Killer Whales vs. Great White Sharks: Genetic Proof of Predation! š¦š
Release Date: 02/17/2025
Rebuilding Fisheries in Canada: Capelin Biomass Falling Yet Fishing Stays Open
How To Protect The Ocean
Rebuilding fisheries in Canada: Capelin biomass is only at 16% of its pre-collapse level, which spells disaster for northern cod's recovery. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin breaks down the troubling state of Canadaās east coast fisheries. With DFO ignoring science-based recommendations, capelin is being harvested despite dangerously low numbersāand the ripple effects are hurting northern cod and entire coastal ecosystems. Northern cod cannot recover without capelin, their primary prey, yet management plans still treat these species separately. Andrew explores...
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Shark Communication: Graduate Studies, Sharks Science, and TikTok with Kenzie Horton
How To Protect The Ocean
Shark communication is critical in changing their "man-eating" reputation from the movie Jaws. Sharks need protection so telling people about the wonders of sharks is essential. Marine biology is more than just a job ā itās a lifestyle driven by passion and purpose. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with marine biologist Kenzie Horton, who shares how her love for the ocean shaped her career. Based in Florida, Kenzie juggles a full-time role in state government, a masterās degree researching white sharks, and a growing platform on TikTok where she busts...
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Dire Wolf Brought Back? The Wild Science and Ethics of De-Extinction
How To Protect The Ocean
De-extinction is no longer just science fiction. In this episode, we dive into the controversial concept of bringing back extinct speciesāspecifically the dire wolfāusing cutting-edge genetic engineering. Inspired by the headline-grabbing efforts to resurrect woolly mammoths, scientists are now exploring how DNA from ancient canids could be used to reintroduce this Ice Age predator into modern ecosystems. Genetic engineering plays a central role in this story. From piecing together fragmented DNA to editing modern genomes, researchers face significant scientific, ethical, and ecological...
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Rare Intersex Southern Right Whale Discovered Through Genetic Testing
How To Protect The Ocean
Intersex marine mammals are an exceptionally rare topic in marine biology, and in this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking discovery of an intersex southern right whale. The whale, sampled in 1989, was recently found to possess XY chromosomes through genetic testing. This revelation opens up new conversations about sex differentiation in marine species and the complexities of whale biology that scientists are only beginning to uncover. Southern right whale research has long been essential to ocean conservation, but this case adds an entirely new layer. Through a discussion of how genetic...
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Why the US Might Start Deep Sea Mining (And What It Means for the Ocean)
How To Protect The Ocean
Deep sea mining is making headlines as the United States considers allowing operations within its boundaries. In this episode, Andrew Lewin dives into a recent development involving a Canadian company, The Metals Company, that is pushing to mine the deep sea in US territory. What does this mean for the environment, international law, and ocean conservation? The US governmentās stance on deep sea mining could shift the global conversation around ocean resource extraction. Andrew explores the political, environmental, and legal implications of this move, the role of the International Seabed...
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Seafood Laws and Ocean Justice: How Legal Frameworks Shape the Future of Fisheries
How To Protect The Ocean
Fisheries are more than just the act of catching fishātheyāre tightly woven into the fabric of science, activism, and community livelihoods. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we speak with Eva van Heukelom about the many layers of fisheries management and how sustainable practices are shaped not just by data and tradition but by the legal frameworks that support them. Law plays a central role in determining how ocean resources are accessed, protected, and managed. Eva walks us through how international agreements, national regulations, and local community rights all intersect...
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Ocean Conservation Career Is Not A Straight Path...and that's okay
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation careers often donāt follow a predictable pathāand thatās completely normal. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin shares why expecting a traditional, linear route in marine biology or conservation can lead to frustration. Instead, he reflects on the non-linear journeys many professionals, including himself, have taken to find meaningful work in the field. Marine biology career advice is often focused on degrees and academic milestones, but Andrew explains how flexibility, adaptability, and following your passion can lead to unexpected and...
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Why Talking About the Ocean in Everyday Life Can Save It
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conversations matter more than we think. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explores how the simple act of bringing up marine topics in everyday conversationsāwith friends, at restaurants, during social gatheringsācan lead to a ripple effect of awareness, engagement, and ultimately, protection. The ocean affects all of us, yet itās rarely discussed in casual settings. So why not change that? Marine protection starts with awareness, and awareness begins with talk. This episode dives into why we need to normalize ocean discussions just like we do politics,...
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How D and D Can Help with Environmental Education Through Immersive Learning
How To Protect The Ocean
D and D can help with environmental education by creating immersive, story-driven learning experiences that engage students on a deeper level. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Thaler, whoās using Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) to teach environmental concepts in a way that feels more like play than a lesson. Through world-building, role-playing, and strategic storytelling, students arenāt just learningātheyāre adventuring through ecosystems, facing climate-related challenges, and discovering how natural systems work in real time. Environmental education is often limited to...
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Plastic Pollution Research: How Microplastics Threaten Coral Reefs and What We Can Do About It
How To Protect The Ocean
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing threats to our oceans today. In this episode, we explore how microplasticsātiny fragments of plastic wasteāmake their way into tropical marine ecosystems and cause lasting damage. Whether itās through broken-down consumer products or fishing gear, plastic pollution infiltrates ocean habitats and harms marine life in ways weāre just beginning to understand. Coral reefs, often called the rainforests of the sea, are especially vulnerable to plastic pollution. These vital ecosystems support biodiversity, protect coastlines, and sustain...
info_outlineDid you know that killer whales (Orcinus orca) are taking down great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in South Africa? š¦š In this video, we break down groundbreaking research that provides genetic evidence of orcas hunting and preying on white sharks! Scientists analyzed bite wounds on a white shark carcass and found killer whale DNA, confirming this apex predator battle.
Why does this matter? The absence of great whites in certain areas due to orca predation could change entire marine ecosystems! š Discover how this interaction reshapes the ocean food chain, why orcas target shark livers, and what it means for conservation.
Link to article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.70786
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