The Speak Up For Blue Podcast

I had the opportunity to sit down with Carl Allen to discuss what life was like as a lobster fisher in Eastern Canada.  Carl told me how young he was when he started fishing and how his life is all about fishing.  He also discusses the work he does with the fishing union.    Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

There seems to be a day for everything these days and the oceans have a day as well, June 8th. It's a time for us to think about why we love the ocean so much and how we can better protect. There are celebrations, conferences, announcements (big and small) where governments and organizations try to stand out from one another to tell you how they are committed to protect the oceans. But the announcements are all massive agreements and commitments that don't include a very important thing, YOU!   In this episode, I am going to go over my thoughts about oceans week and how I think you should approach it. What you can get out of oceans week.   I am also going to discuss the programming that I have planned for Oceans Week for this podcast and some other things.

There are many people that want to work in Marine Conservation, but not everyone has a degree in Marine Biology or another type of science degree; however, you don't need to be a scientist to help protect the ocean. There are many people who are working on Marine Conservation with business and arts degrees.   In today's episode, I am going to answer a question from a listener who wants to work in Marine Conservation and has a Psychology degree. I am going to provide some examples of how useful someone can be with a Psychology degree in Marine Conservation.   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

There are studies that have revealed that oil companies like ExxonMobil have spent billions of dollars on campaigns that involved misleading the public on Climate Change and one Attorney General brought charges against the oil company, but will the company have to pay for their misleading ways and what will the punishment be? We need to hold more fossil fuel companies accountable for the notorious work that they conduct around the world.   In this episode, I will discuss why I think this trial could have severe consequences for oil companies across the states in the US.   Links to articles: 1) https://bit.ly/3M09JS6 2) https://bit.ly/3GyQf5F   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

Laws in Canada make sure that marine theme parks such as Marineland cannot acquire new cetaceans (Whales or Dolphins) and they were amended in 2019 to ensure that whales and dolphins do not perform in their entertainment shows, but evidence suggests that Marineland continues to conduct the whale and dolphin shows. Therefore, Canadian laws should work faster to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.   In this episode, I will discuss the video evidence that was published by Animal Justice in Canada and why I think that the laws should work faster to stop the shows from happening at all.   Link to Article: https://bit.ly/3lSb3vx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

There are many of you (including myself) that would like to help protect the ocean and we tend to fantasize ways in which we can help, but there are times when we are not focusing on the best ways we can all protect the ocean; therefore, I am going to go through the best ways that you can help save the ocean with minimal work even though it might not be the way you dreamed it would be.   In this episode, I am going to discuss how I had FOMO lately on ocean protection and started to focus away from the best way that I could protect the ocean (through communication). Do you go through the same thing?   Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

Sharks are an iconic ocean animal that can strike fear and wonder in anyone that sees them and they are one of those animals that everyone would like to protect; but, most shark populations around the world have experienced drastic declines in population over the past 50 years and many people do not know how to go about protecting them; therefore, Dr. David Shiffman wrote a book to help guide you to better protect sharks and oceans.   In this episode, I speak to Dr. David Shiffman about his new book, Why Sharks Matter, to get the inside scoop on why he wrote a book that wasn't a textbook and how people can help better protect sharks.   Order the book: https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12267/why-sharks-matter?fbclid=IwAR3gCxu6eDyb-zW1sni6Q6P620Qx-Clm8G8sCAByQqpZ9ztgsZiM8nOxSbM   Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Sharks-Matter-Misunderstood-Predator/dp/1421443643/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11WXC6T4RAYVD&keywords=Why+Sharks+Matter&qid=1653572623&sprefix=why+sharks+matter%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-1   Sign up

Equity, diversity, and inclusion has been the focus of many organizations in marine science and conservation and outside of the field for a number of years and there has been some small steps in the right direction made, but there are many examples of BIPOC scientists and their teams that still face racism today. Therefore, it is important to highlight some of those racist examples to show people the challenges that BIPOC scientists face in 2022.   In this episode, I am going to describe to you a real-life example of a hotel staff asking a BIPOC scientist and her team to leave the hotel after the scientist asked for her room to be cleaned, which she had asked for a week.   Link to Resources: Tweet Thread: https://bit.ly/3G6vzC1 Dr. Tiara Moore: https://www.tiaramoore.com/ WOC Website: https://awocspace.com/ Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   F

Climate change has been deemed the biggest threat in the world by many scientists, conservationists, industries, governments, and militaries around the world and countries have made international pledges in the form of treaties to curb greenhouse gas emissions and invest in more renewable energy, but the parties that form the government in democratic countries do not adhere to the treaties or listen to what the experts are saying. In some cases, the governments have done the opposite of the advice of experts and driven the problem further.  Therefore, citizens need to demand more action on climate change from their government through voting.   In this episode, I am going to discuss how Australia is in one of the most important elections for climate action as described in an opinion article written by Dr. Euan Ritchie And published in the Guardian. His story is not unique when compared to my story and my country, Canada, and is also similar to other countries.   Link to article: https://bit.ly/3Lxcl9L   Sign

In the last episode, I talked about a new enzyme that can breakdown plastics in days instead of centuries and it seems very promising, but we know that it is not the complete solution and people will continue to use single-use plastics; therefore, in this episode, I offer three ways that we need to get a mass reduction of plastic use.   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

A new enzyme that can break down plastics in a matter of days and not centuries is giving people hope that we can still use plastics and not have to worry about the reduction, but the solution will only take care of a small percentage of plastic pollution. Therefore, we need to continue the pursuit of reducing our single-use plastics.   In this episode, I will discuss why we need to stay the course in reducing our plastic dependence.   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

Marine science and conservation has proven to help the ocean in many cases when things are done properly, but not all of it works; therefore, methods need to adapt and build on past failures.   In this episode, I will be talking about two conservation experiments that people don't like but could lead to a better understanding and protection of the ocean. I am going to talk about the failed experiment of keeping marine mammals in captivity at marine parks and shark tagging.   Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

There are many issues that are facing this world that have science-based solutions that are not getting solved and it's because people are taking swipes at scientists in every field, but is it because scientists and conservationists don't seem accessible to the public; therefore, I am going to tell you about my favourite tool: podcasts are a great tool to reach the public.   In this episode of the Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast, I am going to tell you how podcasts can help connect scientists and conservationists with the public to help people live for a better ocean.   Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

Climate change consequences have been talked about for decades and people have been ignoring them, but know those consequences are happening and people are paying the price; therefore, it's time to talk about their impact and how we can move forward with better action.   In today's episode, I am going to be talking about the record low lake levels of the Lake Mead /Colorado River system and how that could affect the drinking water supply for over 20 million people.   Links: Holding Water: https://bit.ly/3959OWw Climate Change & Drought: https://bit.ly/3ylBcdC   Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

It is really difficult to find a job in marine science and conservation lately so many early career scientists search for internships before full time or temporary jobs, but is an internship in their best interest? I am a huge proponent of getting a job over an internship when possible.   In this episode, I discuss why early career scientists should focus on search for jobs instead of internships.   Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

Science Communication is one of the most important parts of conservation as it is responsible for getting complex information to your audience, but people are used to simple sound bites rather than long explanations; therefore, SciCommers need to adapt and get their points across easily.   In today's episode, I am going to be discussing how to get your point across while holding your audience's attention.   Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

Everyone loves food, you can tell by the number of restaurants that are in a city/town/village. There is a food network with chef battles and mouth-watering dishes. Many cultures use food as a way to socialize and build relationships. But do you ever worry about how the future of our food will be secured in a time when the world will be changing? Stanford University's Center for Ocean Solutions is looking at how blue food security will be affected by a number of changes including the ever-so-changing climate.   Dr. Michelle Tigchelaar is a climate scientist that focuses on blue food security and she joins me on the podcast to discuss a recent paper on how Climate change will affect blue foods in the future.

We own a lot of stuff and we love to buy stuff, but that stuff leads to a life of waste and builds on our impact on the oceans; therefore we need to move towards a net zero impact.   In today's episode, I am going to provide you with an example of an organization that is moving towards net zero...the Toronto Zoo, and how the entire organization is working together to get to net zero.   Wild For Life Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3KfYm7q Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39axsRD   Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

Earth day has come and gone. It's a day to reflect on how we treat the planet and many people, workplaces, and so forth work to do a clean-up in parks or other areas within their communities, but does that do the trick? Is Earth day enough to help get people to act for a better planet?   Today, you will be learning how you can leverage Earth Day to help the planet.   Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

We know the problems that many of the common single-use plastics cause in the ocean and we also know that there are plenty of people working to create policies to ban these plastics, but there are more microplastics being used and are entering the environment; therefore, Joe Barnes and Elisa Davey (graduates students from American University) are going to let you know about some of the microplastics and how they are getting into the ocean.   Connect with Elisa Davey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveyelisa/ Connect with Joe Barnes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/envijoemental_scientist/   Building an online community through digital storytelling 6-week course: https://bit.ly/3ivkHCx   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc