How To Protect The Ocean

Whale sharks are one of the most iconic species in the world. As the largest fish, people are so captivated by their sight that they will travel thousands of miles just to get a glimpse of them in the wild. However, these sharks are also Endangered according to the IUCN Red List and you might be surprised to know that there isn't much known about these amazing fish. Especially, their population sizes and where they like to go. A paper led by Jennifer McKinney estimated the population size and connectivity of the whale shark population in the Western And Central Atlantic Ocean (WSA) using software that identified individual whale sharks by the spots on their backs. I discuss how the pattern of spots on whale sharks in images taken by citizen scientists can be used to identify individual sharks and contribute to the scientific study. Enjoy the podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to create a free pr=resource program for Ocean Citizen Scientists to help move Marine Science and Conservation forward by collecting information for various Citizen Science program. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Marine Conservation Careers seems to be on your mind as we covered it on a couple of episodes over the past week. Last Friday, we heard from 3 generations of Marine Conservationists on the challenges we faced in our career. It wasn't meant to scare you. It was meant to prepare you for the future (if you want a marine conservation career). I address some comments that I received on the episode from last week and build on what I hope will be a more inspiring message. I also discuss some comments I received from our Facebook Group on last episode where I covered how Climate Change made Hurricane Harvey worse. Here are the shows where I discuss Marine Conservation Careers in more detail: 1) Choosing You Marine Conservation Career 2) How to Become an Influencer for Your Marine Conservation Career 3) How To Volunteer to Get Experience in Marine Conservation 4) 5 Important Strategies to Implement When You Search for a Marine Conservation Job 5) How To Write A Cover Letter for a Marine Conservation Job 6) Writing a Resume to get a Marine Conservation Job 7) Preparing for the Interview for a Marine Conservation Job 8) Options for Your Marine Conservation Career 9) 3 Reasons to Attend a Marine Conservation Conference Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Hurricane Harvey, a category 4 storm, has left Houston and the surrounding areas and is now heading for Louisiana as a tropical storm; however, the imprint it left on Houston was devastating. A Politico article said Harvey was the 3rd 500-year storm in as many years leaving 40-60 inches of rain, which flooded various parts of the city. Authorities are still dealing with the floods and trying to rescue people from their homes. People whose live are changed forever. As we donate to support efforts to help Harvey's victims, we look at how this storm was so devastating. There were 3 causes that contributed to Harvey's destructive ability that I talk about during the podcast. I apologize for my tone during this podcast as I am frustrated at the lack of preparedness of governments who face climate change impacts, but refuse to acknowledge them. Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Two crazy pieces of news to cover today. Last week was a big week in crazy news. A Fish Farm in Washington blames the eclipse on stronger tides and currents and breaking nets, releasing Atlantic Salmon into the Pacific Coast. Our Second piece of crazy news is a politician in Cape Cod is now taking aim at Great White Sharks after a white shark preyed upon a seal near a beach in front on beach goers. He scared and wants to kill any white shark that comes near a beach. Two crazy news pieces for your money as we try to add sanity to your Ocean World. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Marine Conservation Careers is a dream that all of us have that work, or are trying to work, in this field. Two episodes ago, I discussed an article on the struggles people were having trying to get a job. Many of the problems that arose were unpaid internships, pay for work experience and lack of funding. I got some feedback from the Facebook Group on the episode, which was good, but said that I implied that I didn't think people were doing enough. My point of the episode was to offer tips that could help you set yourself apart from the rest of the pack that is seeking jobs; however, I never realized that the yips may not work for everyone and my experience in Marine Conservation Careers is very different from may other people. I wanted to get other people's perspectives who are in the field to give more of a well rounded account of what we have been through building a career in Marine Conservation. I found the people. As some of you may already know, I am producing another podcast show called Marine Conservation Happy Hour, where I get together with @Craken_MacCraic and @DrScarlettSmash to talk about the different aspects of Marine Conservation. This episode we talk about Marine Conservation Careers with special guest @marinebrit to discuss our journeys through the mythical word of building our careers. Three generations of Marine Conservationists open up and rant about the past and present situations and hope for a better future. While having some drinks over the internet happy hour... Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Blue whales are the largest animals on the planet and Dr. Asha de Vos studies a unique population that occurs in the Northern Indian Ocean. She has pioneered marine mammal research and conservation in her home country of Sri Lanka and is inspiring the next generation of Marine Scientists and Conservationists all over the world. Now, Asha launched Oceanswell as the next part of her evolution to building her legacy. Oceanswell is a non-profit organization that is designed to support other marine scientists to become leaders in their community and further Marine Science and Conservation in their own countries. Listen to Asha discuss everything from blue whales to discovering a new whale species occurring in the Northern Indian Ocean to her exciting new organization. Oceanswell Twitter Oceanswell Facebook Oceanswell Instagram: @oceanswell Oceanswell You Tube Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Sea otters can eat a variety of prey (up to 50) according to an article that photo-documented a sea otter eating a giant Pacific octopus off the coast near Juneau, Alaska. The sea otter had some pups with her, which begs the question as to why sea otter would take the risk of eating an octopus. I talk about the dangers of eating live octopus in the Ocean and how other animals are dying because of it. I also introduce social marketing and how it is used to change human behaviours around the ocean. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

I read a great article on the Mongabay website that inspired me to discuss it on today's installment of Ocean Talk Friday. The article was about how hard it is for young people to build a career in Conservation. It dives into many of the issues that I see everyday while I consult with people about building their careers: 1) High student debt with low paying jobs; 2) Only unpaid internships available; 3) Often times, people have to pay to earn experience; and, much more. The fact is, building a career in Conservation is one of the hardest things to do in your life. It's not as easy as getting a 4 year degree, graduating and getting hand picked for a job. The reality is that there is more competition for less jobs because of reduced funding (don't forget the fact that every once and a while a government administration will come along and halt any hiring). I felt it necessary to do this podcast because there are ways to help you achieve your dream (it's not a guarantee, but it gets you closer). I tell you the story of my struggle to build my career and how I got to where I am today so that you can learn from my mistakes and understand that there is a process to follow that will help your chances of getting a job and building that career. Enjoy the podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Drones in Marine Conservation is quite the hot topic these days. They provide Marine Scientists and Conservationists with so many advantages when studying the marine environment at a much lesser cost than the traditional means of monitoring trends in marine species. For example, the grey seal population off Cape Cod can be counted using video and images collected from a drone compared to scientists renting a plane to do aerial surveys, which could cost 10s of 1000s of dollars. Drones provide more possibilities too. I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. David Johnston, who is the Director of the Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing group at the Duke Nicholas School of Environment. He joined us on the podcast to tell us about the Marine Conservation work that he is doing using drones. The work has taken him and his team all around the world. Take a listen to find out how this wonderful technology can help further Marine Science and Conservation. Enjoy the podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

There are two protected River Sharks in the Adalaide River in the Northern part of Australia, the Speartooth Shark (Critically Endangered) and the Northern River Shark (Endangered). A new study has revealed a potential conservation issue in the river with the sharks and the interactions with recreational anglers who are targeting another fish called the Barramundi. Researchers have some important questions to ask to determine how many sharks are being caught and is it becoming a problem for the populations of both species, who use the river as a nursery area. I talk about the implications to the conservation of these species and the mitigation techniques the authors propose to maintain the recreational fishery for Barramundi and reduce incidental catch with the protected River Sharks. I also discuss a listener email that I received on my position of eating meat and trying to reduce my impact on climate change. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

I am doing a solo Ocean Talk Friday as I wrap up a busy week. In this episode I cover a great article on Coral Reef Restoration from Mongabay News and a new paper out on Why Conferences Matter co-authored by a number of friends of the Speak Up for Blue Podcast. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Sharks are a diverse type of animal with over 530 species with more being found and identified every year. Dr. Dave Ebert is a shark scientist who has been responsible for discovering and naming over 40 species with his team. I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Dave for this episode on all of his experiences finding sharks, good and bad, as well as how he was able to secure a PhD in South Africa. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Sharks are a diverse type of animal with over 400 species with more being found and identified every year. Dr. Dave Ebert is a shark scientist who has been responsible for discovering and naming over 40 species with his team. I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Dave for this episode on all of his experiences finding sharks, good and bad, as well as how he was able to secure a PhD in South Africa. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Brexit negotiations are underway for the break up of the UK from the European Union. Fisheries has come to the forefront of the media hype surrounding the negotiations. A recent article in NBC News identifies the hopes and concerns of various players within the UK fishing industry and how the potential reality may look for each component within the industry. For example, the UK fishers are looking forward to catching more fish without competition from other EU fleets; however, the UK seafood exporters are worried about the taxes that will be implemented once the independent UK experts their products to the EU (consisting of 50% of their business). Finally, policy analysts, such as Griffin Carpenter, are concerned about the future of the now replenished fish stocks (due to stricter quota management by EU policy) under new management of the UK. I discuss the article and the different points of view discussed in the article. I also discuss the numerous videos and pictures of recreational fishers and potential abuse of fish out at sea. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Nathan Johnson is back again to chat with me of all thing Ocean. We had some great topics today. Here they are: 1) 5 Ways Underwater Drones are Helping Protect the Oceans; 2) The Federal Government is Opening Comment to Allow Oil and Gas Exploration in Marine Sanctuaries; 3) A Shark Beer to Help Protect Sharks; and, 4) Scientists Discover a New Shark Species. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Tourism in tropical areas that are based on Ocean services such as beaches, swimming, diving, snorkelling, fishing, and more are very popular in many places around the world. One such area that has benefited from tourism is Quintana Roo, Mexico. The area has seen an explosion of its tourism industry over the past decade as it has become a hot spot for North Americans and Europeans. However, the fast expansion of the tourism industry has caused some environmental problems including loss of habitat and a decrease in water quality. The local communities would like to improve their environment and a team of experts are working on developing a framework to provide the local communities with a way to better manage the environment in the face of tourism. Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan and Marisol Flores are a part of that team. They wanted to share their project with the Speak Up For Blue audience to make you aware of what it going on. Take a listen to the podcast as my guests describe their project, the challenges and the positive way people are participating in the project. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

A shark being dragged across the water while tied to a boat surfaced in an Instagram video about a week ago. The video quickly went viral to the point where the abusers were identified along with where they lived. The abusers now seek extra police protection because of death threats they received via social media. Many people think they deserve the threat. I just want to see them charge with some type of animal abuse charge, but that may not happen. There may not be specific laws that fall under what these idiots did to these poor animals. The shark that was dragged was dead and the remainder of its body was photographed by the abusers and the images sent to "Mark The Shark", a notorious shark fisherman who is hated by many conservationists. Even he thought the video and pictures were disrespectful. I talk about how infuriating it is to watch these abusers potentially get away with abuse and I ask you, the audience, if there is a general, common sense, law that protects animals (any animal) against these types of abuses. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Marine Science Communication has to be done properly to gain trust of your audience and inspire them to do more for the Ocean. I talk about an example where Marine Conservation communication was misleading and could cause damage to the efforts of Conservation. Listen to the episode to find out how you can make better strides in Ocean Conservation. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Dr. Judith Weis spent a good part of her career working on Salt Marshes as a Professor and Researcher at Rutgers University. She is here to talk about Salt Marshes, their importance and how we need to manage them in the face of Climate Change. Judith literally wrote the book on Salt Marshes (with Coauthor Carol Butler). I wanted to have her on the program so she can share how salt marshes play a role in protecting shorelines in the Northeastern US (and other places around the world) They may not be as pretty as coral reefs, but their shoreline protection, nursery habitat function, and sediment stabilization functions are extremely important. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Did the race of Phelps vs a Great White Shark do Marine Conservation some good? That is the question that many people asked before the premiere of Shark Week 2017. Discovery debuted its annual shark week with an episode pitting Olympic Great, Michael Phelps, versus a Great White Shark. Some say that this was a pointless exercise as sharks are way faster than humans. Others thought that Phelps was the best swimmer over any species. I think it made for great promotion, television and a great chance to educate viewers on the speed of sharks. Also on the show, I answer the question some of the group members asked: How can I contribute to Marine Conservation in my career even of I am not a scientist. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Nathan Johnson is back for Ocean Talk Friday to discuss nutrients in the Bay of Bengal past the tipping point, the United Nations International Treaty of the High Seas and Our Thoughts on Chasing Coral the Documentary. Here are the links to the articles we discussed: 1) Run-Off from Fertilizers has made Bay of Bengal Reach 'Tipping Point', say experts 2) New Rules Urgently Needed to Protect Our Ocean, Scientists Warn 3) Fate of High Seas at Stake at U.N. Meeting 4) 'Chasing Coral': Documentary Vividly Chronicles A Growing Threat To Oceans Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Plastic Pollution in the Ocean inspired my guest, Claire Hughes, to clean up beaches on Grand Cayman Island and start a movement. Claire is a teacher and mother who is done with plastic pollution and is helping raise awareness of the ill effects plastic has on our society. Claire is a great example of how the ocean can inspire people to do great things!!! Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Researchers have reviewed several hundred studies to find the best way people can reduce their Climate Change Footprint. There is one way that had the biggest reduction impact, but are you ready to do it? I also talk about the importance of science and how many people are still fighting against science. Some people are trying to confuse people in the confidence in science results and the interpretation. What does this do? It takes away the need for science and allows for people to distort the truth of trends in the Ocean. I talk about why we need to trust science, especially when it comes to Marine Science and Conservation. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Dr. Lyne Morissette is back on OTF to talk about what she's been up to and where she's been (hint: she's been to some amazing places). During the podcast, we discuss the following: 1) Lyne's Canadian Coast to Coast to Coast Scientific Cruise; 2) Lyne's trip to Reunion Island and the major issue of shark conflicts with human users; and, 3) A New Brunswick man dies trying to rescue a Right Whale from a fishing net. Enjoy the podcast! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Josh Laughren, Executive Director of Ocean Canada, joins me on the podcast to discuss why there shouldn't be a fishery for cod opened just yet. In 1992, a moratorium on cod fishing was implemented that changed Newfoundland and Labrador forever. Gone were the days of teaching the next generation to fish for cod and here were the days of hard financial times and leaving their "Rock" for more opportunities across Canada in the oil and gas industry. Now the cod have rebounded and people are wondering if we can fish them again. Two researchers at Memorial University disagree and so does Oceana Canada. Josh is here to tell us why. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Imagine a terrestrial animal changes its diet in order to survive along the rugged coast of British Columbia. Scientists have discovered have genetically differentiated population of wolves, dubbed Sea Wolves, that derive 90% of the diet from the sea. Is this just a way of survival from their inland wolf cousins or do these wolves just enjoy the sea that much more?!?!? Also in the program, a PhD student has discovered that young bonnethead sharks are eating seagrass so much so that their diet composes over 50% of the sea veggies. Scientists wonder if the young sharks are just learning how to eat animals within the seagrass as the diet composition of seagrass decreases when they get older. Finally, did you ever wonder how scientists feel about what climate change is doing to our Oceans? Dr. John Bruno wrote an opinion pice in the New York Times about how depressed he feels after years of conducting coral reef research in Belize and all over the world. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Ed Hind-Ozan joins us on the show to talk plastic pollution, ocean oaths, climate change maps our future and can we fish cod again. It's always great to have Ed on the show to give us his perspective from a Social Science point of view and the point of you from a UK perspective. That's right...we are going across the pond for this episode. Worldwide perspective matters!!! Here are the articles that we cover today: 1) Popsicles made from 100 different polluted water sources grab world's attention 2) Ocean conservation needs a Hippocratic oath - we must do no harm 3) Mapping the potential economic effects of climate change 4) What if the cod came back? The push to reinvent Newfoundland and Labrador's fishery Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Climate Change adaptation can be a complex beast to understand, once you get past whether there is a debate that it is caused by humans. There are two major aspects on how we need to deal with Climate Change: 1) How can we reduce the factors (Carbon) that cause Climate Change; and, 2) How do we adapt to its consequences. There were two reports released by climate scientists and economists recently that deal with the ways mentioned above. The first report involves what we have to do, as a human population, within the next 3 years to stop Climate Change from making irreversible changes to our planet. The second report involves how the consequences of Climate Change could potentially shape the US economy in the future. I talk about both reports in the episode to go a bit deeper into how we need to wake up as a species and get things done. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Does it make sense to allow Oil and Gas Exploration within the boundaries of a Marine Protected Area and still call it protected? Trudeau's government thinks it does. I break down how this situation doesn't necessarily depict a Marine Protected Area, but it does describe a management area within a Marine Park. Perhaps the government of Canada is going about designating MPAs the wrong way? Take a listen and find out how. Also on the show...there are these "Gummy Bear-Like" organisms that are frustrating the hell out of fishers along the US Pacific Coast...find out how during this episode. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

We have a special guest named Kyle Massie joining us on Ocean Talk Friday as part of our Patreon Campaign Contributor rewards. Kyle and I are going to go through the top articles of the week in Marine Science and Conservation so that you can be updated on what's happening in the Ocean. Here is a list of the articles that we decided to pick: 1) Update on the restoration of the Indonesian Reef (covered by Mongabay); 2) Will Phelps be faster then a white shark in a race during Shark Week; 3) Orcas eating white sharks in South Africa; 4) Seismic survey guns found to reduce zooplankton population by 64% Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Melissa Marquez joins us on the podcast today to really ignite the show. We talk about shark conservation, women in science, science communication and entrepreneurship in the Marine Science and Conservation Field. We talk about how Melissa started a shark education organization during an undergraduate course, which expanded into 50 states and got transplanted to multiple countries; how she and her husband moved across the world to New Zealand to do a Masters degree to study deep sea sharks, rays and chimeras; how she overcame challenges as a minority woman in science; and, how she merged her shark research and women and science challenges into a TEDx Wellington talk that rocked the house!!! This is a must listen podcast!!! Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Do you think Celebrities should be Advocates for the Ocean? The question came up off of a story I wrote about involving a woman celebrity being objectified while doing a documentary to raise awareness for sharks. In other News: Rick Perry went before a US Senate Committee to discuss energy and climate change. Senator Al Franken asked Perry about his thoughts on Climate Change to which Perry replied that there was nothing wrong with being a skeptic. I take the time to discuss one of the points Perry brings up where Franken describes as "you just described the scientific process." Also in the News: Videos have been popping up showing sea lions jumping on the dive platforms of moving recreational fishing boats in Mexico. It's become quite the tourist attraction. The sea lions do this because they get fed. There are so many things wrong with this "attraction" that I dedicated a portion of the show to describe the dangers to humans and the sea lions. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Nathan and I chat about growing mangroves to protect coast, problems with MPA process in Canada, Zombie Worms and Mussels and Sponges break down oil Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Climate Change is rearing its ugly head as one of its consequences is the rapid heating of the Antarctic Ice Sheets turning them to slush. El Nino changed the wind patterns of the continent so that they could not keep the ice sheets cool as warm water moved in along the coastline. There is a 300,000 square mile slush pile that used to be ice. I discuss what that could mean for our ocean in the future. I also discuss how Orcas are stalking fishing boats in Alaska stealing 10,000 s of pounds of fish and wasting fuel as the fishing boats try to lose the orcas in a chase for who gets the fish. Finally, I talk about some heat relief for the global coral reef habitats of the Oceans. How will they be able to heal before the net El Nino event? Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

The Shark Week Schedule for 2017 has been announced and there are some shows to which I am looking forward and others that perpetuate sharks as serial killers (which is false!!!). I review some of the synopses of the episodes announced during this episode. I also go over an infographic released by the Save San Francisco Bay Organization that deals with the problem of cigarette butt littering. One of the most preventable forms of litter out there. Finally, I talk about an article in the Guardian that discusses the affect of tourism on Antarctica and how some researchers are seeing changes in habitat due to the presence of invasive species of plants and insects. Enjoy the Podcast!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

This is a special Ocean Talk Friday Episode where I have two colleagues and friends that would like to introduce you to a new podcast we've been working on called Marine Conservation Happy Hour. It's a podcast where we get together after work (virtually, of course) and talk about what's happening in our respective fields over a few drinks. It's something that we've been working on for a while and I find our chemistry is growing. Today, we discuss a few stories that are centred around marine mammals. The first two stories deal with the removal of regulatory tools and advice to protect Marine Mammals. The Federal Government has defunded the Marine Mammal Commission, which is a body of independent scientists that make decisions on marine mammal protections in the face of government projects. We also talk about the US Federal Government taking away important protections for Marine Mammals on the West Coast. The ban on drift nets has now been removed making marine mammals vulnerable to getting caught and drowning in the nets. Not a good choice. You will hear how the fishing industry was for the drift net ban in the first place. We chat about why this happened and what will be the consequences. We talk Vaquita and the potential solutions that people are trying to put in place to reverse the rate of extinction of the cutest species on the planet. I get a little silly with one of my proposals. Finally, we end on a good note. We talk about the increase of Humpback Whales in the New York City area. This is a great success story that my friends, Dr. Smash and Dr. Craken gobbled up. All in all I hope you enjoyed this episode of OTF where we feature the Marine Conservation Happy Hour. Things get a little crazy and loud near the end...could be the drinks talking. But we had some fun doing this. I hope you did as well!!! Let me know what you think of the episode by joining our Facebook Group for the Podcast. Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Griffin Carpenter joins me on the podcast to talk about fisheries policy pre and post BREXIT. Yup! I said it! We are going to talk about BREXIT and how it will affect fisheries management for the UK and the European Union. I know there are many things to consider regarding the UK separating from the EU, but for our podcast we deal about Ocean management so we will discuss sustainable fisheries management. Griffin provides some great insight into the current structure of EU Fisheries Policy and how it will change and the issues that may arise in the future. Here is some more info that were mentioned in the podcast: 1) How BREXIT will impact fisheries policy 2) Griffin's Twitter Enjoy the Podcast!!! Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Taking a conversation from the Facebook group to here in the podcast, I talk about why shark researchers catch sharks through a hook and a line. It's a controversial issue that looks at what is best for the overall health of shark populations. In the second half of the show I highlight some great conservation success stories that is hitting the media over the past week. I start by talking about the increase in juvenile white sharks in Southern California and the increase in humpback whale sightings in New York Harbour and of its coast. Two great conservation successes stemming from long term implementation and maintenance of some great regulations in the US, which confirms that need for implementing great, science-based policies that will protect the environment. Head over to the Facebook Group as we chat about proposed regulations that may or may not help reduce our effect on Climate Change. This entire week, I'm going to be posting on different ways various governments have proposed to reduce climate change and whether they have worked. Come on over and help us out! Enjoy the podcast! Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Nathan Johnson joins me again to discuss World Oceans Day; UN Oceans Week Conference; Funding Priorities; The Importance of Ocean Festivals; and, Exploring Easter Island. Enjoy the podcast! Fish Nerds Website Fish Nerds Facebook Group Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Have you ever wondered what sustainable really means and how you can eat sustainable seafood? Clay Groves, host of the Fish Nerds Podcast, has an idea. Clay Groves has spent a long time fishing, guiding and cooking fish to understand what it means to eat sustainably. He's judged sustainable seafood competitions and was invited by the Virginia Aquarium to speak on Sustainable Seafood...and podcasting for the environment. Take a listen to find out what Clay has to say. Enjoy the podcast! Fish Nerds Website Fish Nerds Facebook Group Support Speak Up For Blue's Efforts to build a platform to raise awareness for Marine Science and Conservation and help you live for a better Ocean. Contribute to our Patreon Campaign

Ocean Day is this Thursday, which is a time to reflect on what we can do to help our Oceans. I have a solution and I talk about it during this episode. I also talk about Cities and States resisting against Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris Accord. How can they do that and still follow the Paris Accord? I will chat about that as well. Finally, I answer a question that was posed to me in the Fish Nerds Facebook Group about how cod are recovering and how to we know when they have fully recovered. A great question that I take the time to answer with a well timed article. Enjoy the podcast! Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health. Email me today, [email protected] to find out how you can transform your health. Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at [email protected].

It's been a tough couple weeks for the US environment as Trump's budget defunded key coastal programs such as the Coastal Zone Management Program and the Sea Grant Program. He also announced that the US will start the procedure to pull out of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Nathan Johnson and I talk about the benefits of the CZMP and the Sea Grant programs and what will be lost with the defunding. We also talk about how Trump and his administration did not fully understand the report where they cite why the US doesn't benefit under the Climate Change Agreement. We also rant...a little bit...for good reason. Enjoy the podcast! Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health. Email me today, [email protected] to find out how you can transform your health. Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at [email protected].

The Government of Canada recently made some ambitious goals to protect 10% of their coasts by 2020. I speak to Dr. Rodolphe Devillers to discuss the challenges the Canadian Government and other governments face when establishing Marine Protected Areas. Some of the challenges we discuss: 1) Will protected areas only be designated where human activity is absent to implement them faster? 2) Should the MPAs designated be connected ecologically? Enjoy the podcast! Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health. Email me today, [email protected] to find out how you can transform your health. Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at [email protected].

My family trip to the Grand Cayman was wonderful, but I do have some concerns over the ecotourism on the island and how it might protect the Ocean and its inhabitants. Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health. Email me today, [email protected] to find out how you can transform your health. Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at [email protected].

I discuss 2 issues that have come up in the past week: 1) Iron Fertilization and 2) How to act around sea lions and other wildlife. Enjoy the podcast! Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health. Email me today, [email protected] to find out how you can transform your health. Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at [email protected].

Daisy Kendrick was troubled by the fact that her friends were not aware of Ocean issues, so she decided to create marketing campaigns that target where other organizations aren't...the gaming community. Today, you are going to here from someone who is quickly becoming a successful non-profit entrepreneur that is working to change the behaviour of how we use plastic. Enjoy the podcast! Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health. Email me today, [email protected] to find out how you can transform your health. Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at [email protected].

I made a mistake on the Adult Film star getting bitten (or not bitten) by a shark, Preserve Committee in Cape Cod is suspended by Trump and a dolphin is rescued by a stranding network. Enjoy the podcast! Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health. Email me today, [email protected] to find out how you can transform your health. Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at [email protected].

Someone in the Speak Up for Blue Podcast Facebook Group asked if there was a difference between US and Canadian Ocean Management. I attempt to explain how the two countries are different and similar. Hopefully, I do a good job. Enjoy the podcast! Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health. Email me today, [email protected] to find out how you can transform your health. Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at [email protected].

Dr. Andrew Wright joins me on the podcast to recount a workshop he attended to help protect the Taiwanese White Dolphins. Andrew provides a great description of the importance to workshops to help with species management. The Taiwanese White Dolphin face a number of issues that continue to threaten the status of the population. Workshops, like the one Andrew describes, bring experts and local communities together to help identify and implement solutions to species ocean issues. Enjoy the podcast! Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health. Email me today, [email protected] to find out how you can transform your health. Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at [email protected].

Is the increase of Grey Seal Population on Cape Cod causing problems with humans? I was asked to answer a question as to whether the science says Grey Seals are preventing the cod stocks in the Northeast from recovering. I answer this question using a Canadian example. Who Should Lead the Ocean Conservation Movement? Bill Nye has been undergoing heavy criticism from the non-scientific AND the scientific community as to whether he should lead the Climate Change science movement. Should he be a leader? Is he harming the movement? I also address this during the show. Trump trumps the EPA Again! He is at it again. Replacing scientific experts with fossil fuel industry representatives...ugh! Enjoy the podcast! Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health. Email me today, [email protected] to find out how you can transform your health. Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at [email protected].