How To Protect The Ocean

Five years ago, an Ocean heatwave occurred in the North Pacific Ocean that affected the salmon, humpback whales, and caused algal blooms. The heatwave was known as the Blob. The Blob has returned in 2019 and looks to be hotter than five years ago. Listen to the episode for more details. Link to article How do you think we can combat the Blob? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk ConCiencia Azul: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf Dugongs & Seadragons: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt Environmental Studies & Sciences Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh Marine Mammal Science: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

The summer of 2019 has been a terrible year for the Endangered Northern Right Whale. 6 individual whales were killed in Canada within 48 hours due to ship strikes or fishing gear entanglement. The whale population cannot endure summers similar to this one as there are only 400 individuals left with less than 100 of those individuals are breeding females. The US and Canadian governments along with industry and environmental organizations are working together to prevent further damage to the population. However, one group, the Maine Lobstermen Association, says that it conducted its own study that identified other sources of disturbance as the primary reason for the population decrease. Listen to the episode to find out why I agree (kind of) with the Association with some reservations. More Stories from CBC on the Northern Right Whales. Do you think the study from the Maine Lobsertemn Association is correct? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk ConCiencia Azul: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf Dugongs & Seadragons: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt Environmental Studies & Sciences Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh Marine Mammal Science: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

Illegal fishing is difficult to enforce on the Ocean. The key to enforcing illegal activity on the water is monitoring. Using a boat and/or a plane can be costly and does not cover enough space to monitor effectively, which is the reason why satellites have become a great option for enforcement agencies to help in monitoring illegal activities. Listen to the episode to find out how a company is about to release 36 satellites into space to help monitor illegal fishing. Do you think using satellites to monitor illegal fishing will be the wave of the future? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. You can also support the Speak Up For Blue Network by becoming a Patron: http://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network: Marine Conservation Happy Hour Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk ConCiencia Azul: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf Dugongs & Seadragons: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt Environmental Studies & Sciences Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh Marine Mammal Science: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

Before we get to the show notes, I wanted to take some time to say that my thoughts are with the families who have been affected by Hurricane Dorian. Here is a link to an article that shows where you places where you can support the people who need it the most: https://clairejefford.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=10584&action=edit TikTok Helping To #SaveTheOceans TikTok is a social media platform that allows people to create short content in various forms (music, skits, etc.). It's a platform that is used by a younger demographic. It's a great platform to not only raise awareness of environmental problems but to raise money for a great cause. Conservational International has teamed up with TikTok to raise money to save the Oceans. Every time a creator from a particular country uses the hashtag #SaveTheOceans, TikTok will donate $2 to the fund (up to $100,000). Find out more details by listening to the episode. Do you think raising money using a social media platform is a good idea? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. You can also support the Speak Up For Blue Network by becoming a Patron: http://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

It's Labour Day, School starts for my kids tomorrow, and my birthday is on Thursday. For me, this is like a new year, where I revisit my goals and set new ones. I always wanted my business to be transparent so in this episode, I give you a bit of information on how the business of Marine Conservation in the form of communication is going. If you have any questions, please let me know: [email protected]. You can also share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. You can also support the Speak Up For Blue Network by becoming a Patron: http://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

There is a popular tourist spot in New Zealand, where people not only watch bottlenose dolphins, they also swim with them. Unfortunately, the swimming and touching of the dolphins have led to their decrease in population. There are now only 19 dolphins that return to the area. The New Zealand Government have taken steps to protect the dolphins by banning swimming with the dolphins and only permitting a few boats to watch the dolphins over intervals of 20 minutes. The new restrictions along with regular monitoring could help the dolphins recover. For more information, please listen to the episode. Do you think people should swim with Wild Dolphins? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

You often hear of predictions of Climate Change consequences from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and you might even think to yourself that those predictions may not happen in your lifetime, or maybe you don't think an increase of a few millimeters in sea level makes a difference. The truth of the matter is sea level rise is happening now and many islands nations, as well as big cities, are facing the truth as we speak. Alexandria, Egypt is one of those cities. Frequent floods are not only affecting the lives of the poor, but they are negatively affecting the foundations of some of the oldest buildings and prized archeological sites in the more than 2000-year-old city. Listen to the episode to find out more details. How is your city/town being affected by Climate Change? Share your knowledge about where you live in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Hurricane Dorion is predicted to be a Category 4 Hurricane as it will land in North and Central Florida next week. The location of the landing will make history as a Category 4 Hurricane has never landed in the area. During this episode, I discuss why it's important to manage the shoreline and land resources properly as our Hurricanes get worse due to Climate Change. Links Mentioned During The Episode: 1) List Of Items For Hurricane Prep: https://www.coastalliving.com/lifestyle/preparing-for-hurricane-irene 2) Original Article: https://www.coastalliving.com/lifestyle/the-environment/hurricane-dorian-major-storm-florida-history Have you been in a Hurricane? Share your experiences in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

There were two stories that I came across this week that I feel should accompany the last episode on how Climate Change is messing up the planet. Listening to a story on Climate Change could be demoralizing, but there are other stories that could provide hope. Those stories are about people who inspire us to do better or help us understand how to do things better. The first story I discuss is about Greta Thunberg as she arrives in New York after sailing across the Atlantic at the age of 16-17 to participate in UN talks on Climate Change and hopefully inspire people in the US to take more action against Climate Change. The second story is about a friend and colleague, Dr. Brett Fevaro, who recently took a road trip with his family in their Tesla to show that people COULD go on road trips and find charging stations. Two Stories I Referred To In This One: 1) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/cheap-driving-electric-vehicle-1.5260631?fbclid=IwAR26oLh56gZNyrl1HIAdGCemSCXOkcJwokoWj_OoxaN58yIxKe0RKsMwSJQ 2) https://www.theguardian.com/environment/live/2019/aug/28/greta-thunberg-sails-into-new-york-waters-after-crossing-atlantic-live-news?page=with%3Ablock-5d66def88f08ea59f447ad9e Both stories provide hope for me. Share your stories of hope in this Climate Change era in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Every second breath of air we take is due to the Ocean. Phytoplankton is responsible for this great breath of fresh air because they use photosynthesis to produce Oxygen while using up CO2 in the process. It is also one of the reasons why Climate Change has not grown out of control; however, Climate Change has affected the development and abundance of phytoplankton over time. A new study shows diatoms, a species of phytoplankton with a silica cell wall that absorbs CO2 and sinks down to the bottom of the Ocean, where the CO2 is fixed onto the seafloor. The diatoms sink because of their heavy silica wall. Unfortunately, the silica wall in diatoms has been shrinking as the Oceans become more acidic. The silica walls have become smaller and the diatoms are not sinking to the seafloor where the CO2 can be fixed. Find out more details by listening to the episode. Do you think this is a problem that can be fixed? Share your thoughts on the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Cuba is known for its beautiful environment, especially its Oceans. The government has had quite a bit of control in regulating their fisheries as the industry was private; however, 20 years ago, a private fishing industry was created to create more jobs in the country. The result is a decrease of 80% in commercially important species such as grouper and snapper. The new policies were set with the purpose of increasing collaboration with the US to use US technology while monitoring the fisheries. Find out more details by listening to the episode. What do you think of the purpose of the policy? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was established in the early 1990s and a management plan was added in 1997 as things had changed. NOAA has decided to add more protection as things have changed again. Threats such as fishing, climate change, and cruise ship waste are harming corals at an unprecedented rate. NOAA is proposing to add 8 more protected areas spanning 5 square miles to help protect the reefs and their species. Listen to the podcast to find out more details. Do you think these protections will work? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Carlos Raphael was the kingpin of a fleet of fishing boats that ran the fishing industry in New Bedford, Massachusetts. I said "was" because he was recently convicted on multiple counts of fraud and other crimes for trying to sell his business to two Russian Mobsters (who were really undercover US Agents) by telling them it was a good business in which they could launder money. More details of this crazy story are in the episode and in this article. What do you think of the story? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

I have been discussing how hard it is to shop for daily items such as groceries and household products; however, a new company has started to solve this problem and it's called Loop. Loop sounds like a fantastic way to order items where the containers can be returned, cleaned, and given back to you to use again. Find out more details by listening to the episode. Would you order from Loop? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

The Amazon is burning and the news is making headlines all over the world. Unfortunately, it took 16 days before anyone really knew about it. Many people now wanting to help, there are many calls to donate to support organizations; however, you want to ensure that you are donating to the right organization. You can follow the rules I mention in this episode to make sure your hard-earned money is going to the right organization. What strategies did you use to donate to organizations in the past? Share your experience in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

I recently took the family on vacation to Darien Lake. We had a great time staying on the grounds and enjoying the Theme Park; however, there were certain parts of the park where I would like to see improvement when it comes to sustainability. I go through the good and the bad things at the park that could impact the Ocean. What is your experience of sustainability at Theme Parks? Share your experiences in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Elections Canada has come out with a new rule for this upcoming federal election. The rule is targeted at Environmental Charities in Canada. These charities will not be able to say "Climate Change is real" to influence voters during advertising campaigns because one candidate has denied climate change; therefore, charities who make the statement will be considered partisan and their charitable status could be in jeopardy. Utter BS in my opinion and it adds to the battle between the government of Canada and environmental charities. Listen to the episode for more information. Do you think environmental charities should be able to say things like "Climate Change is Real?" Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

I am pleased to make another exciting announcement today as we are releasing another podcast on the Speak Up For Blue Network called Environmental Studies and Sciences. This podcast is supported by the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences and is also hosted by Dr. Chris Parsons. Here is the description of the first episode: "In the first of the Environmental Studies and Sciences podcasts, host Dr Chris Parsons talks to Dr Peter Jacques, the president of the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) about the shadowy forces behind climate change denial, the importance of interdisciplinary environmental research and about AESS as a community and advocate for interdisciplinary environmental research." Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/environmental-studies-and-sciences/id1475692098 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zn9eZuKiOgyrZs2JluHob What did you think of the first episode? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

I am pleased to announce that the Speak Up For Blue Network has released a new podcast called Marine Mammal Science. This podcast is sponsored by the Society of Marine Mammalogy and hosted by our very own Dr. Chris Parsons. In the first episode, you will hear Chris interview Dr. Asha De Vos on the endangered blue whale species. Subscribe to Marine Mammal Science: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marine-mammal-science/id1475692072 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ylqxLTqKoZFGObsOVPfK9 What did you think of the first episode? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Atlantic Canada, seals, cod, and the fishing industry have had a tumultuous past. The science communication about seal and cod science has not been great when dealing with the fishing industry, especially since so many fishers rely on their catch as a way to support their families. The Canadian Government has assembled a Task Team to work with the fishing industry to communicate seal science in a more effective manner than in the past. Listen for how this task team was a bit confusing when announced in a group of pro seal people. Do you think the task team is a good idea? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Part 2 of my interview with Dr. David Ebert who tells us about the people that participated in the workshops in East and South Africa. Dave was astonished by the dedication of the participants, especially one gentleman who showed up injured from an incident that occurred the night before, but he didn't want to be late. Check out the full story during the interview for more details. Dave's Work was supported by Save Our Seas. How important do you think it is to protect Guitarfish and Wedgefish? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Dr. David Ebert joins me on the podcast to discuss his latest trip to East and South Africa to conduct workshops with local fishers to help track and identify Guitarfish and Wedgefish, two sharks in need of protection. This is Part 1 of 2 of the Interview I conducted. Stay tuned for Part 2 in the next episode. Dave's Work was supported by Save Our Seas. Did you know that the Wedgefish and Guitarfish needed protection? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

A US government that is hellbent on developing Natural Resources on land and in water will stop at nothing to ensure mining and oil/gas companies have very little obstacles in their way. One of the obstacles is the US Endangered Species Act that is responsible for protecting the Polar Bear, Manatee, and Bald Eagle. The Trump Administration recently proposed changes to the Act that would put some of the species and any future species at risk of extinction due to human disturbance. I talk about the details of the changes proposed during this episode. Article Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/12/climate/endangered-species-act-changes.html Do you think the changes will be approved by Congress? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Last episode Suzanne Thurman and I discussed the details of the MERR Institute's Annual Dolphin Count Citizen Science Program. We decided to discuss the MERR Institute's ongoing Citizen Science Programs. Listen to the episode for more details. Are you thinking of starting a Citizen Science Program? Share your project in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Links From The Episode MERR Institute Website MERR Institute Twitter MERR Institue Instagram MERR Institute Facebook Page Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Suzanne Thurman, founder and Executive Director of the MERR (Marine, Education, Research, and Rehabilitation) Institute, joins me on the podcast today to discuss how she developed an Annual Dolphin Count as a Citizen Science Program along the shores of Deleware. She discusses the logistics, growth, methodology, and results of the program to provide you with an idea of the type of work that goes into running a Citizen Science Program. This interview is separated into two episodes. This episode focuses on the Annual Dolphin Count. The next episode focuses on the ongoing Citizen Science Program at the MERR Institute. Are you thinking of starting a Citizen Science Program? Share your project in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Links From The Episode MERR Institute Website MERR Institute Twitter MERR Institue Instagram MERR Institute Facebook Page Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

The Trump administration made some changes to the planned testimony before Congrees of a State Department Analyst on the threat of Climate Change to Florida Reefs that questioned the scientific merit. There could be some repercussions from this type of thought process on climate change in a swing state like Florida. Many Floridians are very aware of many environmental issues (water quality and coral reefs) that have hit Florida since the last election. Take a listen to the episode for more information. Do you think Floridians will vote for the Environment in the 2020 Presidential Election? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Freshwater species often get overlooked when we speak about the conservation of species that are in the water. The focus tends to remain on Ocean species; however, the loss of focus on Freshwater species seems to have resulted in an 88% decline of large vertebrate Freshwater species according to a new report. Freshwater conservation can happen if we all become more eco-friendly and ensure our governments create policies to protect freshwater habitats in addition to marine habitats. Take a listen to the episode to find out more. Are you interested in Freshwater species? Share your love for your favorite freshwater species in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Canada has announced the implementation of two new protected areas in the Arctic that will put their coastal ocean protection percentage up to 14%, which is above the 10% promised by the government by 2020. One protected area will be a Marine Protected Area (320,000 square kilometers), which will protect the area from any industrial activity and the other protected area will be a Marine Conservation Area (108,000 square kilometers), which will allow little activity in the area. Take a listen to the episode for more information on what the Protected Areas will keep safe. Do you think these Arctic Protected Areas are worth it? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Microplastics in the Ocean are a HUGE concern in the Ocean because they are difficult to detect, they are more toxic in micro form, and they are being ingested by many species in the Ocean. So how can we stop microplastics from getting in the Ocean? Microplastics get into the Ocean through our use of plastics via our clothes, cosmetics, etc. When we wash our clothes or discard our materials with microplastics, they often end up in our waterways (creeks, streams, lakes, oceans) as they tend to move past the filters in the sewage treatment plants and end up polluting the environment. Fionn Ferreira, an 18-year-old from Ireland, has devised a method of extracting microplastics from water. The method still needs to be tested and Fionn will be the first to admit that the major way to stop plastic from entering the Oceans is to stop using plastic; however, the method does seem promising. Listen to the episode for more details. What are your thoughts in the Microplastic extraction method? Share them in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Science Communication is a tricky business at times. A Science Communicator has to balance data and emotions when they create their messages. There are times when the messages have humor and other times when the messages have sadness. These messages can contain data, but the balance may be difficult...And as you will see in this episode, people can turn on you quickly if your message is not well-timed. Do you think Neil Degrasse Tyson was out of line with the timing of his content? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue podcast: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Greta Thunberg is a 16-year-old Climate Change Activist who has participated in international discussions on Climate Change, where she called out leaders from the United Nations to act on Climate Change instead of just talking about action. Now Greta is traveling across the Atlantic Ocean on a sailboat to attend more international talks in New York, then Chile. Many people are calling her a hero, while some right-winged media are calling her names I don't want to write down. Find out why this bullying makes me angry and how Greta responded to the attacks by listening to this episode. Do you think a 16-year-old teenager should be attacked by the media this way? Share your opinions in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Marine Conservation studies are plagued by the "I could do so much more if I had more...Money...People...etc." Citizen Science can help with that program as it provides more people to do more things for your Marine Conservation project. Take a listen to the episode for more details. Here is an episode where I discuss a seagrass citizen science program in Australia: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/5817654. Are you currently running a Citizen Science Program? Share your project and experience in our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

I've seen many articles on melting sea ice discussing how the melting is a sign of climate change; however, I don't feel that the articles discuss how melting sea ice could have an impact on the human population. I decided to let you know those consequences in this episode. How would you deal with sea level rise? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Working towards a single-use plastic-free life is not the easiest thing in the world. Plastic is engrained in our lives to the point where we don't even think about it. Over the past few years, my wife and I have made it a point to reduce our single-use plastic items in our house. This episode details a couple of events that made me think further of the way we use plastics inside and outside of our house. How are you reducing your single-use plastics? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

A boat sank off the coast of British Columbia in 2016 and spilled 110,000 liters of heavy oils and fuel that washed up along the coast of Indigenous Lands. The Indigenous community used to harvest 25 marine species, but they are not been able to harvest any since the fuel and oil spill. The Texas-based company that owned the ship was fined $3 million but was not required to do an impact assessment. Find out more about the issue by listening to the episode. What are your thoughts on government response times to oil spills? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Discovery's Shark Week is back for 2019. I conduct my annual review of the previews of Shark Week to show you what I am excited about. What do you think of the line up this year? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

I saw a post about an article on overfishing sharks in the high seas, where the authors provided evidence on the reasons why we need Marine Protected Areas in the High Seas. Listen to the episode to find out what the High Seas are and why Marine Protected Areas will be so hard to manage/enforce in the future. What are your thoughts on Marine Protected Areas on the High Seas? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

There is a headline about Climate Change going around telling people that the world is going to end in 18 months nations don't start taking action to fight Climate Change. The headline is: "Climate Change: 12 years to save the planet? Make that 18 months." Headlines that have a doomsday message can manipulate what the article is actually trying to get across and gove fuel to the opposition to argue that there are Climate Change Alarmists. Take a listen to the episode for more details. What do you think about these headlines? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Edie Widder, Deep Sea Ecologist and CEO/Founder of ORCA (Ocean Research And Conservation Association Inc), to discuss how her non-profit organization collects coastal and marine data and uses the results to inform communities on how they can conserve their coastline (and neighborhoods better. This approach seems like common sense; however, it is unique these days, especially with non-profit organizations. Edie and I also discuss two special events that happened while she was out at sea, once in 2012 and once last month. Listened to the episode to find out more. Would you like to see more Non-Profits like Team ORCA? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Have you ever heard of mudflats, salt marshes, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs? They are all habitats that can make or break your coastline. They are also known as Living Shorelines and they are being slowly added back to previously developed areas where the coastlines have been hardened by concrete walls or gravel. Today's episode is dedicated to Living Shorelines and showing you the benefits of putting back natural areas. It's also a great introduction to the next episode where I speak with Dr. Edie Widder from Team ORCA, where we discuss how living shorelines can help Florida's coastline and algal problem. Have you spoken to your local government about living shorelines? Share your experiences in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

There is a huge battle happening in Hawaii right now between the State Government and Native Hawaiians. The peaceful battle is over the construction of the largest telescope (large than the Hubble Space Telescope) on the most sacred land in Hawaii. I discuss how science should not take priority over sacred cultural lands. Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

A new species of shark has been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico by a team of researchers in 2010. The 5.5-inch American pocket shark was fully described in the researchers' article in the Zootaxa journal. I discuss the continued importance to explore the deep-sea as understanding this area could help human survival in the future. Have you seen a bioluminescent shark like this before? Share your discovery in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

This episode is the second part of my interview with Dr. Nathan Robinson who was one of the two marine scientists who video recorded the second only live recording of a live Deep Sea Giant Squid EVER!!! Nathan discusses the events surrounding and during the analysis of the video. It's quite the story, especially how he describes how he felt when he first saw the footage after 100 hours of dull video viewing nothing, but dark deep-sea. YouTube links: Sea Turtle With Straw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wH878t78bw Sea Turtle With Fork: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRiTABRQOjk Nathan's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQBDrSME4ohP7gHFCp5j6w What do you think of the discovery? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

You may remember Nathan being on the podcast a few years ago as he described the event that spearheaded the plastic straw band movement. Nathan was the field biologist who removed the straw that was stuck in the Sea Turtle's nose. The virality of the video made him realize the power of science communication as that video continues to be THE video shown by multiple media outlets to make people aware of the problems of single-use plastic. Four months later, Nathan emailed me another video where he removed a plastic fork from another Sea Turtle proving that the previous incident was not a one-off chance. I recently found out that Nathan was part of the research team that recorded for the second time only a live video of a giant squid in the deep sea. In Part 1 of the interview, Nathan and I discuss how science communication is important to him and how it can be used to create conservation opportunities. YouTube links: Sea Turtle With Straw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wH878t78bw Sea Turtle With Fork: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRiTABRQOjk Nathan's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQBDrSME4ohP7gHFCp5j6w Do you Communicate Science? Share your work in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

High Spring rains and phosphorus are predicted to cause a massive algal bloom in Lake Erie as well as in the Gulf of Mexico. Lake Erie has had a history of algal problems given that the agricultural industry surrounds the lake on both sides of the border and Western Lake Erie is very shallow giving way to warmer waters. Phosphorous that washes into the Lake from streams and rivers combined with the warmer waters is a great recipe for algal blooms. I talked about the harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico in past episodes that originates from the output of the Mississippi River. Algal blooms as large as the ones predicted in Lake Erie and the Gulf of Mexico can spell bad news for our fight against climate change. Find out why by listening to the show. What actions are you taking to reduce your use of phosphorus? Share your strategies in the Speak Up For Blue Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Three more Northern Right Whales have been spotted in the Gulf of St. Lawrence entangled in fishing gear. One whale has been freed by a team of whale stranding professionals. The other two whales have been spotted intermittently, but the weather conditions have not been great to attempt a disentanglement. In this episode, I talk about the plight of the Northern Right Whale and what governments and you can do to help save them from extinction. Links to Whale Rescue Team: Campobello Whale Rescue Team Canadian Whale Institute Donate To The Team How do you think we can help Northern Right Whales? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

It's the answer to many people's question of who would win in a fight: an Orca or a Great White Shark? Over the past few years, researchers have been studying the influence of Orcas on the Great White population. It seems as though Orcas like to eat the livers of White Sharks. Great White Sharks have been washing up on shore with their livers missing in South Africa; however, the who do it and how was a mystery until researchers came across the video in the article where the theory became realistic. How long do you think it was possible before Orcas figured out that the liver was so good for them? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Dr. Luiz Rocha found a new species of fairy wrasse, a fish species, in a remote area off of the coast of Madagascar. He asked his colleague YI-Kai Tea to confirm it was a new species to which he did and he named it after Black Panther. The full Latin name of the fish is Cirrhlabrus wakanda. The name was meant to be a reference to a pop culture movie because Tea wanted people to identify with the fish in order to conserve it. Conservation of new species is a little tricky. I describe why in the episode. Take a listen. Do you think new Ocean species should be names after pop culture references? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

A researcher named Victoria Herrman does most of her work in the Arctic. She wrote an article in the Guardian regarding her government citations that were disappearing. This is a HUGE issue that many scientists from around the world were hoping wouldn't happen...but here we are. What do you think we should do about getting access to these documents back? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Japan is excited to start commercial whaling again as their three whaling ships set out to hunt Bryde's, minke, and sei whales. After Japan left the Internation Whaling Commission, it was excited to resume commercial whaling after 30 years without having to worry about the "research" tag, which apparently means that they could produce better quality meat?! Take a listen to the episode for more details. How long do you think the whaling will last before Japan says it should stop? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app. Speak Up For Blue Instagram Speak Up For Blue Twitter