How To Protect The Ocean

Nurse sharks have been in the news lately, but not for good reasons. There have been two incidents in the recent weeks that have been published where two people have been bitten by nurse sharks. The first person was feeding a nurse shark in Australia. Her hand was sucked into the mouth of the shark who was trying to eat the bait set out for it to eat. The second person decided that they would swim within a school of nurse sharks, floating on her back, to get a great pic for her social media. I talk about how these incidences and viral news stories can have a potential negative effect on the population on nurse sharks in the future because of the bad decisions that a few people make. Sponsor: Solid Sun Logistics specializes in skin care and UV protection for outdoor enthusiasts like you and me. Solid offers a complete 3-step skin care system to keep you on the water all day, day in and day out. Use any of the products individually, or get the Essentials Kit for the complete sun protection and skin rehabilitation experience. Solid donates 5% of the revenue of the sale to Ocean Conservation Organizations that you can select. Add SUFB15 at checkout for an extra 15% off of your order. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

The Canadian Government recently implemented a 200 m minimum distance for any ship in the area of Orcas. They also chopped the Chinook Salmon quota by 35%. The government is doing this because the Southern Resident Orca population only has 75 individuals (estimated) left. The Orca population relies heavily on Chinook Salmon for their diet and they won't diversify their diet. An article in the Toronto Star highlighted an important factor that face the Orca population: the Orcas are around ships 85% of the time. The government recognizes that the Orca populations are in need of help, but are the measures taken too late or too extreme? Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

We all dreamed about this day, but now that Scott Pruitt has resigned as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is it really what we want? As Scott Pruitt leaves office, Andrew Wheeler replaces him. Unfortunately, they are the same person in terms of beliefs (climate change deniers) and supporting fossil fuels. It comes down to the fact that Scott Pruitt did not resign due to bad policies as everyone, including the President, made comments as to how great of a job Scott did while in office. Pruitt is leaving because his scandals caught up to him and he could not handle the pressure from the media and public. Andrew Wheeler used to work for a coal lobby group. The same lobby group that allegedly wrote the new policies for Scott Pruitt to implement. So out with the old and in with the, um...old!!! Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

The Second Part of my conversation with Andrew Thaler on the last 10 years of Marine Science and Conservation Communication. If you are someone who has been doing SciComm in the same field, how have you noticed the field has evolved? Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

500 EPISODES!!! I can't believe the time has finally come where the Speak Up For Blue Podcast has reached 500 episodes!!! What do I do to celebrate? I announce that I will be posting from 3 times a week to 7 times a week. More frequency will result in shorter episodes, but that doesn't mean I won't be diving deep into the topics of each episode. Some episodes, like today's, will be a 2-parter. Today's episode, Andrew Thaler joins me to help celebrate the 500th episode as we record together from the Singapore Crowne Plaza Hotel at the airport on a 22 hour layover. We reflect on our efforts to communicate Marine Science and Conservation over the past 10 years. We look at how it started and how it has evolved over time. We also look at how it has changed both of our lives. Check out Part 1 of this 2-Part episode on Marine Science and Conservation Communication. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

A global whale shark study that used bathymetry (depth profiles), as a way to identify potential favourite habitats, along with whale shark sightings revealed a preferred habitat for the largest fish in the sea. Whale sharks are often found in areas with shallow shelfs with steep drop offs that bring cold nutrient-rich waters to the surface (upwellings) as a food source for the whale sharks. Source: https://theconversation.com/whale-sharks-gather-at-a-few-specific-locations-around-the-world-now-we-know-why-98502 Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Last year, the North Atlantic Right Whale population lost 19 individuals in the US and Canada due to ship strikes and/or fish gear entanglement. It was a surprise in Canada as Right Whales sightings were rare in the Gulf of St. Lawrence; however, with Climate Change heating up the sea, many species northern boundaries are expanding. The Government of Canada took some major initiatives to stop the deaths of the endangered whales as they decreased ship speed in the Gulf and closed down certain fishing areas in the Spring of 2018. There hasn't been a reported death of Right Whales this Spring yet, which leads us to believe the restrictions by the Government of Canada are working. Unfortunately, the fishing community in the areas where fishing has been closed during these times are not happy. They say it's going to affect their revenue for the year without any compensation. In this episode, I ask you if we should be prioritizing the protection of whales over fishing communities and whether that is a viable long-term strategy? Source: 1) Efforts To Protect Northern Right Whale Working 2) Right Whale forces Canadian island to ban fishing Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

After 2 years of preparing, making travel arrangements, preparing presentations, renting podcasting equipment, getting vaccinations and finally, attending the conference...IMCC5 is officially over. Before I spend my time looking at planning for the next IMCC in Kiel, Germany, I wanted reflect on my time at the conference in Kuching, Malaysia. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Lionfish have invaded most, if not all, of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and parts of the Southeast Atlantic Ocean. They have become a huge problem for fishing communities and tourist industries. There are many people, organizations and governments who are trying to eradicate Lionfish from their regions promoting them as a fishery for seafood. My guest today is Phil Karp, who is spearheading an effort of awareness of the Lionfish invasion as well as management through empowering women to start a business as jewelry makers of Lionfish pieces. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Dr. Judith Weis and I got to sit down face to face at IMCC5 to discuss an ongoing conversation we have had for about a month online. The conversation centred around plastic pollution and the way we are trying to deal with the waste we produce with it. During the conversation we talk about the meetings and groups with which Judith is involved on plastic pollution management on the ocean and we discuss how merchandisers are creating clothes out of recycled plastic from the Ocean (is that a good thing?). Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

This is Part 2 of the COMPASS "The Art Of Story Telling" Workshop at IMCC5, where 9 people attended a pre-conference workshop on how to communicate their own science and conservation to the public. I talk to more of the workshop attendees about their experience and how they will use the skills they gained in the future work. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

COMPASS is a communication organization that helps scientists tell the public their research through engaging ways. They held a 2-day pre-conference workshop at IMCC5 with 9 delegates. I had a chance to sit down with some of the delegates to discuss their experience with the workshop and how they will continue to use what they learnt in the work going forward. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Alex Deghan, Founding Director of Conservation X Labs, joins me on the podcast at IMCC5 in Kuching, Malaysia. Alex uses Conservation X Labs to create competitions in different parts of the world to put ideas into practice that solve conservation challenges. He brought his team and some of the best engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs to help solve 5 conservation challenges that face the Ocean. It's a competition (hack-a-thon) with cash prizes for some of the best prototypes created during the 5 day event. I ask him all about the Make For The Planet event and why Conservation X Labs wanted to do it at the International Marine Conservation Congress. Conservation X Labs Twitter Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

As I continue to post from IMCC5, I had the chance to sit down with Nina Bohla (UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre) and Lance Morgan (Marine Conservation Institute) to discuss the IUCN Marine Protected Area (MPA) Standards. Both guests tell us their excitement about the MPA Standards and how their organizations have incorporated into their work. Enjoy The Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

The IUCN has launched a new document about Marine Protected Area (MPA) Standards to help redefine what an MPA is. Why is this important? It's because the world needs to protect 10% of biodiversity by the year 2020 according to the member countries who signed on to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The MPA Standards document was launched here at IMCC5 during the keynote presentation by Dr. Jane Lubchenco and at one of the sessions during the conference to get feedback from people as an initial reaction. What do you think about this new standard? Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Today's episode of the Speak Up For Blue Podcast has me talking to 3/4 of the Project Seagrass Team. We discuss all things seagrass and how the team is trying to get Seagrass part of the Conservation Conversation. Seagrass are important ecosystems as they hold a huge amount of the biodiversity and abundance of important fisheries species in coastal systems around the world. The Project Seagrass team discuss some projects in Southeast Asia where they are working with communities to assess and protect seagrass meadows to ensure the sustainability supply of fisheries on which the community depends for food. As this is an IMCC5 podcast Season, the team and I chat about how important it was for them to be an exhibitor at the conference. They talk about the connections they have made and the people with which they discuss seagrass projects. Can you tell why I love this team?!?!?! Check you their links below: Project Seagrass Website Seagrass Spotter Project Seagrass Twitter Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

The International Marine Conservation Congress is known for having great exhibitors that have booths in the main hall of the conference. It gives a chance for each organization to discuss the great things that they are doing and connect with others who are interested in their work. In other words, they get great exposure. I interview 3 of the exhibitors (From Malaysia, Bangladesh and the UK) today to give you a sense of what they do and show you how great these organizations are. Also, it goes to show how important it is to be an exhibitor. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

I welcome back Patrick Goff to the podcast to discuss why and how the International Marine Kids Conference is happening. We talk about what the kids will do during this week and how they will be integrating with scientists this week. Patrick also talks about the fun filed trips in which the kids will take during the conference. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

I am very pleased to present the first episode for the International Marine Conservation Congress in Kuching, Malaysia. Everyday until June 29th, I will be publishing a podcast summarizing the highlights of the day as well as some other interesting events happening at the conference. Today's episode is the day before the opening day of the conference. Three hosts, myself (Speak Up For Blue), Dr. Chris Parsons (Marine Conservation Happy Hour) and Melissa Marquez (ConCiencia Azul), on the Speak Up For Blue Podcast Network went on a field trip to a cat museum...yes, a cat museum. It's a popular tourism attraction here in Kuching. While we were at the cat museum, we decided to record a podcast on what we would like to get out of the conference, personally and professionally. Chris and Melissa give there answers while describing their time at the cat museum. Enjoy The Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

As you are listening to this episode, I am just arriving to Kuching, Malaysia for the International Marine Conservation Congress (5). I have to admit that I am getting pretty excited for the trip and to see great friends and meet new ones. I always set some goals that I would like to accomplish while I am at the conference. I want to network and meet new people while maintaining my relationships with others. Take a listen to the episode to find out what new goals I set for this year. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Sarah McAnulty joins me on the podcast to continue with Cephalopod Week and discuss her research interest of Squid and Bacteria. Sarah is not only interested in the marine science and conservation of squid and the rest of Cephalopods. She is also interested in science communication. I had the opportunity to ask Sarah about Cephalopods, Squids and Science Communication. We also spend some time talking about Sarah's project called Skype A Scientist. Sarah McAnulty's Twitter Enjoy The Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Three stories for today include lobster trade wars between US and China, Ecotourism money for an Australian Cuttlefish Community and Asking Whether MPAs are effective. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to get updates on IMCC5 happenings at the end of this week and next week. Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

It's Cephalopod Week (June 15th to June 22nd) so Speak Up For Blue will focus this week on all things Cephalopod. In this episode, we chat with Thomas Clements, who just passed his defence for his PhD, about how Cephalopods were different millions of years ago compared to today's species in the group. Thomas also goes into wonderful detail about how fossils are formed. This will be a great episode for Cephalopod enthusiastes and Paleontology enthusiasts. Thomas Clements' Twitter Thomas Claments' Website Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

I focus on how businesses are approaching Marine Conservation in this episode. our three stories cover different ways businesses are adapting to changing times. Our first story is about two businesses who make it easier and more cost effective for oil companies to drill in Alaska (The Bad). Our second story involves companies like IKEA, Royal Caribbean and SeaWorld (yes, even SeaWorld!!!) leading the charge in getting rid of single-use plastic straws and bags in their companies. Our last story for this episode covers an art project by the Caption Boomer Belgian Art Collective that placed a sperm whale sculpture on a beach by a lake in the French Alps (800m above sea level) to connect people living inland with the trials and tribulations that face the Ocean. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Three stories I'm covering today: 1) Caribbean Coral Reef Being Mapped By Integrated Technology; 2) UK Expands Protected "Blue Belt" Without Management Plans; and, 3) Belize Revokes Super Fish Trawler's Registration After Multiple Infractions of Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) Fisheries. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Donate to the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award to Fund 5 more brave Marine Conservationists Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Please consider supporting the award by clicking here or going to http://www.speakupforblue.com/jairo Over 100 people working on the conservation of animals and the environment are killed around the world every year just for doing their job. Many more work under the threat of harm, persecution, or death. Jairo Mora Sandoval was one such person. He worked tirelessly to protect sea turtles in Costa Rica. In 2013, at the age of 26, he was brutally murdered by local poachers. Acknowledging the struggles and perseverance of our colleagues that work under threat is an important part of raising the profile of conservation in parts of the world where it is needed most. This is why the Marine Section of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB Marine) has launched the Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award. This award honours Jairo's commitment to marine conservation by providing support to others working to protect the marine environment despite the threats that they may face. The Award is given for bravery associated with an outstanding contribution to the field of marine conservation, with particular emphasis on responsible and educated scientific endeavour, public engagement and conservation activism. It may be given for a single conservation action or for an entire body of work (i.e., a series of linked contributions). The award, given every two years, includes a cash prize of $1,000 to allow these courageous people to continue their work. However, we'd like to honour more people for their bravery in the service of conservation. To do this, SCB Marine is looking to raise $5,000 to support more Jairo Award recipients. The Jairo Award not only provides visibility to these conservation heroes, but also much-needed financial support to important conservation programs. However, we can only do so much with the available funds. With your help we will be able to make a difference in more areas and let more of those struggling to study and conserve the environment know that they are not alone. Help us bring conservation heroes to light! Note: All donations are tax-deductible ([relevant non-profit SCB info]. Thanks for your support! Jairo Mora Sandoval Award Committee #YoSoyJairo #ConservationHeroes

The Project Seagrass Team has a purpose to map the world's seagrass distribution. Not an easy task, so they are asking for your help as well as everyone else to help achieve their goal. They developed a tool called the Seagrass Spotter. It's a website and an app for iPhone and Android devices with the goal to empower you to identify the presence of seagrasses wherever you live/travel around the world. Listen for more details. Project Seagrass Twitter Seagrass Spotter App (iTunes) Seagrass Spotter App (Google Play) Enjoy The Podcast!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

This episode I discuss how 33 environmental and civil society groups want Canada to propose to the G7 Countries suggestions for an international agreement to go plastic free in an effort to be Plastic Waste Free by 2030. I also discuss an opinion piece written on CNN's website about how people will adapt to Sea Level Rise and whether governments should be investing in adaptation without investing in reduction efforts of Greenhouse Gases. I cap off the episode with a highlight in the Ocean near Monterey Bay, where 1,500 dolphins were found playing with a couple of humpback whales. Enjoy The Podcast!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

I originally had a plan to have the Marin eConservation Happy Hour Crew, so we did a Facebook Live in the Speak Up For Blue Group; however, we had a problem with the audio recording and none of it could be used. So I re-recorded it for you so that you could have something on this Friday. My apologies. This recording is a summary of what the Marine Conservation Happy Hour Crew discussed during the live. Here are the stories that we covered: 1) Marine Mammal Behaviour on happiness is real?; 2) Can Lolita be released?; and, 3) Man with abs poses with sharks, illegally. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Dr. David Shiffman stops by the podcast to discuss something that is very important to him and to sharks in Florida State Waters. He talks to us about Land based shark fishing in Florida and how the State is considering policy changes to the laws to ensure sharks are adequately protected. David also talks about how enforcement of the current laws are lacking to the point where one man, who volunteers with the government to do shark tagging, have broken the law on multiple occasions by taking photos holding sharks out of the water to post the images on social media. The media has written about him, but not for the reasons you might think. They are writing about how good he looks, due to his physique, instead of the laws that he has broken. Listen to how you can have your voice heard during the future public comment period. Enjoy The Podcast!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Ocean Update is back again with 2 stories and an opinion! There is quite a bit of material to go over today spanning from Fisheries to Climate Change to Marine Mammals. Once you listen to the episode then you can speak up in the Facebook Group. Here are the stories: 1) The Trump administration cancels marine mammal and sea turtle protections proposed by fisheries industry; 2) Can the media start writing about Climate Change Optimism?; and, 3) Are Orcas really A-holes or was the author just trying to instil fear on the readers. Enjoy The Podcast!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

It's Ocean Talk Friday where I record live in the Facebook Fan Page and Group so that people can take part in Speaking Up For Oceans. On today's episode, I talk about the following articles: 1) Sand Cloud, an apparel company, wants to create shirts out of recycled plastic, is that a good thing?; and, 2) We need to increase diversity within the Marine Science and Conservation field to increase the effectiveness of conservation actions. I was very happy that Abby Roberts was able to give us some great information on textiles and the way shirts breakdown. She also gave us some great information on how consumers respond to different materials for their apparel. Enjoy The Podcast!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

No guest today (apologies), but we do have some news and a special preview of a new Patreon Incentive as part of my way of raising money for the Speak Up For Blue Network of Podcasts. I first talk about the dangers associated with Kilauea's lava reaching and touching the Ocean for the first time. I provide you with a preview of a new Patreon Feature called Daily Ocean Talk, where I discuss other news and topics to Patrons every week day. Finally, I cap off the show with discussing how a small organization in Australia with 6 full time staff and 5 part-time staff received $444 million from the Australian government even thought their annual budget is $9.6 million. Enjoy the Episode!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Happy Monday!!! I hope you enjoyed your weekend. Today's episode is packed with stories from politics and immigration to Dr. Sylvia Earle's thoughts on Marine Protected Areas to a boat load of fish swim bladders being seized before being sold in Asian markets. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

This Episode of Ocean Talk Friday was recorded live on the Facebook Fan Page where I discussed how the US Senate Science Committee might be delaying the country's Climate Change adaptation by bringing up ridiculous reasons to deny the human effects on climate change. I also discuss a new genetically unique population of Blue Whales that were discovered in New Zealand and how this discovery will drive policy in relation to oil and gas exploration that has opened up in the country. Enjoy The Podcast!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Marine Mammals and Marine Biology Careers/Entrepreneurs is what I cover on today's podcast. Two Marine Mammal stories and 1 editorial on marine biology careers. The first marine mammal story is about a sea lion that is trying to enjoy some fish guts at cleaning stations in North Harbour, BC.; however, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans have ordered fishers to cease all cleaning to ensure the sea lion does not come back. They are worried that the sea lion will get too close to a fisher and become aggressive around food. One of the spokespeople for the department said they wanted to avoid a similar incident to the one last year, where a little girl was dragged into the water by a frustrated sea lion who was offered food and then teased with "fake offerings". It eventually lashed out at the people by dragging in a little girl. The sea lion was not at fault, but the act of trying to get rid of the sea lion in North Harbour is evidence that people are trying to exclude sea lions from part of the Ocean where they should be allowed to frequent. I also rant about how some people inside and outside the Marine Science and Conservation industry are dead set against Marine Biologists making money. There seems to be a stigma about the lifestyle of Marine Biologists and that they should be happy with their salaries and all of the "Cool Places" they get to go. There are some innovative Marine Scientists and Conservationists out there who are trying to create a path for others to follow in so they can make a great living and conduct marine science and conservation as they were trained to do in the first place. My problem is with the people who are trying to say that people shouldn't try to rock the boat. Finally, I talk about the first sighting of the Northern Right Whale off the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia (Canada). It's an important sighting as we know Right Whales will continue to come north to Canada as they did last year. The goal this year is to reduce and eliminate incidences where the whales are killed through ship strikes and/or entanglement in fishing gear. There are two crucial guidelines (maybe laws) that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans created last season that carried over to this season. Find out what those are in the recording. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Recycling, Toxic Sunscreen and Sharks are the topics that I cover today. They are all different, yet they are all related as they have to do with Marine Conservation. Check out what they are all about! Here are the links for today's episode: 1) 10 kinds of plastic that are a pain in the blue box; and, 2) Shark Clever Buoy Systems Enjoy the Podcast!!! Become par to the Speak Up For Blue Nation by joining our Patreon Campaign. I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Publishing the Ocean Talk Friday episode that I recorded Live on the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Page and the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group. On today's episode, I chat about two articles that have to do with the largest organisms and smallest organisms in the Ocean: 1) Gray Whales found without flukes (tails) after being severed from fishing gear entanglements; and, 2) Researchers find evidence that phytoplankton are not able to uptake iron while exposed to Ocean Acidification. Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Dr. Andrew Thaler is an expert in Deep-Sea Ecology and Marine Science/Conservation Communication. He has a PhD in Deep-Sea Ecology and owns and operates Southern Fried Science, one of the most popular Marine Science and Conservation Blogs on the web. He is also my friend and is on the podcast today!!! I asked Andrew on the podcast because he just came back from the CNMI (Northern Mariana Islands) where is conducted an underwater ROV robotics workshop with some local leaders. The point of the workshop was to train people to train others in the community to ensure the use of underwater ROVs in the future, especially for Marine Conservation. Training to train others is a great way to ensure the continuation of Sustainable Marine Conservation and is a great model for moving forward. Check out the interview with Andrew for more. Here are some links to find out more about Dr. Andrew Thaler: Twitter Southern Fried Science BlackBeard Biologic (Andrew's Company) Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

I spend time talking about one of my favourite habits in the Ocean. Actually, it's probably the favourite habitats of many people...Coral Reefs!!! Of course, we are not talking only about Climate Change, but I cannot do an episode on Coral Reefs where I don't talk about Climate Change. So I mention it. Here are the stories that I cover today: 1) Coral Reef Fish create a wonderful chorus of sound where they love to settle; 2) The Movement to open Marine Science and Conservation to developing states and countries; and, 3) Some corals are tolerant to Ocean Acidification Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

I recorded Ocean Talk Friday in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group on Wednesday, which I plan on doing from now on. If you want to take part then join the group and attend every Wednesday at 7pm EST to have a chance to get on the episode. Today, I chat with fellow SUFB members about: 1) Sea World failing an Animal Welfare Audit of a Tour Guide; and, 2) Florida Mangroves in the Everglades are Disappearing because of Sea Level Rise and Mismanagement for profit. Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Today I discuss a couple of crucial topics that I found important to discuss with you. First off, I update you on how Atlantic and Pacific Tuna Commissions are not managing tropical tuna populations properly and I go over recommendations provided by the Pew Charitable Trust. Secondly, I talk about eco-friendly products that are out on the market that can be used as alternatives to current, toxic choices. I use sunscreen as an example as Hawai'i plans to ban non-reef safe sunscreen to protect corals and other marine life. It's all about awareness at Speak Up For Blue. I want to make sure that you know the products available that will lessen our impact on the Ocean. Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Climate Change is in the news again spanning all parts of the world. Today, I am talking about Climate Change affecting the US, Australia and Islands in the South Pacific. I will be focusing on Sea Level Rise and Sea Surface Temperature as it pertains to Adaptation to Climate Change. Here are the 3 topics for today: 1) US Military Funds Study To Reveal Effects Of Sea Level Rise On Military Operations in the South Pacific Ocean; 2) Australian Government Funds Great Barrier Reef $500 Million to fight against pollution and to "breed" resilient coral reefs; and, 3) Who owns the land after it is permanently flooded by sea level rise Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Today is a very special episode because I finally opened up Ocean Talk Friday to people in the Facebook Group. It was the first time I did this and I am very happy to say that it worked out very well for the first time. Today we discuss some topics that I covered earlier in the week and that was how the US Marine Mammal Protection Act are requiring Countries who export fisheries to the US to conduct cetacean studies to prove that their fisheries are not harming cetaceans. The second topic is all about recycling. A recent article covered how people in Canada are not recycling properly and most of the items tagged for recycling are not recycled. Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Christine Ren, from Christine Ren Films, is our guest on the podcast today. She is here for two reasons: 1) To tell us how underwater performances can make the personal connection of the ocean to the human race: and, 2) Christine and I got to catch up as we haven't been touch touch for a number of years. Christine and I used to collaborate as I had Speak Up For Blue and she had Project Blue. We shared information, resources and strategies. Since then, Christine started a media company and has become an underwater performer. I'm looking forward to you hearing this interview because Christine is living proof that Marine Conservation Careers includes more than just straight research. Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

The UK is preparing to ban plastic straws. Will this be the first of many countries to do so? Plus, Boyat Slat's project is getting more publicity...is his highly criticized project to clean up the Ocean taking time and money away from other projects that focus on preventing plastics from getting into the Ocean? Finally, I talk about how people need to leave animals alone when they encounter them in the wild. Enjoy The Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Today's episode is all about my vacation to Hawai'i. I'm here for a wedding, but used the opportunity to get some Marine Conservation done in the best way I know how, I volunteered to monitor Green Sea Turtles that would bask in the sun on the beach. I tell you all about it in this episode. Enjoy The Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Alexis Brown is on the podcast today to discuss her podcast called "My Ocean" under the Ocean Wise Conservation Association. We get in to talking about all of the programs that Ocean Wise runs including the Vancouver Aquarium, Shoreline Clean Up, Seafood Program and Plastic Wise among others. Alexis and I have a great talk on Ocean Conservation and podcasting during this episode and I am so happy that Ocean Wise has started to podcast and get their voice heard to connect with a fantastic audience. Take The Pledge!!! Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Two stories to discuss today: 1) The US is using the Marine Mammal Protection Act to make countries to thorough Cetacean surveys before they can ship fish to the US; and, 2) A recent CBC report revealed that Canadians may not be recycling properly due to a major miscommunication as to what does and does not get recycled. You will be surprised at a few of the items that don't get recycled. Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Two things happened to me this week regarding the Oceans: 1) Today, I saw a Facebook friend post a fake map of "radiation" spread across the Pacific Ocean after the Japanese Tsunami. Find out why it's fake by listening to the episode; and, 2) I had a run in with a Politician and some of his followers about the way people voted in the last Canadian election. I was set up to be attacked, so I decided to talk about the experience to warn you about politicians (it doesn't matter which party they are from). Enjoy the Podcast!!! I would love to hear your opinion on this episode. Join the Facebook Group to chime in. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul