The Speak Up For Blue Podcast

Climate policy in the U.S. has taken a wild ride in recent years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I speak with Chris Moyer, founder of Echo Communication Advisors, about the turbulent shifts in federal policy—especially during the Trump and Biden administrations, and how these shifts have disrupted progress in renewable energy. We examine the implications of these changes for energy development, environmental protection, and the impact of public messaging on political will to act. Renewable energy isn’t just a technological challenge—it’s also a communication challenge. Chris breaks down how effective storytelling and smart policy design can turn the tide, even in politically divided landscapes. We also look at what the future might hold for climate action in the U.S. and what it all means for protecting the ocean and accelerating a transition away from fossil fuels. Chris Moyer Website: https://echocomms.com/ Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with

Oceans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a moment to reflect on the state of our blue planet and our role in protecting it. In this heartfelt episode, Andrew Lewin shares a personal message for Oceans Day 2025 (and any day after), speaking directly to those who feel overwhelmed by climate anxiety and unsure of their place in ocean conservation. His reminder is clear: the problems may be big, but so is our potential to create change. Ocean conservation isn’t only for scientists or policymakers—it’s for everyone. Andrew emphasizes that small, intentional actions taken by everyday people can lead to significant and lasting shifts. From reducing waste to speaking up, connecting with others, and choosing hope, this episode is your invitation to be part of something bigger—starting now.   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

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) began as a bold idea—to create a real-time, always-on listening system for the ocean. In this episode, Surfacing Secrets: Mavericks and Visionaries, we go behind the scenes with the people who made that idea real. From laying cables deep in the Pacific to building trust with research institutions and government partners, this is the untold story of how a world-leading ocean observatory came to life. Our guests—Kate Moran (President and CEO of Ocean Networks Canada), John Delaney (Professor Emeritus, School of Oceanography, University of Washington), and Benoit Pirenne (Corporate Innovation and Technology Officer at ONC)—share what it took to turn an ambitious vision into the ocean science infrastructure Canada relies on today. From early technical hurdles to moments of breakthrough, they reflect on the innovations, partnerships, and persistence that helped ONC become a global leader in ocean monitoring. If you care about ocean conservation, marine technology, or how visionary ideas

Ocean conservation is more than protecting ecosystems—it’s about empowering people to lead change. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew, Serena, and Amanda explore the WaveMaker identity, what it means to be part of a movement, and how The Undertow is creating a community where action and support go hand-in-hand. WaveMakers aren’t just scientists or campaigners—they’re everyday people standing up for the ocean. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of The Undertow and the people who are already making waves in ocean conservation worldwide. Join The Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp   Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3

Ocean conservation is evolving—and The Undertow is leading the way by merging storytelling, technology, and community. In this episode, host Andrew Lewin is joined by Amanda Horn and Serena Nguyen to unveil The Undertow, a new platform designed to supercharge ocean action by connecting people from all backgrounds to meaningful environmental impact. Innovation lies at the heart of The Undertow’s mission: to create 10 million new ocean connections and unlock $5 million in tangible ocean action by World Ocean Day 2030. Whether you’re a marine biologist, marketer, artist, or someone curious about climate solutions, this episode shows how your unique strengths can help reshape the future of the ocean. Dive into how The Undertow is building the tools, community, and vision to turn ocean optimism into real-world change. Join the Undertow: www.speakupforblue.com/theundertow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointheundertow Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training

Prevent overfishing by making the invisible visible. In this episode, Courtney Farthing from Global Fishing Watch explains how vessel tracking and open data systems are key to protecting marine life and holding industrial fisheries accountable. With over 75% of industrial fishing vessels missing from public monitoring systems, it’s time to shine a light on what’s happening at sea. Global Fishing Watch is leading the charge to prevent overfishing through transparency—making vessel locations, identities, and activities publicly accessible. Courtney shares how this data empowers governments, researchers, and communities to respond quickly to illegal and unsustainable fishing, and why a global vessel tracking agreement is urgently needed. If you care about sustainable seafood, marine biodiversity, or the health of the ocean, this episode will show you how technology can help prevent overfishing before it’s too late. Global Fishing Watch Website: https://globalfishingwatch.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.co

Ocean recovery is not just possible, it’s already happening in places where we’ve taken action. In this episode, I dive into Ocean with David Attenborough, a documentary that reminds us of the ocean’s incredible resilience. From thriving coral reefs to fish populations bouncing back, the film offers powerful proof that when we give marine ecosystems space and protection, they can heal faster than we think. It’s a rare example of ocean storytelling that balances urgency with genuine optimism. Bottom trawling, however, threatens that progress. The documentary pulls back the curtain on this destructive fishing method, revealing how vast swaths of ocean floor are scraped clean, alongside the fish, sharks, and invertebrates that live there. The fishing industry’s backlash has been swift, but the film doesn’t dwell on blame. Instead, it shows us that even in damaged habitats, life can return when given the chance. The hope is real—but only if we act now. Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservati

Tide gauges are a critical yet often overlooked tool in our fight to understand and respond to climate change. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Thaler returns to the podcast to share a powerful story about installing a tide gauge in his hometown of St. Michaels, Maryland. He breaks down how this simple device provides crucial data for flood risk, sea level rise, and community resilience, bringing science closer to home. Community science is at the heart of Dr. Thaler’s work. We explore how grassroots efforts, low-cost technology, and open-source tools empower residents to monitor and respond to environmental changes themselves. Whether you’re a policymaker, scientist, or citizen concerned about the impacts of coastal flooding, this episode will deepen your understanding of how data can drive change from the bottom up. Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Do you want to join my Ocean Communit

Harmful algal blooms are wreaking havoc along the California coast, releasing toxic domoic acid that is poisoning marine life. In this episode, we explore how this naturally occurring toxin is causing mass die-offs in sea lions, dolphins, and seabirds, and why climate change and nutrient pollution may be making these blooms worse. You’ll hear about the science behind domoic acid, its neurological effects on animals, and how it mimics epilepsy symptoms in marine mammals. Domoic acid poisoning is becoming a more frequent and devastating threat to ocean ecosystems, pushing wildlife rescue centers to their limits. We discuss the broader implications of this crisis on marine conservation efforts and public health, and what we can do to protect vulnerable species as ocean temperatures rise. This is not just a marine science issue—it’s an urgent conservation challenge that demands our attention. Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33%

Ocean conservation isn’t always about what’s happening in the water—it’s also about the choices we make on land. In this episode, we speak with Maddie Hamann, a former oceanographer turned sustainable food entrepreneur. Maddie shares how her background in ocean science led her to co-found PACHA, a company that creates sourdough buckwheat bread using organic, regenerative practices. From nutrient cycles to sustainable packaging, Maddie explains how oceanography continues to inform her mission—even in the kitchen. Sustainable food systems play a major role in protecting marine environments. Maddie breaks down why she and her partner chose buckwheat, how they built an ocean-friendly food brand, and how consumers can support businesses that align with ocean values. This conversation goes beyond the surface, connecting science, health, and sustainability in a delicious way. Website: https://livepacha.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livepacha/ Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservati

Plastic pollution in the Maldives has become a serious environmental crisis, despite the nation’s image as a pristine paradise. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin shares the inspiring story of Zazou Saeed—a young Maldivian surfer and ocean advocate—who rose to become a local conservation hero by campaigning against single-use plastics. From leading beach cleanups to working with NGOs like Save the Beach and Parley for the Oceans, Zazou sparked a grassroots movement that helped influence national policy. Ocean conservation through local action is a powerful force. Zazou used art, storytelling, and education to mobilize Maldivian youth and drive home the consequences of plastic pollution on coral reefs, sea turtles, and marine life. Her efforts were instrumental in shifting public awareness and building momentum toward the Maldives’ plastic bans. This episode highlights how one passionate person can make a massive difference for their community—and the ocean. Follow a career in

Orca conservation takes center stage as we highlight an inspiring community-led effort to protect these iconic marine mammals. Andrew explores how nearshore ocean heroes are driving real change, and why their stories matter more than ever. Learn how protecting your local waters can lead to healthier oceans worldwide—and why it’s time we recognize those leading the charge. Shark encounters on social media spark a deeper discussion on wildlife ethics, as Andrew reacts to a TikTok video that demonstrates exactly what not to do. Wrapping up the episode is a look at David Attenborough’s new film “Ocean”, including an eye-opening sequence on bottom trawling and what it reveals about modern ocean challenges. Whether you’re an ocean lover or new to marine conservation, this episode offers compelling stories that educate and inspire. Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Do you want to join my Oc

Nearshore conservation is often overlooked in favor of flashy offshore marine protected areas. But a growing movement of community-led initiatives is showing that protecting coastal waters might be one of the smartest, most effective ways to safeguard ocean biodiversity and build climate resilience. This episode explores new insights from the Nearshore Ocean Progress report by the Center for American Progress, which highlights successful local conservation efforts across the U.S. Community-driven ocean protection has the power to achieve more than top-down mandates. By focusing on the waters closest to home—estuaries, reefs, salt marshes, and seagrasses—coastal residents are preserving biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and defending their homes against sea-level rise and extreme weather. Learn why investing in these initiatives may be the most impactful ocean action you can take. Link to the document: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/nearshore-ocean-progress/ Follow a career in conservation

Gray whales are dying along the Pacific coast—and the reasons are alarming. In this episode, we dive into why hundreds of gray whales have stranded or died between 2019 and 2023. From food shortages in their Arctic feeding grounds to the rising risks of ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, we break down what NOAA has called an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) and how climate change is accelerating the crisis. We also explore recent signs of population recovery and what it means for the future of marine mammal conservation. If you want to understand how ocean ecosystems are shifting—and what you can do to help protect one of the ocean’s most iconic species, then this episode is for you. Link to Article: https://www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/whale-deaths-20286824.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up f

Endangered species protection in Ontario is under threat as the provincial government proposes Bill 5, repealing the Endangered Species Act in favor of weaker legislation. Host Andrew Lewin breaks down what these changes mean for biodiversity, habitat protection, and public accountability, and shares how Ontarians can respond through the Environmental Registry. Climate action in Hawaii is taking a bold step forward with a new tourism climate fee aimed at offsetting ecological damage from visitors. Meanwhile, an ancient species—the frilled shark—has been spotted off the coast of Chile, raising fascinating questions about changing ocean ranges. Finally, tensions escalate between the U.S. and the International Seabed Authority over proposals to mine the deep sea, revealing global disagreements over governance of our ocean commons. Links: Rollback of Environmental Regs: https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-endangered-species-act-repealed/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Environmental Defence Canada Bill-5: https://environmenta

Deep sea mining in the U.S. is entering a new chapter after a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump authorized exploration and extraction not only in U.S. Exclusive Economic Zones but potentially in international waters. This move marks a dramatic shift in ocean policy and raises serious questions about compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which governs activities beyond national jurisdiction. The risks of deep-sea mining are substantial. From disturbing unique and fragile ecosystems on the ocean floor to triggering global geopolitical tensions, the implications stretch far beyond resource extraction. Marine biologist Dr. Andrew Thaler joins the show to explain the science behind deep-sea habitats, the governance gaps in current policy, and why this executive order could undermine decades of international ocean conservation work. This episode examines the legal, environmental, and political aspects of U.S. deep sea mining efforts. Listeners lea

Coral bleaching is not just a temporary event—it’s a climate emergency that can unfold over years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin dives deep into the devastating history of global coral bleaching events, revealing how the fourth and current one (2023–2025) is affecting over 80% of coral reefs worldwide. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Caribbean, bleaching is now a global phenomenon threatening biodiversity, food security, and coastal protection. Climate change and rising ocean temperatures are causing corals to lose the vital algae that keep them alive. This episode unpacks the four global bleaching events (1998, 2010, 2014–2017, and now), explores why reefs are slow to recover, and explains what’s at stake for humans and marine ecosystems. You’ll also hear about the essential roles that coral reefs play—from acting as biodiversity hotspots to protecting coastlines during extreme weather events. Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/23/coral-reef

Octopus intelligence is nothing short of extraordinary—and in this episode, we dive deep with award-winning author Mark Leiren-Young to explore the surprising minds, behaviors, and conservation challenges of one of the ocean’s most elusive animals. Inspired by his latest book Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep, Mark shares jaw-dropping stories about tool-using octopuses, their ability to dream, their strange biology (think blue blood and donut-shaped brains), and why these misunderstood creatures deserve our awe and protection. Octopus conservation is becoming a hot topic thanks to a growing public fascination with cephalopods—sparked in part by documentaries like My Octopus Teacher. Mark and I discuss the ethical questions around octopus farming, the movement to grant them legal protections, and how young readers (and adults!) can become stewards of marine life. This episode is a fun, insightful, and important listen for ocean lovers of all ages. Buy the book: https://www.orcabook.com/Octopus-Ocean Website:

Energy policy shifts in the U.S. are sparking concern as the government rolls back environmental regulations to fast-track oil and gas drilling. In this episode, we examine how these rollbacks could jeopardize ecosystems, especially marine environments, and undermine efforts to transition to clean energy sources. Environmental protections have long served as safeguards for biodiversity and climate resilience, but these new changes prioritize short-term energy gains over long-term sustainability. We discuss the potential consequences for marine protected areas, public health, and climate policy, and what you can do to take action. Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp   Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have become integral components of Canadian science funding. In this episode, we explore Pierre Poilievre's plan to strip funding from research programs that incorporate so-called "woke" policies like EDI. We examine how EDI policies are currently embedded in major grants from NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, and more, and discuss what could be at stake for Canada's research innovation if these changes move forward. Pierre Poilievre's proposal has sparked a broader debate within the Canadian academic and scientific communities. Many fear that removing EDI requirements could turn back progress made toward ensuring more inclusive and impactful research environments. We'll dive into what these policies actually achieve, why they were implemented, and the potential future of science in Canada. Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Do you want to join my Ocean Commun