Rebuilding Fisheries in our Oceans: The Challenges and Progress in Canadian Fisheries Management
Release Date: 11/27/2024
How the Panama Canal Expansion is Threatening Panama’s Ecosystem and Water Supply
How To Protect The Ocean
The Panama Canal expansion allowed bigger ships to move through the canal; however, it also allowed an invasion of saltwater and saltwater fish into a freshwater lake, which threatened freshwater fish species and half of the country's drinking water. I dive into the unintended consequences of the 2016 Panama Canal expansion. Saltwater species from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are now invading Lake Gatún, displacing native freshwater fish and jeopardizing the water supply for nearly half of Panama’s population. Find out how this ecological shift is affecting local communities and the...
info_outline
Protecting Manta Rays from Over-Tourism in Hawaii – Martina Wing’s Mission
How To Protect The Ocean
How is the rise in tourism affecting manta rays in Hawaii? Martina Wing shares her firsthand experience with the challenges of growing tourism and its impact on manta ray populations. Learn how Martina is working to protect these majestic creatures and what needs to change to ensure their survival. This eye-opening conversation reveals the delicate balance between eco-tourism and marine conservation. Websites: Follow a career in conservation: Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program. Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the...
info_outline
How NOAA and EPA Layoffs Threaten Environmental Research and Public Safety
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we dive into the recent layoffs at NOAA and EPA, which have led to over a thousand scientists and environmental professionals losing their jobs. What does this mean for climate research, weather forecasting, and environmental protection? Join us as we unpack the consequences and what can be done to support these critical agencies. Follow a career in conservation: Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program. Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: Sign up for our...
info_outline
How Bahamian Music and Education Inspire Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
How do you get people interested in learning about the ocean? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we speak with Bahamian artist and educator Javan Hunt, who combines music and education to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. Discover how his nonprofit work is helping kids in the Bahamas connect with their marine environment and why their backyard is key to conservation. Join us for a conversation on culture, biodiversity, and the power of storytelling to protect our oceans. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more ocean conservation insights! Follow a career in...
info_outline
How Much Do We Rely on Weather Forecasting? | The Truth About Weather Predictions
How To Protect The Ocean
How much do we truly depend on weather forecasting? Whether it’s planning our daily commute, scheduling outdoor events, or making critical decisions for agriculture and disaster preparedness, we rely on meteorologists and weather models more than we realize. But how accurate are these predictions, and what happens when they go wrong? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of weather forecasting with meteorologist Dave Jones. We explore the technology behind weather predictions, why forecasts sometimes miss the mark, and how climate change is making weather patterns more...
info_outline
Are all protected areas in the ocean equal? A study on the bonus species protection
How To Protect The Ocean
Are OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) just as effective as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in protecting biodiversity? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we break down the differences, benefits, and challenges of OECMs, particularly in Canada’s conservation strategy. Learn how fisheries closures and Indigenous-led conservation initiatives contribute to marine biodiversity and whether they should be counted toward Canada’s 30x30 target. 🔹 What are OECMs, and how do they compare to MPAs? 🔹 Can fisheries closures serve as effective conservation...
info_outline
The Vaquita is on the Edge of Extinction – Can Technology Save It?
How To Protect The Ocean
The vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus) is the rarest marine mammal, with fewer than 10 individuals remaining in the wild. Found only in Mexico’s Gulf of California, this elusive species is critically endangered due to illegal gillnet fishing for totoaba, a fish highly valued in Chinese markets. 💡 But new conservation technology is offering hope! In this video, we explore: ✅ What makes the vaquita unique ✅ Why gillnets are the biggest threat ✅ How drones, sonar, and AI are being used to detect illegal fishing ✅ The latest conservation efforts by scientists and organizations...
info_outline
How Sustainable Supply Chains Are Changing Business
How To Protect The Ocean
Discover how sustainable supply chains are transforming businesses worldwide! In this insightful interview, Christophe Girardier dives into the challenges and innovations in supply chain sustainability. From reducing carbon footprints to adopting ethical sourcing practices, learn how companies are making a real impact on the environment and their bottom line. Don’t miss this conversation about the future of sustainable business! 🔹 Topics Covered: ✔️ Sustainable supply chain strategies ✔️ ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices ✔️ Reducing carbon emissions in...
info_outline
The Plastic Straw Ban Failed – Here’s What We Can Learn to Protect Our Oceans
How To Protect The Ocean
The plastic straw ban was meant to be a win for the environment—but why did it fail? In this video, we break down what went wrong, why people resisted, and what behavioral science teaches us about designing better conservation campaigns. 🌊🚯 We’ll explore: ✅ Why plastic straws became a target for bans ✅ The backlash and why some people rebelled against the ban ✅ How psychological and behavior change theories explain resistance ✅ Smarter ways to design future conservation efforts that actually work If we want to protect the ocean from plastic pollution, we need to rethink our...
info_outline
New Eco-Friendly Ice, Glice Synthetic Ice, Lower Energy Skating Alternative, Sustainable Skating Rink
How To Protect The Ocean
Are you a figure skater, hockey player, or just love gliding on ice? ❄️ Imagine skating on a surface that feels like real ice—but with zero refrigeration and lower energy costs! ⚡🌍 In this video, we explore Glice, an innovative synthetic ice that offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional rinks. Find out how it works, why it’s changing the game, and how you can experience the future of skating! 🔔 Subscribe for more sustainable innovations! 📩 Share this with fellow skaters and rink owners! Follow a career in conservation: Use the code SUFB...
info_outlineRebuilding fisheries requires information on fisheries stock assessments for each species. Collecting that data is not easy; it takes time and money to do. The Canadian Government is mandated to gather information on the 200 commercially fished species, but it's lacking. Not to worry. Ocean Canada has taken on the burden to collect and presenting the fisheries information in their Annual Fisheries Audit.
In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Rebecca Schijns, a fisheries scientist with Oceana Canada, to discuss the findings of the 8th Annual Fisheries Audit. The audit aims to assess the health of Canadian fish populations and the effectiveness of fisheries management.
Key Highlights from the Audit:
Current Status of Fish Populations:
Just over one-third (35%) of Canadian fish populations are assessed as healthy, an improvement from less than a third in the previous year.
Approximately 34.5% of fish stocks are in an uncertain status, lacking defined benchmarks for sustainable fishing.
The remaining stocks are categorized as follows:
-
13% in the cautious zone
-
17% in the critically depleted zone
Importance of Audits:
Oceana Canada began conducting these audits in 2017 due to a lack of clear data on fishery health.
The audits compile publicly available government documents, stock assessments, and management plans to create a comprehensive overview of fishery status.
Positive Developments:
High-quality rebuilding plans have been developed for several critically depleted stocks, including mackerel and cod, with timelines for recovery.
Increased consideration of climate change impacts in scientific advice and management decisions.
A slight decrease in the number of stocks in the critical zone, indicating progress in stock assessments.
Concerns and Challenges:
Despite the positive developments, there is a slow rollout of the Fisheries Act regulations, with only 30 out of nearly 200 fish stocks currently covered.
The reopening of the cod fishery and increased quotas for capelin have raised concerns about overfishing, especially given the stocks' precarious status.
The episode highlights the need for stronger leadership and accountability in fisheries management to ensure sustainable practices.
Call to Action:
Rebecca emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement in fisheries management, encouraging listeners to stay informed and advocate for sustainable practices.
Oceana Canada aims to depoliticize fisheries management by promoting strong laws and regulations that can withstand political changes.
The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook for the future of Canadian fisheries, stressing the importance of collaboration and informed decision-making to achieve sustainable fish populations.
Link to the Report: https://oceana.ca/en/reports/fishery-audit-2024/
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