De-extinction is no longer just science fiction. In this episode, we dive into the controversial concept of bringing back extinct species—specifically the dire wolf—using cutting-edge genetic engineering. Inspired by the headline-grabbing efforts to resurrect woolly mammoths, scientists are now exploring how DNA from ancient canids could be used to reintroduce…
Rare intersex southern right whale discovered through genetic testing Intersex marine mammals are an exceptionally rare topic in marine biology. In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking discovery of an intersex southern right whale. The whale, sampled in 1989, was recently found to possess XY chromosomes through genetic testing.…
Deep sea mining is making headlines as the United States considers allowing operations within its boundaries. In this episode, Andrew Lewin dives into a recent development involving a Canadian company, The Metals Company, that is pushing to mine the deep sea in US territory. What does this mean for the…
Fisheries are more than just the act of catching fish—they’re tightly woven into the fabric of science, activism, and community livelihoods. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we speak with Eva van Heukelom about the many layers of fisheries management and how sustainable practices are shaped not…
Ocean conservation careers are inspiring and impactful, but getting started can feel overwhelming. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin explores the real-world steps to becoming a marine biologist or marine conservationist. Drawing from a recent presentation to high school students, he shares common misconceptions,…
🌊 When was the last time you talked about the ocean? Not in a classroom. Not during a documentary. But casually—with your friends, family, or coworkers? The ocean needs our attention, and that starts with conversation. Every chat, every story, and every moment we bring it up helps build a…
When was the last time you talked about the ocean? It’s more important than you think.
Why We All Need to Talk About the Ocean—Not Just the Experts. Ocean literacy isn’t just for scientists, activists, or podcast hosts. In this impromptu and unedited episode, Andrew Lewin reflects on a powerful moment he had while presenting to a group of ninth-grade students—and how it sparked an important…
D and D can help with environmental education by creating immersive, story-driven learning experiences that engage students on a deeper level. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Thaler, who’s using Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) to teach environmental concepts in a way that feels more like play than a…
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing threats to our oceans today. In this episode, we explore how microplastics—tiny fragments of plastic waste—make their way into tropical marine ecosystems and cause lasting damage. Whether it’s through broken-down consumer products or fishing gear, plastic pollution infiltrates ocean habitats and harms…
Global tuna fisheries are facing mounting pressure from overfishing, bycatch, and unsustainable fishing practices. Gala Moreno from the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) shares her expert insights on the current state of tuna populations and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. She explains how ISSF is collaborating with fishers, policymakers,…
Marine conservation is in trouble — and the biggest problem isn’t just pollution or overfishing. The real issue is that people are becoming disconnected from the ocean, and that lack of concern is threatening marine ecosystems worldwide. In this episode, I’m reporting from Oahu, Hawaii, where I’ve witnessed firsthand the…
False killer whale strandings in Tasmania are rare; however, on February 20, 2025, approximately 157 whales stranded and passed away, with at least 99 being euthanized after multiple attempts to float them back into the ocean failed. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I dive into the…
The Panama Canal expansion allowed for bigger ships to move through the canal; however, it also allowed for an invasion of saltwater and saltwater fish into a freshwater lake that resulted in the threat to freshwater fish species and half of the country's drinking water. I dive into the unintended…