How To Protect The Ocean

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

Melanie Knight is my guest today on the podcast to discuss how she got inspired by plogging, the act of picking up litter while jogging. Melanie talks with me about how she got started and why she did a 30 day challenge of plogging. Her efforts got her on TV as well as in the newspaper of a nationally distributed company (Globe and Mail). Melanie is not just a plogger. She tells me about how she works with towns all over Canada to create catch and release aquariums. It's pretty fascinating stuff. 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

There is a lot to update you on the program today. I first talk about the 10% loss in population of North Atlantic Right Whales and why there is such a decline; My opinion on the validity of Marine Conservation Documentaries and their manipulation of what a marine environment should look like; and, an oil spill ignited in Indonesian Borneo killing 4 fishers and adding toxic chemicals into the atmosphere affecting the air quality of the local community. 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

Ocean Talk Friday brings me around to discuss two big nes items that came out this week: 1) Walrus was left off the Endangered Species Act in the US; and, 2) Two Scientists have different views on Marine Protected Size and priority for protection (Story 1 and Response) 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 had the great opportunity to meet and work with Rebecca at OceanDotCom 2018 hosted by LUMCON. During the event, Rebecca came to me to ask if she would like me to have her on the podcast to talk about how cool Jellyfish are...and of course, I said "YES!!!" So we got together last week to record this episode and to discuss the variability of jellyfish. In particular, Rebecca wanted to discuss a study that was published a number of years ago reporting that climate change will bring on more blooms of jellyfish. Apparently, that is not the case and Rebecca is here to set us all straight. 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 special episode, not necessarily because of the topic (Carbon Tax), but because I recorded the episode live in the Facebook Group. I did it for two reasons: 1) I want to have the podcast to include the members of the Facebook group; and, 2) I wanted to switch things up on the podcast partly because this episode is number 450. Today's topic is all about the Carbon Tax. It's not a popular tax, as popular as any tax; however, it is a tax that Canada and other countries/states are talking about implementing in their policies. some people say the Carbon Tax will not work because governments will not be transparent with the money raised by the Tax. Others feel that we all need to do something about Climate Change and people are incentivized by money. I would love to hear your opinion. 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 Ocean Talk Friday includes these stories: 1) Half of Americans Don't Think Climate Change Is Affecting Them; 2) Tabasco Losing Important Land; 3) Sea Turtles Can Use Flippers For More Than Swimming Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

I am very happy to be discussing Harbour Seal behaviour with my new friend Shea Steingass who has the pleasure in conducting these captivating animals. She discusses how she uses stable isotope analysis using Harbour Seal whiskers. She also talks about the interesting way that she and her colleagues capture the seals to collect the information. Shea is going to be a superstar in this field and I can't wait to have her on again to see what she is up to next. Follow her on Twitter to see what she does next And ask her questions about her research in our Facebook Group. Do you know we launched more Ocean Related Podcasts? Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour and ConCiencia Azul

Today, I am talking about something really special to me and the conservation community at large. The Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award is given to a person who demonstrates bravery in the face of danger while conserving the Ocean. The award is named after Jairo, who was brutally murdered after trying to protect sea turtles from poachers. At the moment, the award is given to a recipient every two years at the International Marine Conservation Congress by the Society of Conservation Biology (SCB). SCB Needs Your Help SCB would like to increase the number of recipients that receive the award, so they are getting ready to launch a crowdfunding campaign that will help them support more than one person. Please consider taking a picture of yourself holding a sign saying "I AM JAIRO" in your LANGUAGE. Here are the links where you could post the picture: Twitter Campaign Facebook Campaign

Today's Ocean Talk Friday has me breaking down the everything that happened at OceanDotComm 2018. As many of you know, I spent a week at LUMCON (Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium) with over 40 other people who have experience in Science Communication (SciComm) to tell the stories of Coastal Optimism in Southern Louisiana as they face rapid coastal loss due to a number of different factors including sea level rise, coastal degradation, diversion of the Mississippi River and the intrusion of the Oil and Gas industry. I talk about my overall experience about the conference and I highlight some of the products that were created in 4-5 days.

Shea and I sit down to decompress and discuss the past four days at OceanDotComm 2018. We chat about we loved the challenge on taking on the Southern Louisiana Coastal Optimism project and incorporating it into the podcast. We also discuss how Shea was psyched to work on the podcast with me...I think she did a pretty great job don't you?! We also get into how impressed we were with all of the people we interviewed and we are very optimistic that the people of Southern Louisiana will be able to adapt to their changing coastline!

Patty Ferguson joins Shea on the podcast to discuss how the Pointe-Au-Chien Tribe is fighting to protect their land against coastal loss and for their tight to be federally recognized as a tribe. The federal recognition would help the tribe in their legal battles with oil and gas companies who cut up their land by creating canals and say that the tribe are trespassing. The battles add to the complications of the land as coastal loss from sea level rise and habitat degradation are becoming very difficult for the tribe to conserve their land and their culture.

Beth Guidry joins Shea on the podcast to discuss how she is dealing with the rapid coastal loss as an educator in Southern Louisiana. Beth tells Shea how her student's lives have changed based on the changes to the landscape. She also gives her perspective on the changes she has seen as someone who grew up in the region and her hope that she sees in the children she teaches.

Dr. Solomon David joins me on the podcast to discuss his recent migration from Michigan to Southern Louisiana, where he is an Associate Professor at Nichols State University teaching and studying aquatic fisheries science. He is THE gar scientist!!! Solomon tells us why he is interested in studying fisheries science in the region as well as his experience living in Southern Louisiana for less than a year.

Murt Conover joins Shea on the podcast to discuss why Murt settled in Southern Louisiana for 20 years after she had lived in 32 states previously. There is something about this area that entices people to stay here for long periods of time and it's not just work. People, like Murt, fall in love with the area. Murt now works as an Educator at LUMCON to educate students on the wonders and science of the complex habitats that make up Southern Louisiana.

Arlanda Williams joins me on the podcast to discuss how local politics plays a role in protecting the people of Southern Louisiana. Arlanda serves as Vice Chair of the Terrebonne Parrish Council and is also a PhD candidate. I am going to tell you that this woman in AMAZING! Arlanda breaks down the process of how the Parrish residences voted to raise the sales tax by 1 cent to help pay for a Levee that would protect vulnerable areas. This is not a normal occurrence where people would vote to raise any tax; however, the money comes down to saving their livelihoods.

Dr. Melissa Baustian joins Shea on this episode of the season to tell us about the diverse coastal habitats within the Southern Louisiana Region to give us a sense of the changes that have occurred over the past century. You will notice that Climate Change and Sea Level Rise is not the only problem within this region, other problems such as the creation of canals and habitat degradation compound the overall problem of coastal loss. Shea also asks Melissa, who is a resident of the area, about her optimism in the region as a scientist and a resident.

I am very pleased to introduce Shea Steingass to you as we collaborate to create a overall narrative of Coastal Optimism through a series of interviews with various members of the community in Southern Louisiana. All of the people we interviewed live in Southern Louisiana for varying periods of time. Shea and I discuss how we approached this season and what we wanted to present to you about the great people that we interviewed. Shea will be hosting several of the podcasts this season and does a fantastic job!

Dr. Craig McClain is into Science Communication and when I say he is into SciComm, this is the man who created Deep Sea News, one of the first marine science blogs. Creating innovative science products is not new to Craig, so when he contacted me about OceanDotComm 2108 and asked me to apply to come to LUMCON, I couldn't say no because I knew this event would be huge even though I didn't know what the event would entail as it was a mystery. Craig and his wonderful staff kept it a mystery from all of the other SciComm Experts. He did it for a reason. Take a listen to find out why Craig kept the SciComm theme a mystery and why he chose the theme he did.

OceanDotComm18 is a new event that brings together 50 science communicators all walks of life and professions to discuss one single topic. There are many forms of science communication products that will be published by the end of the 5 day event. Of course, I decided to use Speak Up For Blue's platform to collaborate with Shea Steingass, a PhD candidate for Oregon State University, to develop a series of short interviews to reveal the resilience and optimism of the local residence from the Southern Louisiana region.

Alain Clavette, a CBC Radio host and avid birder, joins me on the podcast today to talk all about seabirds. We don't talk a lot about seabirds on this podcast because I don't know much about them; however, Alain does know about them and he passionately talks with me about his excursions with other birders on the Bay of Fundy to search for pelagic birds. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Subscribe to Marine Conservation Happy Hour Subscribe to ConCiencia Azul Podcast

On today's Ocean Update Episode I chat about why 1000s of starfish wash ashore dead along the UK coastline; why the Trump Administration is trying to silence scientists that want to alert the public about dramatic decreases in glacial coverage; and, I highlight two Emperor Penguins that have fun with a camera in the Antarctic. Enjoy the Podcast!!! If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, but are worried that it might be too difficult, take the Podcast for the Environmental Communication Course at Duke University's Executive Education Program. Click here to register. Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

Dr. Lyne Morissette joins me on the podcast today for another episode of Ocean Talk Friday. We sit down to chat about Sea Level Rise in San Francisco Bay as well as how much of the land is sinking exacerbating the effect of salt water creeping onto land. We also get philosophical by answering two questions: 1) Should Seafood Corporations be responsible for funding conservation programs for fisheries and the habitats that they affect with their practices; and 2) Should marine scientists and conservationists become vegans and fly less to lead by example? Enjoy the Podcast!!! If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, but are worried that it might be too difficult, take the Podcast for the Environmental Communication Course at Duke University's Executive Education Program. Click here to register. Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.

No interview today (my apologies). Instead I cover some news items including a diver's video of underwater trash goes vital; an Indian natural wastewater treatment system treats 198 million gallons of water; and, Canada confirms commitment to Paris Climate Accord Agreement even though they are upping their greenhouse gas emissions. Enjoy the Podcast!!! If you are interested in creating a podcast for your conservation organization or social enterprise, but are worried that it might be too difficult, take the Podcast for the Environmental Communication Course at Duke University's Executive Education Program. Click here to register. Are you looking to start off your Marine Science and Conservation Career, but don't know where to begin or it hasn't gone the way you expected to? Join us on our next Marine Conservation Career Q&A. All you need to do is contribute at least $1/month to our Patreon Campaign to attend:Contribute to our Patreon Campaign Don't forget to join our Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group to join like-minded individuals who are all about living for a better Ocean. Join our Facebook Group for the Podcast.