How To Protect The Ocean Andrew Lewin

Join host Andrew Lewin on this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast as he delves into a recent commencement speech by Kansas City Chiefs kicker, Harrison Buckner. While the speech may not directly relate to marine conservation, Andrew highlights the importance of setting the record straight on issues concerning women and the LGBTQ+ community in marine biology and conservation.
Tune in to explore why these voices deserve recognition and why it's crucial to address misconceptions in society.
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Women in marine science and conservation encounter numerous challenges, yet they persist in excelling and inspiring others in the field. The episode shed light on the struggles and accomplishments of several remarkable women in marine science and conservation. Beth Pike, a dedicated scientist at the Marine Conservation Institute, recently published a significant paper on Marine Protected Areas, emphasizing the critical importance of implementation and monitoring. Her work exemplifies the dedication and perseverance required in the field.
Melissa Marquez, a young marine biologist, has made substantial contributions to shark biology and science communication. Despite facing challenges, she has excelled in her field, serving as an inspiration to young scientists and women of Latina backgrounds. Melissa's work on platforms like Forbes and Nat Geo, along with her nonprofit for shark education, showcases her commitment to marine science and conservation.
Carissa Cabrera, a science communicator, has left a mark in the field through her engaging content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her efforts in ocean storytelling and collaboration with various organizations have significantly raised awareness about marine conservation. Carissa's dedication and transparency in her work serve as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and communicators.
The episode also highlighted the impactful work of the women behind Minorities in Shark Science, who have created opportunities for young women from minority backgrounds to engage in shark science. Through inspirational trips and mentorship, they empower future scientists to pursue their passion for marine science. Their efforts not only promote diversity in the field but also inspire others to overcome barriers and excel in marine science and conservation.
Overall, the stories of these women exemplify the resilience, passion, and dedication required to succeed in marine science and conservation. Despite facing challenges and stereotypes, they continue to break barriers, inspire others, and make significant contributions to the field. Their achievements serve as a testament to the importance of diversity and representation in marine science and conservation.
Supporting and appreciating the work of women in STEM fields, particularly in marine science and conservation, is crucial for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in these fields. The episode highlights the significant contributions of women like Beth Pike, Melissa Marquez, Carissa Cabrera, and the founders of Minorities in Shark Science. These women have excelled in their respective roles, from conducting research to science communication, inspiring the next generation of scientists, especially young women and minorities.
By acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of women in STEM, we not only recognize their hard work and dedication but also encourage more women to pursue careers

On this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin is joined by Anthony Merante, Oceana Canada's senior plastic campaigner, to discuss the results of the UN Global Plastic Treaty's INC4 meeting held in Ottawa. Dive behind the scenes of the meeting and learn about the goals and outcomes of this significant event. Discover what actions are being taken to protect the ocean and how you can get involved in creating a better future for our oceans.
Listen now to stay informed and inspired to make a difference!
Check out the last episode where Anthony was interviewed before the UN Global Tratey meeting: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/speak-up-for-the-ocean-blue/show-179/
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The INC meeting for the UN Global Plastic Treaty in Ottawa brought together representatives from over 170 countries to negotiate the terms of the treaty. This meeting marked the fourth out of five sessions held in Ottawa, Canada, where countries collaborated to develop a global plastics treaty. The negotiations revealed significant divisions among countries, with some expressing ambitious goals while others were more conservative in their approach. Previous meetings in Budapest, Paris, and Nairobi set the foundation for the discussions in Ottawa, where progress was made, albeit not as swiftly as anticipated.
Throughout the INC meeting, various contact groups were established to concentrate on key aspects of the treaty, such as setting production caps, phasing out harmful chemicals, and addressing single-use plastics. The negotiations delved into intricate topics like product design, the elimination of non-recyclable polymers, and the management of chemicals in plastics that pose risks to human health and the environment. Financial mechanisms and implementation strategies were also discussed to ensure fair execution of the treaty across different nations.
The presence of lobbyists from the fossil fuel and chemical industries at the meeting aimed to advocate for their interests in the negotiations. These lobbyists emphasized the significance of plastics in various sectors, including healthcare and food packaging, to influence the negotiators. Conversely, environmental groups like Oceana Canada engaged in lobbying efforts to push for ambitious objectives in the treaty, focusing on reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable solutions.
The INC meeting in Ottawa underscored the intricate and challenging nature of negotiating a global plastics treaty involving over 170 countries. The discussions covered a wide array of topics, from production limits to product design and the health concerns associated with plastics. The involvement of diverse stakeholders, including environmental groups and industry representatives, enriched the discussions and ensured a balanced approach to tackling the issues posed by plastic pollution on a global scale.
Lobbying efforts from both environmental groups and industry associations played a significant role in influencing the negotiations during the UN Global Plastic Treaty meetings. Environmental groups, such as Oceana Canada, actively lobbied for ambitious goals within the treaty, advocating for regulations on plastic production, the phasing out of non-recyclable polymers, and the promotion of refill and reuse practices. On the other hand, industry associations, including companies like Dow Chemical, Exxon, Shell, BP, and Formosa, participated in lobbying activities to expre

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, hosts Andrew Lewin, Beth Pike from the Marine Conservation Institute, and Angelo Villa-Gomez from the Center of American Progress discuss the effectiveness of implementing marine protected areas. They review the status of the campaign to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 and share surprising findings from their study on the implementation of the biggest 100 marine protected areas.
Tune in to learn about the progress and challenges in marine conservation efforts.
Read the paper: https://marine-conservation.org/publication-ocean-protection-quality-lags-quantity/
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Marine protected areas (MPAs) play a vital role in conserving biodiversity and safeguarding marine ecosystems. However, as discussed in the podcast episode, the effectiveness of implementing these designated MPAs can pose a significant challenge. The episode highlighted that many MPAs encounter obstacles in their implementation even after being announced and designated.
Beth Pike and Angelo Villa-Gomez discussed the findings of a study that examined the 100 largest marine protected areas globally. The study revealed that only a quarter of these MPAs were effectively implemented. This lack of implementation can be attributed to various factors, including insufficient funding, political barriers, and difficulties in engaging with local communities.
A key point raised in the episode was the gap between the announcement of MPAs and their actual implementation. While countries may make grand announcements about creating MPAs, the follow-through in effectively implementing and managing these areas is often lacking. This disparity between intention and action can result in MPAs existing on paper but failing to deliver the intended conservation benefits.
Moreover, the episode emphasized that some countries designate MPAs solely to meet international targets, such as the 30 by 30 goal to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. This rush to designate MPAs without proper planning and implementation strategies can lead to ineffective conservation outcomes.
The challenges in implementing MPAs also extend to issues such as industrial fishing within protected areas, lack of community support, and governance issues. The episode stressed the importance of time, funding, and human resources in successfully implementing and managing MPAs.
In summary, the podcast episode underscores the necessity for a more comprehensive approach to MPA implementation. Addressing barriers such as funding, governance structures, community engagement, and monitoring is crucial to ensure that designated MPAs effectively contribute to marine conservation and biodiversity protection.
The Ross Sea MPA in Antarctica is hailed as a gold standard for successful implementation. It is highlighted in the podcast episode as a prime example of a well-designed and effectively implemented marine protected area. The Ross Sea MPA is renowned for achieving conservation goals and preserving biodiversity. The episode mentioned that the negotiation process for the Ross Sea MPA took a decade but resulted in a shared framework that brought together various sectors to the same table.
The Ross Sea MPA is commended for its comprehensive management plan and the commitment of all countries involved to adhere to the regulations. Despite allowing some industrial fishing activities in certain zones, the Ross Sea MPA is considered a successful model for mari

This episode features Ryan Bigelow, the Director of Projects for the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions. He discusses the seafood industry, the alliance's role, and the importance of conservation. From consumer to industry perspectives, the conversation delves into the challenges of sustainable seafood practices.
Tune in to learn about the Seafood Watch program and how to make informed seafood choices for a better ocean.
Website: https://solutionsforseafood.org/
The Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions is dedicated to improving sustainability in the seafood industry by fostering collaboration between NGOs and businesses. With approximately 150 members from 22 countries worldwide, the Alliance works towards enhancing the sustainability of seafood. It serves as a platform for experts from various organizations to address key topics such as improving fisheries, social responsibility in seafood, and advancing sustainability efforts.
One of the primary functions of the Alliance is to provide guidance and resources for businesses seeking to enhance their sustainability practices in the seafood industry. By closely collaborating with NGOs and businesses, the Alliance aims to ensure all stakeholders are aligned in promoting sustainable seafood practices. The organization also facilitates discussions, collaborations, and the sharing of best practices to drive positive change within the industry.
Through initiatives like Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), the Alliance supports fisheries in their journey towards sustainability by setting goals and timelines for improvement. Additionally, the Alliance places a strong emphasis on social responsibility within the seafood industry, addressing issues such as human rights violations, unsafe working conditions, and gender inequity. By integrating social responsibility considerations into sustainability efforts, the Alliance recognizes the interconnected nature of environmental and social issues within the seafood supply chain.
The Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and responsible practices in the seafood industry by fostering collaboration, providing guidance, and advocating for the integration of social responsibility principles into sustainability initiatives.
The Alliance for Seafood Solutions, led by Director of Projects Ryan Bigelow, provides essential guidance on various seafood industry topics, with a focus on sustainable seafood practices. Working with a diverse group of NGOs and businesses, the Alliance aims to improve global sustainability standards. This guidance is vital for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability efforts and align with industry standards.
Additionally, the Alliance actively supports fishery improvement projects (FIPs) to address environmental and social issues within fisheries, such as overfishing. By providing guidance on participating in FIPs, the Alliance helps fisheries progress towards sustainable practices.
Another significant aspect of the Alliance's work is addressing social responsibility in fisheries, including human rights violations and unsafe working conditions. The Alliance emphasizes integrating social responsibility into seafood sustainability efforts to ensure these issues are addressed alongside environmental concerns.
The Alliance collaborates with industry stakeholders, NGOs, and experts to develop comprehensive guidance documents that address the complex challenges faced by the seafood industry. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the Alliance promotes responsible and ethical practices in the seafood supply chain.
Building trust with industry partners is a crucial aspect of the Alliance's work. By collaborating with businesses in the seafood industry, the Alliance promotes sustainability and addresses social responsibility issues. Active listening, collaboration, and providing valuable resources without immediate financial

This episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast delves into the importance of focusing on the behind-the-scenes work of marine science and conservation, rather than just the glamorous underwater footage of majestic sea creatures. The host emphasizes that conservation efforts are primarily carried out in conference rooms by scientists, conservationists, NGOs, and government officials. The episode encourages listeners to shift the spotlight towards the real work of conservation and highlights the significance of discussing these topics on various online platforms.
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Conservation work is often glamorized in videos and images featuring majestic marine animals like orcas, dolphins, and sharks. However, as discussed in the podcast episode, a significant amount of conservation work actually occurs behind the scenes in meetings, conferences, and workshops. These behind-the-scenes efforts involve collaboration between scientists, conservationists, NGOs, and government officials to discuss and implement strategies for protecting marine ecosystems and species.
The podcast emphasizes that conservation is not just about capturing the public's attention with visually appealing content but also about the practical and strategic decision-making that takes place in conference rooms and meeting spaces. Important discussions revolve around topics such as designating marine protected areas, adding species to conservation lists like CITES or the Endangered Species Act, and developing policies to safeguard marine habitats.
By shedding light on the less glamorous aspects of conservation work, the episode underscores the importance of recognizing the dedication and hard work of individuals and organizations involved in the day-to-day planning and implementation of conservation initiatives. It highlights the need to appreciate the efforts that go into protecting the ocean beyond what is typically showcased in popular media.
Overall, the episode encourages a shift in focus towards acknowledging and promoting the essential behind-the-scenes work that drives effective marine conservation efforts. It showcases the dedication and collaboration required to safeguard our oceans for future generations, emphasizing the importance of highlighting the efforts that often go unnoticed.











 

On this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, we dive into how AI technology is being used to combat illegal fishing, ultimately reducing the risks migrants from Africa face when crossing into Europe. Discover the innovative work of Dyhia Belhabib from Algeria, who has revolutionized enforcement against illegal fishing practices. Tune in to learn more about the impact of her efforts.
Link to the article: https://www.popsci.com/technology/ai-marine-conservation/
AI technology is revolutionizing the fight against illegal fishing activities, a critical issue with far-reaching implications beyond marine conservation. As highlighted in the podcast episode, individuals like Dahia Belhabib showcase how AI can effectively combat illegal fishing. By developing sophisticated AI-powered databases like Spyglass and utilizing tools such as the GRACE AI risk assessment tool, authorities can now track vessel movements in real-time and predict the likelihood of environmental crimes at sea.
Reducing illegal fishing activities is crucial not only for protecting marine ecosystems but also for the livelihoods of artisanal fishers in African countries. These fishers rely on sustainable fishing practices to support their families, and illegal fishing depletes fish stocks, leaving them without a viable source of income. This often leads to dangerous migration of African migrants to other countries, risking their lives on overcrowded boats.
By leveraging AI technology to crack down on illegal fishing, the goal is to create a more sustainable fishing industry that allows local fishers to thrive in their communities. Preserving fish stocks through effective enforcement enables artisanal fishers to continue their traditional practices and provide for their families without needing to migrate for better opportunities. This not only safeguards marine biodiversity but also addresses the root causes of migration, ultimately reducing the risks associated with dangerous migration routes.
The use of AI technology in monitoring and tracking illegal fishing activities is a powerful tool in the global fight against this issue. By enhancing surveillance capabilities and enabling real-time data analysis, authorities can more effectively detect and apprehend rogue fishing vessels. This proactive approach not only protects marine resources but also contributes to the safety and well-being of African migrants who might otherwise undertake perilous journeys in search of a better life.
Dahiya Belhabib, a remarkable woman from Algeria, has made significant strides in combating illegal fishing by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). Belhabib's innovative approach involves creating a comprehensive database to monitor criminal activities of industrial fishing vessels. This database, known as Spyglass, is the world's largest registry of criminal history related to illegal fishing operations.
Belhabib's journey began with her doctoral research, which revealed the alarming extent of illegal fishing activities supplying Chinese and European markets. Recognizing the urgent need for action, she established the Spyglass database. This initiative has revolutionized the enforcement of illegal fishing laws by providing real-time tracking of vessel movements and identifying potential environmental crimes at sea.
Through her collaboration with co-founder Sogol Godin, Belhabib developed an AI-powered risk assessment tool named GRACE, in honor of the pioneering coder Grace Hopper. This tool predicts the likelihood of environmental crimes committed by vessels, enabling authorities to take proactive measures against illegal fishing activities. By leveraging AI technology and customized monitoring systems, Belhabib's efforts have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of policing marine crimes and criminal vessels.
Belhabib's dedication and entrepreneurial spirit have transformed marine conservation and paved the way for a more sustainable future. H