Beyond Plastics: The Hidden Dangers of Marine Pollution
Release Date: 09/23/2024
Solar Farm on the Ocean : The Pros and Cons of China's Largest Offshore Solar Project
How To Protect The Ocean
The largest solar farm on the ocean is now running off the coast of China as the country continues to invest in ways to support its sustainable energy needs. In the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses China's deployment of the world's largest open sea offshore solar panel farm. The project, developed by CHN Energy, spans 1,223 hectares (3,023 acres) and is located 8 kilometers off the coast of China. It aims to generate one gigawatt of renewable energy and is notable for its innovative use of offshore solar technology. Pros of the Offshore Solar Project ...
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The Impact of Avian Flu: 17,000 Elephant Seals Lost in Argentina
How To Protect The Ocean
The impact of the avian flu of elephant seals resulted in the death of 17,000 individuals in a population in Argentina. Researchers think the marine mammals caught the virus from migrating birds near their haul out areas that are usually packed with the animals one on top of the other. Unfortunately, 97% of the elephant seal pups were lost resulting in a devastating loss for generations to come. In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the devastating impact of the H5N1 avian flu on the elephant seal population off the coast of Argentina....
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Marine Protect Area: Puerto Rico Increases Ocean Protection to 27%
How To Protect The Ocean
A new marine protected area has been designated in Puerto Rico to bring their total ocean protection up to 27%, 3% away from the 30 x 30 promise many countries have promised to meet. The US has a total of 26% of its ocean in marine protected areas. In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses establishing a new marine protected area (MPA) in Puerto Rico, which has increased the total protected area in their territorial waters to 27%. This new MPA, named Vega Baja and Manatee Underwater Gardens, spans 202 square kilometers (77 square miles) off the...
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How Can You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Practical Steps for a Sustainable Lifestyle
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses practical ways for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. Here are the key strategies highlighted: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint: Start by determining your current carbon footprint using a reliable calculator. Understanding your baseline is essential for tracking progress. Food Choices: Opt for Plant-Based Diets: Shift from meat, especially beef, to more plant-based proteins. This can significantly reduce your food-related carbon emissions by 50-80%. Buy Local: Purchase food from local farmers or...
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Can Worms Eat Plastic? African Mealworm Might Help Save the Ocean
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of plastic pollution and highlights a promising biological solution involving African mealworms. The episode focuses on the Kenyan lesser mealworm, a larval form of the Alphitobius darkling beetle, which has shown the ability to break down polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam. This capability is attributed to the unique microbes and bacteria in the mealworms' gut. Researchers are studying these gut bacteria to identify specific communities that facilitate the degradation of...
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A Full Circle Moment: The Return of L-Pod to Penn Cove
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the significant return of the Southern Resident orca population, specifically L-Pod, to Penn Cove, Washington, after more than 50 years. This return is particularly poignant given the tragic history of the area, where in the 1970s, a brutal capture event took place. During this event, 80 orcas were corralled using bombs and boats, resulting in the deaths of five orcas and the capture of many others, including Tokite, also known as Lolita, who spent 50 years in captivity before passing away in 2023. The...
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People Are Sick of Plastic Straws: Is Comedy Hurting the Anti-Plastic Movement?
How To Protect The Ocean
Are you sick of hearing about plastic straws? Andrew Santino, a comedian, doesn't think that plastic straws are hurting sea turtles even though a video went viral for a scientist pulling a plastic straw from a sea turtle's nose in Costa Rica. Four months later, the same scientist pulled a plastic fork from a sea turtle's nose about 70 kilometres from the original site. In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the influence of comedy on public perception, particularly regarding the anti-single-use plastic movement. He begins by referencing a...
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Navigating the Conference Circuit: Insights from Dr. Isla Hodgson on Back-to-Back Marine Conservation Events
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Dr. Ayla Hodgson, a marine social scientist and science communicator for the Save Our Seas Foundation. The focus of the conversation is on Isla's experience attending two significant conferences back-to-back: the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) in Cape Town, South Africa, and the European Elasmobranch Society (EAS) conference in Greece. IMCC Experience Purpose of Attendance: Isla attended IMCC to present her research on the management and governance of marine protected areas, as well as...
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Climate Change Misinformation: Tracing the Funding to Greedy People
How To Protect The Ocean
Climate change misinformation has been a persistent issue for decades, fueled by campaigns funded by the fossil fuel industry. In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the ongoing struggle to raise awareness about climate change and the detrimental effects of misinformation on public perception and policy. He highlights a recent article from The Cool Down that reveals how organizations are financially supported to spread false narratives and apathy regarding climate change. Andrew reflects on historical examples, such as the successful efforts to...
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The Great Bait Ball: Unraveling the 10 Million Capelin Predation Event
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Luen discusses a remarkable predation event that occurred in 2014 in the Barents Sea off the coast of Norway. During this event, approximately 2 million Atlantic cod consumed around 10 million capelin, which is nearly 50% of the capelin population present at the time. The episode highlights how this massive predation event was observed using advanced technology, specifically the Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing System (O-A-W-R-S). This system allowed scientists from MIT and Norway to detect and analyze the behavior...
info_outlineIn this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin welcomes back Dr. Judith Weis, the author of the newly released second edition of "Marine Pollution: What Everyone Needs to Know." Andrew reflects on his first interview with Judith, marking a decade of discussions on marine pollution. They delve into essential topics surrounding marine pollution, including not just plastic but also toxins, chemicals, and algae that impact ocean health. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges facing our oceans and learn about actionable steps they can take to contribute to ocean conservation.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation that revisits the crucial issues surrounding marine pollution and highlights the importance of staying informed and engaged.
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Marine Pollution: A Multifaceted Issue
Marine pollution is a complex and pressing environmental challenge that extends far beyond the commonly discussed issue of plastic pollution. While plastics have garnered significant attention due to their visible impact on marine life and ecosystems, other forms of pollution pose equally serious threats to ocean health. These include toxins from harmful algal blooms and the pervasive issue of microplastics originating from everyday products like textiles and tires.
Toxins from Harmful Algal Blooms
One critical aspect of marine pollution is the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can release a variety of toxins into the water. These blooms are often fueled by nutrient pollution, primarily from agricultural runoff and sewage discharge, leading to eutrophication. As nutrients accumulate in water bodies, they can trigger explosive growth of certain algal species, some of which produce harmful toxins.
For instance, a recent incident in Florida affected approximately 80 different fish species due to toxins released from dinoflagellates. These toxins can have devastating effects on marine life, leading to symptoms such as disorientation and death, as seen with the sawfish that exhibited unusual behavior before succumbing to the toxins. This situation underscores the importance of understanding and addressing nutrient pollution as a significant contributor to marine pollution.
The Microplastics Problem
In addition to the visible impacts of plastic debris, microplastics have emerged as a significant concern in marine environments. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items and are also released from everyday products, particularly textiles and tires.
Textiles
Synthetic clothing sheds microfibers during washing, contributing to the microplastics problem. These microfibers can enter wastewater systems and eventually make their way into oceans and waterways. The textile industry is aware of this issue, and researchers are working on developing fabrics that shed fewer microfibers. Consumers can also play a role by choosing natural fibers, washing clothes in full loads, and using front-loading machines, which tend to release fewer fibers.
Tires
Another significant source of microplastics is tire wear. As tires degrade from use, tiny particles are released into the environment, especially during rainfall, when these particles can wash into storm drains and subsequently into water bodies. A particularly concerning chemical found in tires, 6PPD-Q, is highly toxic to salmon and poses a risk to aquatic ecosystems. The lack of awareness and action from the tire industry regarding this issue highlights the need for further research and potential policy interventions.
Conclusion
Marine pollution is a multifaceted issue that encompasses a variety of pollutants, including toxins from harmful algal blooms and microplastics from textiles and tires. While plastic pollution remains a critical concern, it is essential to recognize and address the broader spectrum of marine pollution to protect ocean health and biodiversity. By increasing awareness, supporting research, and advocating for effective policies, individuals and communities can contribute to mitigating the impacts of marine pollution on our oceans.