How To Protect The Ocean

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

In 2018, there were 27 reported shark incidences that resulted in a shark bite in the US Atlantic Ocean and only 4 in the US Pacific Ocean (3 in Hawaii). Why is there such a difference in shark bites between the two Oceans? Take a listen to find out. Do you worry about shark bites when you go in the water? Share your thought in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakuoforblue.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 Government Of Canada has reported six Northern Right Whale Deaths in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Four of those deaths came in 48 hours. The Department of Transportation has announced a temporary reduction in ship speed in the area to avoid any future deaths. This action is the same action that the government took two years ago which seemed to work. So why did the government revert back to old ways? Do you think the speed should be reduced permanently (or seasonally)? 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

Are you a recent Marine Conservation graduate who is struggling to find a job? Join the rest of us!!! I've been there! The mental and emotional stress of not finding a job today is excruciating. Many graduates have been searching for more than 3 years after graduating with little success. Is it time to think of a new way we can do Marine Conservationists even if we are not working in the field or we decide to become an entrepreneur? 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 a great conversation with a friend of mine on the weekend, where we discussed politics (I know, I know...it's a taboo topic for most people to discuss politics over drinks, especially between two people who have different views). However, the conversation was really good. There was no arguing. No personal attacks. No one was trying to change their minds. It was just two people, who were discussing their political views and events surrounding those views. I often get into conversations, where people have a different view as mine surrounding Marine Conservation. I tell you how I approach the conversation about Marine Conservation during this episode. Take a listen. Do you agree with my approach? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speeakupforblue.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

Governments all around the world have made great promises to reduce their impact on Climate Change; however, actions have not been taken towards greenhouse gas reductions that are necessary. For example, the Canadian Government has implemented a Carbon Tax while buying a pipeline at the same time. The US Government is back in the Climate Denial phase. Citizens from these nations are wondering what the hold up is in acting to reduce climate change. Do you think any industry should have lobbyists involved in Climate Talks? 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 paper is out that studied numerous studies on the entanglements in fishing gear and single-use plastics of sharks and rays from around the world. The paper identified the specific animal and/or habitat characteristics that put sharks and rays at more risk. Take a listen to the episode for more information. What would you do to stop the problem of ghost nets? 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 big news on the Sargassum Belt and how Caribbean beaches are bombarded by tons of the seaweed as it is deposited onshore. I've witnessed it myself first hand and I've seen the reactions from tourists who are not happy to see trucks working 10 hours a day to remove the Sargassum from the beach, which they thought was supposed to be peaceful. Ed Yong wrote a great article on the subject for the Atlantic and I covered it on this episode. Take a listen while you are on the go. Would Sargassum on a beach prevent you from visiting beaches in the Caribbean? 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

This episode is based on a great article that was written for Mongabay News. The article looks at a coastal town in the Philippines that has a booming ecotourism industry for whale shark viewing; however, the sightings have declined over the past few years and it is affecting the coastal town. Find out how by listening to the episode. What do you think the town should do about their Ecotourism Industry? 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

Ed Yong wrote another great article on the evolution of intelligence in the Octopus. The Mollusc species got more intelligent as they lost their shells. They developed behavioral flexibility and camouflage. It's a great piece that you could read here, but don't forget to listen to the episode if you want the information on the go. How would you test an Octopus Intelligence? 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 great podcast called "Commons" that is doing a series on how the Oil and Gas industry has influenced life and politics in Canada. The Commons' latest episode dives into the conspiracy that Conservative politicians have labeled anyone or organization that has foreign funding as eco-extremists trying to keep Canada's Energy landlocked. It's an interesting time to be a Marine Conservationist, where information spewed by politicians, true or false, tends to dominate the narrative. Take a listen and get ready to be met by a $30 Million war room to attack anyone who speaks out against oil and gas to protect the environment. There are interesting times ahead. Will this stop you from speaking out against the fossil fuel industry? Share your perspective 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

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was photographed while meeting with some teenagers in his home riding with a bag of plastic cutlery after announcing, just 2 weeks ago, a proposal to ban single-use plastic by 2021. Did he buy the plastic? Probably not; however, the optics are not great and opponents are on the attack. We all get caught up in a destructive and wasteful society because that is what we have created. Our society has opted for making money with lighter and cheaper materials rather than sturdy and more efficient materials. However, we shouldn't worry about getting caught up in this type of society. We should be more focused on how we ourselves should change the types of products that we use. I have some ideas that I mention in the podcast. Share your thoughts on this topic 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

An article in the New York Times is highlighting some good news for a subpopulation of Loggerhead Sea Turtles, whose population is rebounding after being considered Endangered almost 10 years ago. Find out why the population is rebounding by listening to this episode. Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group (http://www.speakupforblue.com/group) on how other projects similar to this one in Georgia could benefit Sea Turtle populations in other locations. 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 sat down with Ryan Lindsay as he was sitting in his car getting ready to travel with his young family (18-month-old daughter, wife, and dog) to educate retailers and potential customers on the benefits of regenerative agriculture. His primary goal is to create a better world for his daughter to inherit while his secondary goal is to sell some products. Check out the advantage of how regenerative agriculture can sequester Carbon, produce better cattle, and more crops. REP Provisions - https://repprovisions.com/ REP Provisions Products - https://repprovisions.com/collections/all REP Provisions Regenerative Agriculture - https://repprovisions.com/pages/regenerate Share your thoughts on this episode by joining 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

We discussed Whale Sea Side Sanctuaries in previous episodes (Episode 190) but at that time there was never any reason to believe that captive facilities would ever give up any of the Cetaceans to a Sea Side Sanctuary. However, times have certainly changed. Merlin Entertainment has created a company policy of no Cetacean captivity. When Merlin bought an aquarium in Shanghai, they immediately made the decision to find a new home for the two captive Beluga whales names Little Grey and Little White. Two years later, the Belugas arrived at their new home ready to be in the wild again. Take a listen to the episode to find out more details and share your thoughts on Whale Sea Side Sanctuaries 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

The mating between a Beluga Father and Narwhal Mother over 30 years ago gave way to a hybridization called a Narluga. The mixing of species sounds great and fun to see the mixing of two species that give features of both parents. However, hybridization could lead to a decrease in adaptive genes that make it easier for Arctic animals to survive in a harsh environment. Check out the episode and share your thoughts on how hybridization can be a threat to animals in the Arctic: 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

An unfortunate incident happened along a shoreline within the past week, where a teenage girl was bitten by a sea lion. Video captured the incident as it showed the girl dancing in ankle-deep water as the sea lion bit her. The incident seemed to be unprovoked. The girl is okay; however, she is understandably frightened of sea lions. The animal was tested for diseases and was identified to have Domoic Acid poisoning, which can occur during algal blooms along a coastline. In this episode, I comment on the incident; how the media reported on it; and, the rarity of these types of attacks. Are you afraid of sea lions after hearing this 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

Melissa Marquez (host of the ConCiencia Azul Podcast) wrote a great article in Forbes about the sighting of a potential mating event for Whale Sharks. Whale Sharks are a majestic and mysterious species that researchers are trying to research to help conserve the species as it is now listed and an IUCN Red List "Endangered" Species. Check out why I think the species needs to be researched more and how discovering potential mating areas at places such as Ningaloo Reef are so important. Click here to read more of Melissa's articles of sharks on Forbes Do you support Whale Shark Research? Share the ways you support Whale Sharks in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 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 joined by Jenny Roberts and Alicia Wood from the Pacific Whale Foundation to discuss their new campaign to get their audience to ReTHINK their use of single-use plastics. One of their strategies in the campaign, which I absolutely love by the way, is a video published once a week to discuss ways you can ReTHINK your use for specific items (Click here for the link). Pacific Whale Foundation ReTHINK Campaign How are you ReThinking your use of single-use plastic? Share your strategies in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: 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

Ghost nets are a huge problem in the Ocean. Fishing nets that are discarded in the Ocean continue to catch fish, sea turtles, marine mammals, and seabirds in numbers in the hundreds of thousands. It is estimated that half of the marine debris in the Ocean is made up of Ghost Nets. We have to make sure that we don't put any more nets into the sea, but it would also be great to get rid of some of the ghost nets that are already out there. Ocean Voyages Institute's Founder, Mary T. Crowley, is already in the process to clean up some of the ghost nets. Mary and her colleagues handed out GPS units to mariners and asked them to attach the units to ghost nets. The Ocean Voyages Institute's crew used satellite trackers to collect 40 tons of nets. Mary wants to hand out more GPS units this year (150), but each unit costs $1600. If you would like to donate to Ocean Voyages Institute to help them reach their goal, then click here. Do you think we should be removing ghost nets? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: 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 Canadian Government declared a climate emergency one day and approve the expansion of a pipeline the next. Can you really reduce climate change when you invest in oil and gas? The answer may seem simple, but it is more complex than you think. Share your thoughts on the way Canada and other governments are approaching the fight against climate change in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Page: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: 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 larger group of divers, 633 divers to be exact, got together last weekend to clean the seafloor along Deerfield Beach. The group beat the previous record of 614 set in the Red Sea a few years earlier. These events are great for people who want to do more for the Ocean and/or they get more inspired by their actions that they include their friends in the next event that will inspire others. Have you picked up trash during a dive? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: 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 number of authors wrote an article in the Conversation about the poo problem that has hit the increasingly populated Australian Coastlines. The descriptive article compares a number of cities that have experienced an increase in the human population, which has increased the amount of sewage that needs to be treated before it goes out to the Ocean. I discuss some of the effects of "poopy" water on the environment and on the human population and their drinking water supplies. Does your city have proper sewage treatment? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group/. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: 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 to sit down and chat with Nick Wehner about something different other than Open Access Journals! We talk about Nick's career in Marine Conservation, and more specifically, Nick's experience in Marine Conservation as a member of the LGBTQ Community. One thing that I realized with Nick is that he works to serve other people, whether it is in Marine Conservation or being the President of the LGBTQ community in grad school. Take a listen to Nick's story and share your thoughts on the episode in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: 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 interviewing James Nikitine for this episode. James is a Marine Conservationist with a specialization in Marine Policy and Science Communication. James and I discuss how he got to where he is today and what his production company, Manaia Productions, is going to do for marine conservation. He also discusses his recent move with the family to New Zealand and how this will help his business and Marine Conservation. Links for James Nikitine: Manaia Productions: http://manaiaproductions.com/ James On Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesnikitine James On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesnikitine/ What form of Science Communication do you prefer the most? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: 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 video that is making rounds on Canadian Social Media feeds that attacks the proposed bill on a Canadian-wide ban of single-use plastics by 2021. While the rest of the world is rejoicing at the thought of the ban, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's opponents say the bill should not matter because Canada does not produce most of the plastic pollution as compared to other nations. It is estimated that 165 million tons of plastic pollution in the ocean. Even 1%, which is what the video estimates as Canada's plastic pollution output is, of that would be over 1 million tons of plastic pollution. That's quite a bit of pollution. I refute many of the "facts" that the video provides. Take a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.spreakupforblue.com/group. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: 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 sit down with Christine Figgener today to discuss #SeaTurtleWeek that started on June 8th and ends on June 16th. There is a coordinated effort by sea turtle practitioners all over the world to create awareness for the 7 species of Sea Turtles on the planet. Christine tells us her story of how she became interested in Marine Conservation, specifically Sea Turtles and how she got into science communication (scicomm). Sea Turtle Week Links: Sea Turtle Week: https://www.seaturtleweek.com/ See Turtles: https://www.seeturtles.org/ Christine Figgener Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfiggener/ Christine Figgener YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/seaturtlebiologist Have you seen Sea Turtle information pop up in your feed? Share the information (text, images or videos) in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. What do you think about the ban? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: 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

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a federal ban on single-use plastic to be implemented in 2021. There will be a list of items that will be banned; however, the list hasn't been fully created yet. Trudeau also mentioned that the plan will include working with manufacturers to reduce the amount of plastic used in their packaging. There is some criticism from the opposition party, but you will have to take a listen to find out more. What do you think about the ban? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: 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