired engages with the public through various projects and initiatives to drive positive change and raise awareness about environmental issues. One example is the collaboration with Surfers Against Sewage to facilitate the co-authoring of the Youth Ocean and Climate Manifesto. This project involved bringing together 200 youth activists to create a manifesto advocating for clean water and environmental protection, which was then delivered to 10 Downing Street. This initiative empowered young activists to voice their concerns and contribute to meaningful change in environmental policy.
Additionally, Mindfully Wired conducts training courses at universities for master's and PhD level scientists in the environmental field. These courses focus on helping scientists communicate the impact of their work effectively and develop their communication skills to engage with a broader audience. By providing training and guidance to emerging scientists, Mindfully Wired contributes to building a community of environmentally conscious professionals who can effectively communicate their research and advocate for positive change.
Another significant project undertaken by Mindfully Wired is the Blue Carbon Action Partnership, hosted by the World Economic Forum. This initiative focuses on driving high-quality blue carbon projects globally, emphasizing the importance of blue carbon environments like salt marshes and mangroves in storing carbon and supporting local communities. By collaborating with NGOs and stakeholders, Mindfully Wired works to protect and invest in blue carbon projects, highlighting the critical role these ecosystems play in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable practices. Through these collaborative initiatives, Mindfully Wired actively engages with the public, policymakers, and stakeholders to raise awareness about environmental issues and drive positive change on a global scale.