How To Protect The Ocean

Andrew Lewin

Dive into the Depths: Join Andrew Lewin on 'How to Protect the Ocean' – Your Gateway to Exclusive Ocean Insights! Explore the latest, uncharted realms of ocean science and conservation that you won't find anywhere else. Andrew takes you on an inspiring journey to uncover the hidden gems of oceanic discovery and initiatives. Tune in to discover how you can transform your life for a better ocean, one episode at a time. The How To Protect The Ocean is your resource to keep you informed on the latest ocean news; teach you how to speak up for the ocean; and, how you can take action to live for a better ocean. There is so much information on the ocean and the issues that are affecting it that it can be difficult to find optimism in the future of the ocean. Climate change, overfishing, plastic pollution, water pollution, and coastal development have altered the ocean in ways that have negatively changed the way we use it. The repercussions of climate change, including the ominous specter of rising sea levels, the relentless march of warming ocean temperatures, and the ominous shadow of ocean acidification, have not only altered the very fabric of our coastlines but have also conjured fiercer storms and summoned floods with growing frequency. The fossil fuel industry may whisper in your ear that the situation is insurmountable, an inescapable fate. However, this podcast is here to unveil a different narrative, one that empowers you to take action. It illuminates the path to change by casting your vote for leaders committed to implementing climate-rescuing policies and by offering invaluable insights into how each of us can shrink our individual carbon footprint. The grim reality of overfishing casts a long shadow, fueled by governmental shortcomings in the stewardship of both commercial and recreational fisheries. Within the delicate balance of our oceans, every fish population possesses a threshold - a point at which the relentless harvest of fishermen begins to erode their numbers. The management of these aquatic resources is a formidable task, as the elusive currents of the sea often defy easy tracking. Furthermore, the menace of illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing looms large in many nations, adding to the crisis. Yet, a glimmer of hope shines through the depths. A beacon for responsible consumption emerges in the form of seafood programs, guiding conscientious individuals toward choices that safeguard our oceans. By heeding these programs, you not only savor the delights of sustainable seafood but also become an informed guardian of marine ecosystems. The relentless scourge of plastic pollution has unleashed an epidemic of death upon the denizens of our oceans. It's a ruthless killer, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of marine mammals, majestic sharks, grandiose fish, gentle sea turtles, and the graceful sea birds that soar above. The malevolence of this crisis knows no bounds, with microplastics infiltrating even the remotest depths of the ocean and etching their presence along every coastline. To mount a defense against this ecological cataclysm, the clarion call for action echoes on the international and national stages. It beckons governments far and wide to adopt resolute policies, wielding the power to outlaw the menace of single-use plastics and demanding the meticulous detoxification of our supply chains. In this grand battle to safeguard our seas, the fight against plastic pollution knows no borders. The ominous specter of water pollution looms large, a consequence of our thoughtless disposal into the arteries of our planet – our streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. This callous act reverberates, sending shockwaves through the intricate ecosystems of our coastal havens, where the likes of coral reefs, resilient mangroves, and swaying seagrasses thrive. But alas, this intrusion is not benign; it bears the capacity to corrode and dismantle these vital sanctuaries, the very lifebloo

  1. 15H AGO

    Coral Reefs Can Look Alive and Still Be Functionally Dead

    Coral reefs can still show living coral cover and yet be ecologically collapsing beneath the surface. In this episode, we break down new coast-to-coast reef assessments from Thailand that reveal a critical warning sign: reefs are losing structural complexity even when coral is still present. Structural complexity, also known as rugosity, is what gives reefs their three-dimensional shape. That shape creates habitat for fish, supports predator-prey balance, fuels biodiversity, and protects coastlines from storms. New research published in Science and Nature Climate Change shows that repeated bleaching events and chronic stress are flattening reef architecture, reducing resilience and weakening ecosystem function long before coral disappears completely. This episode explains why coral cover alone is no longer enough to measure reef health, what structural degradation means for fisheries and coastal communities, and how monitoring needs to evolve if we want real conservation progress.   Follow the show for clear, science-based ocean updates every weekday.   Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube

    11 min
  2. 5D AGO

    Ocean-Human Health Connection: Why This Disappearing Habitat Matters to You

    Ocean-Human Health Connection is not just a theory, it is a reality unfolding beneath the surface of our coastal waters, and most people have no idea their wellbeing depends on a disappearing underwater meadow. In this episode, we explore how seagrass meadows clean the water we swim in, protect shorelines from storms, support the seafood we eat, and regulate coastal ecosystems that directly influence human health. If these habitats continue to vanish, the consequences will not stay underwater, they will show up in our food systems, our economies, and our communities. Seagrass Meadows are powerful blue carbon ecosystems that stabilise sediments, filter nutrients, reduce pollution exposure, and provide nursery habitat for fish that sustain global fisheries. Yet pollution, coastal development, warming seas, and nutrient runoff are driving rapid decline. The loss is largely invisible because it happens underwater, but its impacts are measurable in poorer water quality, declining fisheries, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather. One Health Concept connects environmental health, animal health, and human health, and seagrass is a living example of that connection in action. One of the most surprising insights from this episode is this: when seagrass declines, water quality worsens, and that can directly increase human exposure to harmful bacteria and pollutants. This is not just about saving a plant, it is about protecting communities. Listen to the full episode. Link to article: https://theconversation.com/seagrass-meadows-could-be-good-for-your-health-yet-theyre-disappearing-fast-273120 Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube

    12 min
  3. FEB 9

    What is ethical seafood, and why the way fish are treated could change how you eat forever

    What is ethical seafood, and why does it matter if fish can suffer in the systems designed to feed the world? As seafood consumption rises globally, most people never see what happens on fish farms or how ethical decisions are made behind closed doors. This episode asks a simple but uncomfortable question: if fish feel pain and stress, what responsibility do we have when we farm and eat them? Fish welfare in aquaculture is rarely discussed in public, yet it affects hundreds of millions of animals every year. In this conversation, we unpack how fish are raised, handled, and harvested, why welfare is often overlooked, and how improving conditions can actually benefit farmers, ecosystems, and consumers at the same time. You will learn how science is being used to measure fish stress, what ethical treatment really looks like in practice, and why welfare is not just an animal rights issue but a sustainability issue. Ethical seafood choices can feel overwhelming, especially when labels, certifications, and marketing claims all compete for attention. One of the most surprising insights from this episode is that small, practical changes in fish handling can dramatically reduce suffering without increasing costs, and in some cases even improve productivity. This challenges the idea that ethics and food production are always in conflict. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube

    1h 6m
  4. FEB 6

    Right whale baby boom: The fragile hope that could decide the future of a species

    Right whale baby boom is giving scientists and conservationists a rare moment of hope, but it comes with a hard question: is this surge in newborn calves enough to save one of the most endangered whales on Earth? With only around 360 North Atlantic right whales left, every birth matters, and this episode breaks down why this moment is so important and why the clock is still ticking. North Atlantic right whale recovery has been painfully slow for decades due to ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and shifting ocean conditions. In this episode, we explore what led to 21 calves being born this season, how researchers track these whales, and why human activity remains the biggest threat to their survival, even during a year that feels hopeful. Whale conservation efforts are finally showing signs of progress through vessel slow-down zones, new fishing gear technology, and cross-border cooperation. One of the most emotional insights from this episode is that some female right whales are giving birth for the first time in years, a sign that protection efforts can work if they are strengthened and enforced. Listen to the full episode. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube

    12 min
  5. FEB 4

    Scientific Discoveries That Changed How We See the Ocean

    Scientific Discoveries are transforming our understanding of the ocean in ways that were once unimaginable. In this episode of Surfacing Secrets: Explore the Ocean. Know the Planet, Richard Dewey, Kohen Bauer, and Gwen Klassen of Ocean Networks Canada share some of the most exciting breakthroughs made possible by real-time ocean monitoring. From mysterious sediment flows to acoustic insights that map marine life, this conversation reveals how cutting-edge technology is unraveling underwater mysteries. Ocean conservation has never felt more urgent or more hopeful. Scientific discoveries discussed in this episode include how the Delta Dynamics Laboratory survived a dramatic tumble, what we're learning from acoustic data in the Salish Sea, and why collaboration between scientists and Indigenous communities is driving innovation. One surprisingly emotional insight came when Gwen shared how listening to the ocean in real time gave her goosebumps and a sense of connection she hadn't expected. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube

    53 min
  6. FEB 2

    Marineland Beluga Whales: What Happens Next and Why This Decision Matters for Animal Welfare

    Marineland Beluga Whales are once again at the center of a national debate, and the outcome could shape the future of captive whales in Canada. Marineland Beluga Whales face uncertain futures as government decisions, export permits, and welfare concerns collide, raising a critical question, are these whales being protected or simply moved out of sight? Beluga whales in captivity reveal a deeper problem that goes beyond one facility. This episode breaks down the latest updates on relocation plans, the role of federal permits, and why animal welfare groups argue that sending belugas to other aquariums is not a true solution. The discussion explains what sanctuaries are, why they matter, and why timing is becoming a life-or-death issue for these whales. Beluga whale sanctuary Canada becomes the emotional core of this episode. One surprising and powerful insight is that euthanasia was openly discussed as a possible outcome if permits were denied, a reality that shocked advocates and accelerated government action. This moment exposes how fragile the protection of captive whales really is, and why long-term sanctuary solutions are urgently needed. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube

    18 min
  7. JAN 30

    Will the US move towards Deep-Sea Mining? What's Really at Stake for the Ocean and Our Future

    Will the US move towards Deep-Sea Mining? This question is no longer theoretical, it is urgent, political, and deeply consequential for the ocean. As pressure grows to secure critical minerals for batteries and clean energy, the US is facing a decision that could permanently alter the deep ocean. In this episode, we break down what deep-sea mining really means, why it is suddenly back in the spotlight, and why scientists are sounding the alarm about what we stand to lose before we even understand it. Deep sea mining explained through real testimony, expert insight, and clear examples that cut through the noise. You will hear how mining the ocean floor could disrupt ecosystems that have taken millions of years to form, and why regulation has not kept pace with industry ambition. One of the most surprising insights in this episode is that the deep ocean is being considered for industrial extraction even though scientists still do not know how many species live there, or how long recovery would take, if recovery is even possible. Is deep sea mining dangerous for marine life and for people who rely on a healthy ocean? This episode connects the dots between geopolitics, green energy promises, and environmental risk, showing how decisions made far from the ocean could have irreversible consequences beneath the surface. The emotional core of this conversation is clear: once damage is done in the deep sea, there may be no way to undo it. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube

    1h 2m
  8. JAN 28

    Should bull sharks be culled? The truth behind shark bites and how people can actually stay safe

    Should bull sharks be culled? Shark bites spark fear, outrage, and calls for action, but the real question is whether killing sharks actually makes people safer. In this episode, we unpack why bull shark incidents happen, what science tells us about risk, and why quick emotional reactions can lead to decisions that do more harm than good. Bull shark attacks are tragic and serious, but one surprising insight from this episode is that bull sharks often bite because they cannot clearly see what is in front of them. Murky water, river runoff, and warm summer conditions dramatically increase confusion for these sharks, making humans more vulnerable without the sharks intending to target people. Living with sharks means accepting that the ocean is not a controlled environment. The emotional moment in this episode comes from recognizing that fear-driven solutions like culling may feel satisfying, but they do not reduce risk and can damage ecosystems that keep oceans healthy and predictable for everyone. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube

    19 min
4.8
out of 5
188 Ratings

About

Dive into the Depths: Join Andrew Lewin on 'How to Protect the Ocean' – Your Gateway to Exclusive Ocean Insights! Explore the latest, uncharted realms of ocean science and conservation that you won't find anywhere else. Andrew takes you on an inspiring journey to uncover the hidden gems of oceanic discovery and initiatives. Tune in to discover how you can transform your life for a better ocean, one episode at a time. The How To Protect The Ocean is your resource to keep you informed on the latest ocean news; teach you how to speak up for the ocean; and, how you can take action to live for a better ocean. There is so much information on the ocean and the issues that are affecting it that it can be difficult to find optimism in the future of the ocean. Climate change, overfishing, plastic pollution, water pollution, and coastal development have altered the ocean in ways that have negatively changed the way we use it. The repercussions of climate change, including the ominous specter of rising sea levels, the relentless march of warming ocean temperatures, and the ominous shadow of ocean acidification, have not only altered the very fabric of our coastlines but have also conjured fiercer storms and summoned floods with growing frequency. The fossil fuel industry may whisper in your ear that the situation is insurmountable, an inescapable fate. However, this podcast is here to unveil a different narrative, one that empowers you to take action. It illuminates the path to change by casting your vote for leaders committed to implementing climate-rescuing policies and by offering invaluable insights into how each of us can shrink our individual carbon footprint. The grim reality of overfishing casts a long shadow, fueled by governmental shortcomings in the stewardship of both commercial and recreational fisheries. Within the delicate balance of our oceans, every fish population possesses a threshold - a point at which the relentless harvest of fishermen begins to erode their numbers. The management of these aquatic resources is a formidable task, as the elusive currents of the sea often defy easy tracking. Furthermore, the menace of illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing looms large in many nations, adding to the crisis. Yet, a glimmer of hope shines through the depths. A beacon for responsible consumption emerges in the form of seafood programs, guiding conscientious individuals toward choices that safeguard our oceans. By heeding these programs, you not only savor the delights of sustainable seafood but also become an informed guardian of marine ecosystems. The relentless scourge of plastic pollution has unleashed an epidemic of death upon the denizens of our oceans. It's a ruthless killer, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of marine mammals, majestic sharks, grandiose fish, gentle sea turtles, and the graceful sea birds that soar above. The malevolence of this crisis knows no bounds, with microplastics infiltrating even the remotest depths of the ocean and etching their presence along every coastline. To mount a defense against this ecological cataclysm, the clarion call for action echoes on the international and national stages. It beckons governments far and wide to adopt resolute policies, wielding the power to outlaw the menace of single-use plastics and demanding the meticulous detoxification of our supply chains. In this grand battle to safeguard our seas, the fight against plastic pollution knows no borders. The ominous specter of water pollution looms large, a consequence of our thoughtless disposal into the arteries of our planet – our streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. This callous act reverberates, sending shockwaves through the intricate ecosystems of our coastal havens, where the likes of coral reefs, resilient mangroves, and swaying seagrasses thrive. But alas, this intrusion is not benign; it bears the capacity to corrode and dismantle these vital sanctuaries, the very lifebloo

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