Episodes

Dec. 13, 2024

Climate Action When Governments Won't Help

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of climate change and the challenges posed by government inaction. With the recent political shifts in North America, particularly the incoming...
Dec. 11, 2024

Orcas Playing with Their Food: Wearing Salmon on Their Head

Orcas playing with their food is not a new behavior; however, wearing salmon on their heads is not usual.  In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses a fascinating phenomenon involving orcas wearing...
Dec. 9, 2024

Leave the seashells on the Seashore

Seashells on the seashore are being taken in large quantities and it's increasing erosion along beaches. A new study reveals the tourism industry is taking too many seashells along coastlines in Costa Rica.  In this episode of the How to Protect...
Dec. 6, 2024

Abandoned Fish Farms in Greece: Ghost Farm Clean Up by Healthy Seas

Abandoned fish farms in Greece are plaguing the coastline with marine debris; however, Healthy Seas is working to clean up some of the sites and raise awareness for support to tell the Greek government that fish farm owners should be responsible for...
Dec. 4, 2024

Solar Panel Efficiency Improvements Mimicking Giant Clam Algae

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Luan discusses the fascinating connection between giant clams and the efficiency of solar panels. He highlights the vibrant colors of giant clams, which are not only visually...
Dec. 2, 2024

Orcas vs. Whale Sharks: A New Apex Predator Dynamic

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the fascinating behavior of orcas, particularly their recent predation on whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. Orcas, known as apex predators, have been...
Nov. 29, 2024

Buy Now The Shopping Conspiracy: A Marine Biologist Reviews

Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy is a documentary that was released on Netflix a week before Black Friday. The movie reveals the shocking truth about how large corporations manipulate consumers to increase their profits at the peril of the consumer's...
Nov. 27, 2024

Rebuilding Fisheries in our Oceans: The Challenges and Progress in Canadian Fisheries Management

Rebuilding fisheries requires information on fisheries stock assessments for each species. Collecting that data is not easy; it takes time and money to do. The Canadian Government is mandated to gather information on the 200 commercially fished...
Nov. 25, 2024

How Do We Stop Over Fishing? Fishing Transparency is a Good Start

How do we stop over fishing? Fishing transparency is a great start. Many fisheries around the world lack the data to provide managers with the information to make better management decisions. The Coalition of Fisheries Transparency aims to work with...
Nov. 22, 2024

Solar Farm on the Ocean : The Pros and Cons of China's Largest Offshore Solar Project

The largest solar farm on the ocean is now running off the coast of China as the country continues to invest in ways to support its sustainable energy needs.  In the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses China's...
Nov. 20, 2024

The Impact of Avian Flu: 17,000 Elephant Seals Lost in Argentina

The impact of the avian flu of elephant seals resulted in the death of 17,000 individuals in a population in Argentina. Researchers think the marine mammals caught the virus from migrating birds near their haul out areas that are usually packed with...
Nov. 18, 2024

Marine Protect Area: Puerto Rico Increases Ocean Protection to 27%

A new marine protected area has been designated in Puerto Rico to bring their total ocean protection up to 27%, 3% away from the 30 x 30 promise many countries have promised to meet. The US has a total of 26% of its ocean in marine protected areas. In...
Nov. 15, 2024

How Can You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Practical Steps for a Sustainable Lifestyle

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses practical ways for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. Here are the key strategies highlighted: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint: Start by determining your...
Nov. 13, 2024

Can Worms Eat Plastic? African Mealworm Might Help Save the Ocean

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of plastic pollution and highlights a promising biological solution involving African mealworms. The episode focuses on the Kenyan lesser...
Nov. 11, 2024

A Full Circle Moment: The Return of L-Pod to Penn Cove

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the significant return of the Southern Resident orca population, specifically L-Pod, to Penn Cove, Washington, after more than 50 years. This return is particularly...
Nov. 8, 2024

People Are Sick of Plastic Straws: Is Comedy Hurting the Anti-Plastic Movement?

Are you sick of hearing about plastic straws? Andrew Santino, a comedian, doesn't think that plastic straws are hurting sea turtles even though a video went viral for a scientist pulling a plastic straw from a sea turtle's nose in Costa Rica. Four...
Nov. 6, 2024

Navigating the Conference Circuit: Insights from Dr. Isla Hodgson on Back-to-Back Marine Conservation Events

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Dr. Ayla Hodgson, a marine social scientist and science communicator for the Save Our Seas Foundation. The focus of the conversation is on Isla's experience...
Nov. 4, 2024

Climate Change Misinformation: Tracing the Funding to Greedy People

Climate change misinformation has been a persistent issue for decades, fueled by campaigns funded by the fossil fuel industry. In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the ongoing struggle to raise awareness...
Nov. 1, 2024

The Great Bait Ball: Unraveling the 10 Million Capelin Predation Event

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Luen discusses a remarkable predation event that occurred in 2014 in the Barents Sea off the coast of Norway. During this event, approximately 2 million Atlantic cod consumed...
Oct. 30, 2024

Start Small, Stay Consistent: Key Strategies for Effective Science Communication

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses three key strategies for succeeding in science communication, particularly in the context of ocean conservation. Here’s a summary of those three ways: Overcome...
Oct. 28, 2024

The 2024 Living Planet Report: Biodiversity Is Down By 73%

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the 2024 Living Planet Report, titled "A System in Peril," released by WWF and the London Zoological Society. The report highlights a staggering decline in...
Oct. 25, 2024

Building a Network for Ocean Protection: Why Community Matters

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lu discusses the importance of finding and building a community focused on ocean conservation. He reflects on his own experiences and the recurring theme of community in his life...
Oct. 23, 2024

Restoring Thailand's Coastlines: The Promise and Pitfalls of Mangrove Projects

Key Considerations for Restoring Mangroves Site Selection: It is crucial to choose appropriate locations for planting mangroves. Areas that are prone to tidal flooding may not be suitable, as seedlings can drown. Historical mangrove sites may no...
Oct. 21, 2024

Cruise Ships and Ocean Pollution: The Hidden Impact of Scrubber Technology

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the environmental impact of cruise ships, particularly focusing on the use of scrubbers that release toxic chemicals directly into the ocean. Cruise ships are...