Inspiration to Action: How to Make a Difference for the Ocean
Release Date: 10/03/2024
Ocean Book You Need to Read: Amanda Leland’s Vision for a Sea Change
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean Book you need to read introduces listeners to Sea Change by Amanda Leland, a powerful and hopeful exploration of how individuals and communities can unite to protect our oceans. Amanda draws from her expertise and experience to highlight the urgency of tackling climate change, overfishing, and pollution, while also showcasing the innovative solutions already underway. Ocean conservation is not only about science, it is about people taking action. In this episode, Amanda shares inspiring stories of collaboration and resilience that prove change is possible. From grassroots initiatives to...
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Great White Shark Populations Have Interesting DNA
How To Protect The Ocean
Great white shark DNA is one of the most puzzling mysteries in marine biology. Recent research has revealed that despite being one species, great whites have split into three distinct genetic groups across the globe. What’s even stranger: their nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA tell conflicting stories, leaving scientists scratching their heads. Shark philopatry—the tendency of females to return to their birthplace to give birth—adds another layer to this mystery. While philopatry has been well documented in species like lemon sharks and blacktip sharks, great whites show patterns that...
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How Scientists Can Become Advocates
How To Protect The Ocean
Advocacy for scientists is a skill that can transform how research impacts the real world. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin reflects on an article by Melissa Varga from the Union of Concerned Scientists that encourages scientists to step into advocacy roles. Andrew shares why many researchers hesitate to speak out, the cultural challenges within academia, and how advocacy can be integrated into a science career without sacrificing credibility. Ocean conservation also depends on people outside the scientific community. Andrew emphasizes that anyone, scientist or...
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Sustainable Fashion with Courtney Barriger: Protecting the Ocean Through Clothing Choices
How To Protect The Ocean
Sustainable fashion is more than a trend, it is a movement that connects what we wear to the health of our planet. In this episode, Andrew Lewin speaks with Courtney Barriger, CEO of Holding Court Inc., about how clothing design can reduce waste, prevent microplastic pollution, and empower people to make responsible choices. The discussion reveals the hidden costs of fast fashion, from synthetic fibers shedding microplastics into waterways to the massive environmental toll of textile waste. Ocean protection is at the heart of this conversation. Courtney shares her journey of creating stylish,...
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Terracycle: Recycling Everything from Plastics to Global Waste Solutions
How To Protect The Ocean
Terracycle is proving that almost anything can be recycled, from cigarette butts to ocean plastics, transforming how the world thinks about waste. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin speaks with Tom Szaky, the founder and CEO of TerraCycle, to explore how his company is creating global recycling programs that redefine sustainability and consumer responsibility. TerraCycle has become a leader in connecting corporations and individuals to solutions that keep waste out of landfills and oceans. This conversation dives into the economics of recycling, why certain materials are...
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Shark Meat Fed To Students: Brazil’s Hidden School Lunch Scandal
How To Protect The Ocean
Shark Meat Fed To Students in Brazil’s public institutions has sparked outrage after Mongabay uncovered thousands of tons of mislabeled shark meat, including endangered species like angelsharks, being served in schools, hospitals, prisons, and elderly care centers. Labeled as “cação” or “angel fish,” these meals were consumed by thousands of unsuspecting Brazilians, raising urgent concerns for both public health and ocean conservation. Shark meat in Brazil carries dangerous risks due to high levels of mercury and arsenic that accumulate in these apex predators. Scientists warn that...
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Oceana Working to Protect Endangered Species: How Legal Action Safeguards Whales and Sea Turtles
How To Protect The Ocean
Oceana, working to protect endangered species, is at the heart of this powerful episode featuring Tara Brock, an environmental lawyer advocating for ocean life. Tara unpacks how the Endangered Species Act is used to protect humpback whales and sea turtles, and how legal tools like this remain essential to ocean conservation. As threats like ship strikes, climate change, and bycatch continue to rise, Tara explains why this legislation is still one of the strongest protections we have—and how it’s enforced. Throughout the episode, we explore Oceana’s litigation strategies, real-world wins...
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Starting an Environmental Nonprofit: The Balean Founders Story with Bart Oor and Sander Brienen
How To Protect The Ocean
Starting an environmental nonprofit often begins with a vision and the determination to make a difference, but it also comes with challenges in funding, community support, and long-term sustainability. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Bart Oor and Sander Brienen share the story of how they created Balean, a platform designed to help independent projects and nonprofits access the support they need to thrive. Independent changemakers are reshaping how conservation work is done. Bart and Sander explain the obstacles they faced, how collaboration shaped their journey, and why Balean is...
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Pacific Islands Marine Monument Rollback and Court Reversal Explained
How To Protect The Ocean
Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument: For over a decade, these waters stood as one of the largest no-take zones on Earth, safeguarding corals, fish, and migratory species. But on day one of his presidency, Donald Trump erased the U.S. commitment to 30x30 and soon after issued Proclamation 10918, opening parts of the monument to commercial fishing. Marine conservation at risk: The rollback sparked lawsuits and reignited the debate over whether U.S. marine protections are too vulnerable to political swings. Just two weeks ago, a court overturned Trump’s proclamation on a...
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Less than 400 Left: How Media Coverage Shapes the Fate of North Atlantic Right Whales
How To Protect The Ocean
Less than 400 left — that’s how many North Atlantic right whales remain in the world. These critically endangered whales are at the center of an urgent conservation story, but how the media communicates about them plays a powerful role in shaping public awareness and action. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin sits down with Dr. Marcus Reamer, a new PhD graduate in science communication, to explore how newspapers and digital outlets covered right whale crises over the past decade. Science communication emerges as a critical conservation tool, with Dr. Reamer sharing...
info_outlineHow 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 these barriers and take action, whether it's applying for a job, starting a business, or getting involved in conservation efforts.
Take Action:
Start small by identifying ways you can contribute to ocean conservation in your daily life. This could include reducing single-use plastics, voting for environmentally conscious leaders, or volunteering for local conservation projects.
Build Confidence Through Practice:
Just like athletes practice to improve their skills, you can build your confidence by continuously learning and engaging in activities related to ocean conservation. The host shares an analogy about coaching a hockey team, highlighting the importance of confidence and taking risks.
Connect with Like-Minded Individuals:
Engage with communities or groups that share your passion for the ocean. This can provide support, encouragement, and additional motivation to act for the blue.
Document Your Journey:
Share your experiences and efforts on social media or through other platforms. The podcast mentions a young marine biologist who documented her journey of picking up plastic pollution while traveling across Europe, inspiring others to take action.
Stay Committed:
Understand that making a difference takes time and effort. The host reflects on his own journey of balancing a job while pursuing his passion for ocean conservation, emphasizing the importance of dedication and perseverance.
Inspire Others:
Your actions can motivate others to join the cause. By sharing your journey and the impact you’re making, you can encourage more people to act for the blue.
By following these steps, you can find inspiration and take meaningful actions to protect the ocean and pursue your dreams in ocean conservation.
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