How To Protect The Ocean

Red tide has hit the Florida coastline once again due to a variety of reasons that will not go away any time soon unless Florida's water quality problem is solved soon and it's affecting the local people and economy. It's not the worst red tide event that we have seen in the recent past, but it seems to be popping up year after year and that is concerning many scientists as climate change is making things worse. We are starting to see the long-term effects of red tide, increased nutrients, and warmer waters so we are going to talk about it during this episode. Link to article: http://bit.ly/3mYg0GR Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

My family and I love to travel down south to the Caribbean for vacation during the winter to get a break from the cold and lie on the beach and explore the inshore of the ocean. But there has been a massive increase in the coverage of sargassum along the coastline and the accumulation is getting to the point where trucks are working around the clock to get rid of the algae. Climate change and increased nutrients for massive rivers are the culprits to the increase in the biomass of sargassum. The problem is not going away anytime soon but something needs to be done to reduce the problem. Link to article: http://bit.ly/3Tqdl5d Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

The Biden administration approved a controversial proposal to drill in Alaska (a project that could produce 280 million metric tons of carbon emissions/9.2 million per year)despite campaign promises of not approving any more oil projects due to climate change concerns. Many petitions with hundreds of thousands of signatures were submitted and numerous comments were made on social media posts asking for people to Speak Up against the project. Former government officials said the administration was bound by the leasing contract to approve the proposal or else face a potential $5 Billion lawsuit for breach of contract. Other factors that might have influenced the decision were an energy crisis and a looming election. However, did President Biden lose the younger vote with campaign climate change promises broken? Link to article: http://bit.ly/42aEyg6 Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Kiska the orca who was known as the loneliest orca in the world passed away due to a bacterial infection on March 10th and people around the world are angry at Marineland for their lack of effort in taking good care of Kiska. But the most frustrating part of Kiska's story is that she could have been the first orca to participate in the whale sanctuary project. Therefore, we need to intensify the efforts of retiring orcas and other marine mammals to seaside sanctuaries so we don't repeat Kiska's tragedy. Link to article: http://bit.ly/41YNt42 Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

After 2 decades we have a UN High Seas Treaty and there is hope for protecting the ocean in international waters, but there is an important step that needs to be taken...the treaty needs to be ratified by the countries. There are great reasons to ratify this treaty, specifically 4 important actions that will help the world and its ocean. Therefore, it is time that the people of the countries who need to ratify this treaty need to tell their politicians to ratify this bill. We are going to talk about the important points of this treaty and why we should be hopeful. Link to article: http://bit.ly/3yt4sOA Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Last year, the Biden administration rolled out the most comprehensive climate bill in US history and launched the journey of climate action that was promised during the campaign. But it is now evaluating the approval of an oil and gas drilling opportunity in Alaska called the Willow Project. You may not have heard of the project because it seems to have flown under the radar, but people are talking about it on TikTok. In fact, my daughter is the person who told me about it. I wanted to find out more information on the project so I reached out to my good friend, Angelo, and he put me in touch with Jenny Rowland-Shea who has been working on this project at the Center for American Progress for a while now. Jenny tells us about the history and future plans of the project and how people in Alaska feel about it. Link to article: http://bit.ly/3JiHnEi Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Open-net pen salmon aquaculture has been operating along the west coast of Canada in the Discovery islands for almost 30 years and it was supported by the government. But not everyone was happy with the results that occurred in the surrounding waters. Indigenous groups and environmentalists were noticing that there was more disease in and outside of the pens and fewer wild Pacific Salmon coming out of the Fraser river. A court ruled that many of the licenses for the aquaculture pens should not be renewed and it's finally starting to happen. We are going to talk about it in this episode of the podcast. Link to article: http://bit.ly/3KMfUw2 Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

We have heard the experts tell us time and time again that diversity and inclusion is critical for protecting the ocean and the planet. But many organizations, governments, and private companies often fail to implement policies within the workplace to foster a better environment and work culture that could lead to better conservation. I was recently contacted by a listener to tell me about a mistake that I made in referencing the terms equality and equity. The conversation developed into a great exchange of ideas that lead to this interview about implementing diversity and inclusion training and policies in the workplace. Christie Mazzeo-Pfoertner works for the New York Department of State and tells you how she personally got involved in becoming more aware of diversity and inclusion, which led to her volunteering to be on a working group for the department. We are going to talk about her journey in this episode. The Black Agenda: https://bit.ly/3J1RVYk Melinda Epler (Podcast, Book): https://bit.ly/3J2COhm Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Science communication has the power to capture the eyes and minds of any audience and the ability to find a way to explain science is various aspects of life takes a certain skill and passion. But it's not easy to communicate the science and build an audience that will continue to come back for more. Therefore, the message has to be entertaining to get attention and you must go where the audience goes. Melissa Truth Miller is my guest today and an example of meeting an audience to communicate her science message. Melissa is a marine scientist who also has written blogs for sites like Nerdist and organizes Comic Con panels to bring science to an audience that is interested in science fiction. Connect with Melissa Truth Miller: Convention Panel recordings https://melissatruth.com/bylines/ Article about the marine debris in the sperm whale: http://bit.ly/3KL4VTl The podcast: https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/star-warsologies/ Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Kelp forests have a number of benefits to the coastal oceans: They provide a habitat for a diverse set of species; they provide food for species; and, they take up carbon dioxide more than land trees. But kelp forests are at risk as a predator that used to be a problem is becoming more of a problem and eating live kelp. We need healthy kelp forests for all of their benefits including reducing climate change. Therefore, it is crucial that we discuss what will help protect them. Link to article: http://bit.ly/3Y8oHeC Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

I recently did an episode where I interviewed a great colleague and great friend, Dr. Andrew Thaler. At the end of the interview, I asked him what he was up to these days because you never know what Andrew Thaler is up to at any point and time. He let me know that he was spending his time on a climate change committee in his county. I was so proud of him because we had a similar discussion about 5 years ago and he mentioned that he wanted to do something like this. And then he said something that really hit me. He said that local government/committees is where specialists and experts can really make a difference. We are going to talk about why that statement is so profound in this episode. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

There seems to be a resurgence of tuna fish advertising as influencers show the benefits of eating tuna and try to bust myths of mercury poisoning and overfishing if you look up government standards you will find that specific tuna is safe to eat, but are the supermarkets that sell them sourcing from the right supplier? Are they making sure the suppliers are sustainably catching tuna and treating their staff right? Over a number of podcasts, I have revealed the tragedies of overfishing on the high seas including transhipping at sea and the use of fisheries slaves. I think you have the right to know if your favorite grocery store is sourcing its tuna from the right companies. Greenpeace recently released a report ranking worldwide grocery stores that sell tuna based on sustainability and human rights. I am going to go over some of those results. Link to Article: http://bit.ly/3xGjakT Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

You need to know what's happening in deep-sea mining, or what's not happening in deep-sea mining. I kept hearing different stories about how close deep-sea mining was to becoming a reality. At times it concerned me and at other times I was just thinking that it was never going to happen. Over the past year, things have seemed to progress and you might be seeing more stories in the media about the topic. That is happening for a reason and it's partly due to the work of a small group of people that became a resource to the industry on both sides of the industry. My guest today is here to tell us the biggest things that have happened over the past 13 years. Dr. Andrew Thaler joins the podcast to tell us about his four years as Editor-In-Chief of the Deep-Sea Mining Observer and how it filled a gap in knowledge to the press on the latest stories in the industry. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

For most of my life my parents and I bought my clothes from shops in the mall in and around Toronto. We never thought of how the clothes were made and what would happen to them after I grew out of the clothes. Now that I know how wasteful my clothes are, I have been trying to find ways to buy more sustainable clothing, but I haven't had much luck finding something that I can afford or that is truly sustainable. There was always another option: thrifting. It's something that I never did before because I was being superficial. I didn't want to buy second-hand clothes as I thought I was better than that, I guess. I got over my ego this past weekend and went to a local thrift store and I can gladly say I was successful. I am going to tell you how it all went and why I think I stood in my own way to not do something. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

I posted a short video on marine mammal captivity on Instagram, Tik Tok, and YouTube Shorts. To be honest, it was an experiment. I knew the video would be a bit controversial as the captivity of marine mammals content always tends to be this way. My goal for the video was not to take a personal stance but to let viewers make their own decision based on the resources I suggested. I got some feedback just as I suspected. Some pro-releasing whales and others pro-captivity. I responded to the comments in all cases and I want to tell you about my experience. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

We are now in the decade of the ocean and you may or may not have heard of the term flying around that is supposed to help the oceans and lands and protect biodiversity. The term is 30 x 30. It means 196 nations have pledged to protect 30% of lands and oceans by the year 2030. It's a great goal that can help our environment and the human species from climate change, water pollution, plastic pollution, overfishing, and other human disturbances; however, the number 30 could just mean that politicians will focus on just the quantity and not the quality of the protected areas. The Center of American Progress would like to see a quality-over-quantity scenario and I am going to talk about how where the US needs to focus. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Whale and dolphin captivity is quite a controversial issue as there are people who are advocating for the release of every captive orca, dolphin, seal, and sea lion (along with manatees) to improve their overall health and there are people who think that these animals are treated well in marine parks and offer a great way for humans to make a connection to help save marine mammals. On which side should you fall and how do you make that decision? These are just some of the questions that you may ask yourself when the opportunity presents itself to see an orca or some other marine mammal. I am going to give you some resources that can help you make decisions for yourself so that you can live for a better ocean. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

There are some great people in the marine conservation world that have the potential to do some great things in the field of marine science and conservation. They are intelligent, motivated, passionate, and talented in more than just the science/policy/advocacy work. They can communicate in creative ways. Every once in a while, I have the chance to meet these individuals to speak to them about how they can use their talent and creativity to do some great things. However, imposter syndrome sets in. It can stop you in your tracks of putting yourself out there stopping you from getting your message out. I want people to get past their imposter syndrome as I did so I am going to tell you what helped me. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Corals are facing a ton of challenges in the form of human disturbances and the potential loss of corals and coral reefs will devastate 25% of the species that depend on reefs for their survival. But there are efforts to protect and restore populations in the face of challenges such as climate change, water pollution, coastal development, and over-fishing. An organization called the Great Barrier Reef Legacy, based in Australia is working to do a different type of preservation. the organization wants to collect and preserve every species of coral in the Great Barrier Reef along with the genetic diversity of each coral species. The offsite facility that will house the species will act to stabilize their existence in case the wild populations are threatened with extinction and could act as brooding colonies for restoration purposes. Article: http://bit.ly/3JyZOW1 Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Have you ever thought about whether your marine science/conservation/policy career is having the impact that you want on the ocean? For instance, I turned to podcasting about how to protect the ocean because I wanted to reach out to individual people to tell them about what is happening with the ocean and how they can help. I decided that I would stop working for the government to follow this endeavor and I am not the only one. In today's episode, I speak with Shannon Consentino-Roush about chasing impact throughout her career. Shannon has had quite a career in national and international policy but now works as a Chief Strategic Officer for a start-up company called Finless Foods that offers plant-based and cell-cultured seafood alternatives. We are going to find out what drove her to continue to pivot towards different career choices and how she ended up as the CSO of a start-up. Finless Foods: Website: https://finlessfoods.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finlessfoods/ Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

It seems as though the media salivates any time there is a shark bite event and it's labelled as a shark attack that includes all the horrific details. The story reaffirms the fears many people have of sharks and demonizes them, but there is always a piece of the story missing that could get at the real story. For example, a recent story that is being shared is a potential white shark bite off the coast of Mexico. The headlines and the stories are focusing on where the person was bit, but not on the details of why the person was in the ocean even though there were warnings of an increased presence of sharks. I am going to talk about the real story and discuss why those stories could have better results for conservation. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

The major problem with battling overfishing on the high seas is that it is difficult to track vessels due to the lack of transparency in vessel registration. The results of a new study are hoping to change this problem by creating a global database of the global fishing fleet that can help tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Analysis of the data found that 20% of high-seas fishing was likely unregulated and that reflagging of vessels mainly occurred in East Asia, West Africa, and Eastern Europe. The researchers plan on making the dataset publicly available so that authorities have access to timely information. Link to article: https://bit.ly/3j0tkZX Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Sitting on a beach surrounded by sand and the ocean is probably one of the best feelings in the world. Travelers from all over the world flock to coastlines every year to lie on beaches and cool off in the adjacent ocean. However, there is nothing worse than finding litter on the beach, especially cigarette butts. For years, people cleaning beaches have found cigarette butts were the items picked up the most along Florida's coasts. As a result, the Florida legislature passed a bill that gave the municipalities the power to vote to enact their own local bans. Now coastal municipalities are taking action along coastal Florida. We are going to talk about the significance of the bans in this episode. Link to article: https://bit.ly/3Dbu45h Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

There is so much content out there that is better produced, better audio, better video, and better communicated than mine, but I still have a following and listeners who say they love my content. I must admit, there are times that I want to up my game and make better-produced content to try and bring in more listeners and followers; however, the reality is that I have restrictions in time, money, and sometimes skill set. I continue to make content regardless of the restrictions and my own fears of imposter syndrome because I know there is someone out there that is going to discover my content and turn to live for a better ocean. And I am here to tell you that you can do the same. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

The health of ocean habitats is a delicate balance of the presence of the right species and the proper conditions. When things are out of balance the health of habitats can be at stake. Coral reef habitats act as a host for a diverse amount of species of invertebrates and vertebrates; however, the reefs are sensitive to physical and chemical changes which we often discuss on this podcast, but we rarely discuss the biological changes that can occur including the presence of predators and prey. There is an interesting article that reveals a decline of reef sharks that could affect the health of coral reefs. Link to article: https://bit.ly/3ko6Vpx Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Now that straws are banned in most places and single-use plastics are also on their way to being banned in many places it's time to move the focus on to other items...clothing. Don't you worry because I am not talking about a ban on clothing, but a ban on throwing out clothing because it can be recycled? The State of Massachusetts has banned throwing out clothing and other textiles in the trash forcing people in the state to recycle them instead. The ban on clothes in the trash comes at the heels of landfills in the state increasing drastically to the point where much of the trash gets shipped out to other states (over 50% of the trash in New Hampshire belongs to Massachusetts!). I will discuss the pros and cons of this policy in the episode. Link to Article: https://bit.ly/3wi7zrs Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

What would you think if I told you that conservationists and managers have improved the health of oceans and land on small islands by eradicating invasive rats? Researchers are now focusing on managing the biodiversity of the land-sea interaction on small islands to help protect biodiversity and the evidence points to success. Many of the studies focus on eradicating invasive species (such as rats) to protect seabirds and crabs that traverse both land and the sea. Link to Article Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

When a government tells its people that it is opening up its coasts to oil and gas leasing like the Trump Administration did from 2016-2020, there are quite a few things that happen behind the scenes that we don't realize until it is too late and it is difficult to fix the changes (or they get ignored). For example, The Trump administration opened up a swath of habitat along the shelf break on the Northern Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas development. The same swath is the habitat of a critically endangered whale called the Gulf of Mexico whale (Rice's whale). You would think that the Biden administration would take the area away from the oil and gas industry; however, the National Marine Fisheries Service did not do anything to change the rule. This example proves that the laws and regulations are very difficult to change for the better Link to article: https://bit.ly/3iuomV3 Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

I did an interview recently on my other podcast that I cohost called Beyond Jaws with Guy Stevens who is the Founder of the Manta Trust. We talked about how he started studying manta rays after he received his Bachelor's Degree in Science. He just started studying them while working for an ecoresort in the Maldives. He used what was around him to follow his passion not knowing where it would take him. Now, Guy operates a globally recognized NGO that has done some great work on manta and devil rays. This example could be you. I want you to think about what you are passionate about in marine science and conservation and think about how to can get started right away. We are going to talk about that very topic and the logistics behind it in this episode. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

It's difficult to tell now but some of the heat waves that we have experienced over the past couple of years were thought to be impossible 50 or 60 years ago and we are now seeing natural disasters around the world that are being caused by two or more consequences from climate change (drought brought on by extreme heat waves and lack of rain for extended periods of time). The new scientific field that tracks climate change-attributed disasters will help inform policymakers on how to handle coastal management, reservoirs, and aquifers in this new future if we are not able to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by the end of the century. Link to article: https://bit.ly/3CBgYOw Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Visiting Antarctica might be on your bucket list and it would be a fun thing to do, but is it in the best interest protecting its environment? That is the question that conservationists are asking after a noticeable increase in vessels visiting the most Southern continent. They are worried that too many tourists could lead to the introduction of invasive species and/or diseases like the avian flu. A cap in tourists may be necessary to control the increase of tourists. Link to Article: https://bit.ly/3w6NCUB Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

It's a new year and many creator-focused businesses are gearing up and executing plans for 2023, including myself. I've made some personal resolutions and business resolutions for this podcast and my business. My goal has always been to reach more people so my plans will continue to increase my reach for the audio podcast and introduce more content for other digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. My word for 2023 is "Execute" so it's time to create. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Are you looking to Speak Up For The Ocean in 2023? Then this episode is for you. I've been doing this podcasting thing for over 7.5 years and over that time I covered a lot of stories and I've seen various ways that people and organizations disseminate their marine conservation messages. But there is an increasing percentage of the audiences that are not listening to the messages or find the messaging elitist. Therefore, I am going to provide you with a list of things that you can do to help get your conservation message across to your audience. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

James Cameron, the famous director, was promoting his new movie, Avatar: the way of the water, which has a huge marine conservation message when he came under fire for attending one of the promotional premieres in Japan. The promotion included a dolphin show at an aquarium which infuriated many environmentalists who wanted to hear Cameron's reason for attending the premiere with a captive dolphin show. We are going to talk about James Cameron's comments and how these events are harder to navigate than people think. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

For years now marine biologists, conservationists, NGOs, and governments have been working to protect the oceans in places all over the world. It would make sense that the projects would be about working altogether, especially with the people that live along the coastal community. Unfortunately, that hasn't always happened. Coastal communities have been ignored during these projects. Luckily, there seem to be more conversations around Justice and equity with environmental projects, which could lead to a better future. I am going to talk about ocean Justice and Equity in this episode. Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Ocean protection is a key tool in managing oceans and its resources and it requires the support of all ocean users, but the one group is often ignored or left out of the process that can play a key role in protecting the ocean effectively. Indigenous groups have been protecting their oceans and lands for thousands of years and need to be included in conservation conversations. I am joined by Humna Sharif of the National Ocean Protection Coalition and Angelo Villagomez of the Center for American Progress to discuss ways in which scientists, NGOs, and governments can support Indigenous-led conservation. Links to Article: https://bit.ly/3v4TtsR Connect with Humna: National Ocean Protection Coalition Website NOPC Twitter NOPC Instagram Humna's Twitter Humna's LinkedIn Connect with Angelo: Center of American Progress (CAP) CAP Twitter CAP Instagram Angelo's Twitter Angelo's LinkedIn Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Northern right whales have been the subject of many conservation conversations over the past couple of months due to the decisions made around lobster and crab pot support for sustainability to protect the endangered species. Northern Right whales are heavily monitored, especially in the winter during their calving season. Two calves were spotted recently off the coast of Georgia providing some hope for the endangered whales in hopes that their numbers rebound, but the population is expected to produce 23 calves per year which have not been achieved in a long time. One theory is that the whales have had to shift their feeding areas north to the Gulf of St. Lawrence to find their preferred food, copepods due to climate change. Will this season be better than those in the past? Link to articles: 1) 2 Northern Right Whales Spotted Off the Coast of Georgia https://bit.ly/3V6QgUm 2) 13 new Northern Right Whale calves in 2021 https://bit.ly/3BKFVGu 3) Northern Right Whale Food Source https://bit.ly/3jfIhH2 Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

It's that time of year that is supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year. Students get a holiday for at least 2 weeks, people travel to see their families, and others stay local and make plans to meet up with friends who are home for a bit and meet up for family gatherings during special days throughout this holiday season. It's also a time when we buy and give gifts to family and friends and receive some too. But we can get caught up in gift-giving and create more of a mess for the environment and the ocean. I'm going to give you 3 tips on how to make this a better holiday season for the ocean. Link to article: https://bit.ly/3HKdLPQ Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

We live in an interesting time. We have access to information at our fingertips whenever we want. It's a great opportunity to learn and interact with people all over the world. Of course, there are downfalls to social media as well as there are some great advantages. Scientists have the ability to share their work with people who do not have access to peer-reviewed papers. They also provide access to criticism in their work. Criticism does not always have to lead to being canceled, but it could lead to better work. I am going to talk to you about a recent interaction I had with a listener that ended in a great way. Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

If a shark dies in the ocean, where do we find its remains? Well, there could be many answers to that question, but for many sharks, you could find their teeth in one place that we know. A deep-sea graveyard was discovered off some islands in the Indian Ocean by the ocean research arm of Australia, the CSIRO. The discovery contained teeth of various shark species ranging from mako sharks to the relatives of the now-extinct megalodon shark. Although scientists don't yet know why this graveyard was in this location, they look forward to diving into the shark teeth to find out. The latest research find from the same ship discovered a new deep-sea shark species, the stripey hornshark. Link to article: https://bit.ly/3BtATOy Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

It seems to be a right of passage for people to buy or rent a home/apartment when they are ready. But have you ever thought if your home will contribute to Climate Change or help Climate Change? It's never really discussed, right? People go house hunting and discuss their needs and wants and worry as to whether they can afford their next living space. Wouldn't it be nice to live in a home that is net-negative? My guest today is Aiden Vogel, the founder of Swyft Lyft, a start-up based out of Austin, Texas that is working to ensure your next living space is net-negative. We discuss how and why he came up with this idea and how he is moving it forward into a product. He's going for scale folks and he is here to talk about it. Connect with Swyft Lyft: https://www.swyftlyt.com/ Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Since Elon Musk bought Twitter, it has become more of a cesspool of racism, sexism, and misinformation than it was pre-Elon and conversations are becoming more confrontational as people are trying to defend their points of view on both sides of issues. But Science Twitter has been a staple where most people get great information from colleagues or science celebrities to learn more about science and it is now at risk. I am ranting about Twitter and how Science Twitter could be lost in the long term...and that is a shame!!! David Shiffman's article on Science Twitter: https://bit.ly/3F8S8pF Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

We will need to leverage Blue carbon (kelp, Seagrass, etc.) to help reduce climate change. Blue carbon can help absorb carbon 20 times or more than trees. There is an entire industry that is budding due to the potential revenue that may or may not end up in turning a profit. Regardless of the revenue, Blue Carbon is not in the right position to live a long, healthy life. So we need to protect the kelp forest and help solidify blue carbon to help the planet, but they are in trouble due to the consequences of years of climate change. So the question remains how do we protect blue carbon sinks? Link to article: https://bit.ly/3VxJiZt Blue Carbon Canada: https://www.bluecarboncanada.ca/ Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

We tend to have a perception that working as a marine biologist requires us to be a professor at a university or work in Academia. But there are more options that could lead to a more rewarding career in your marine biology field of choice. Therefore, in this episode, I am going to present to you the options available that may not be the career paths you think you need to choose even though you may think that they present more challenges. Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Shark populations are being targeted in international waters by fishing fleets using legal fishing gear...sort of. The gear can target sharks that are in high demand for their fins, meat, and organs. Tens of thousands of metric tons of sharks are being fished annually reducing some populations by at least 70%. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, which governs tuna fisheries in those waters could vote on a proposal to ban the devices as soon as this week in Vietnam. Research has shown that banning the devices could lead to a decreased mortality of oceanic whitetips by 40.5% and silky sharks by 30.8%. I am going to break down the story and show you how this vote could easily help shark populations in international waters. Link to article: http://bit.ly/3GX4JOZ Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

After two seafood certification bodies pull their support for the Maine lobster fisheries to support more protection to protect the Northern Right Whale population from extinction. There are only 340 individuals left in the population and government departments are getting desperate to protect the struggling whale population. They don't want to take any chances on whale entanglements. Is this the right thing to do? Will this protect the whale population and is it worth hurting the Maine lobster fisheries? Link to Article: http://bit.ly/3Bdrfjh Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

The purpose of COP27, aside from sharing climate change information, is for specific governments to work together to formulate an agreement to help reduce climate change. The COP27 meetings ended with a new agreement that builds on the last meeting's results after negotiations almost collapsed when the EU negotiator almost walked out due to the meeting agreement at the time. So some would consider it successful. Two major agreements were reached: 1) the agreement for developed nations to pay developing nations damages for climate change consequences; and, 2) the US and China resumed climate talks. I am going to discuss these results and what it means in the near future. Link to article: http://bit.ly/3AItF8W Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

The Northern Right whale population is in trouble and measures need to be taken to ensure the population does not go extinct from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Climate change is driving the whales north into the Northern US and Canada where there were 17 deaths in 2017 due to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Canada took measures to reduce the ship's speed to half of the regulated speed during the summer of 2017. the speed increased the next year during the same timeframe. Now fishing certification organizations have removed their certification of the Maine Lobster fishery as the fishery has been deemed not to take the necessary precautions to help the Northern Right whale population. I am going to discuss what this means for the whales and the fisheries in this episode. Link to Articles: 1) http://bit.ly/3ETJRXO 2) http://bit.ly/3OosLnW Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

Shark species are being fished unsustainably all around the world and protections in sharks need to increase to track where these species are being bought and consumed. Tracking their trade can be difficult, but one tool that is available is CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. A recent vote during the 19th convention added 54 shark species on the CITES Appendix II. I am going to talk about what this means for sharks and what else can we do to further protect them. Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career. Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc

We talk a lot about the ocean on this podcast and ways that people within the field of marine science and conservation are trying to protect it, but we rarely talk about the things that you can do at home or at your work/office. I work at an office two days a week where people are in and out of the office as we work hybrid work schedules. It's a pretty great office and my company provides us with a lot of great things including coffee and food/snacks. I now have the opportunity to help shape our work policies as to how the company can be more environmentally-friendly. I have a lot of work and research to do so I am going to document it here, on the podcast. Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://glow.fm/marinesciencecareers/ Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc