Episodes

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....

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 grassro...

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 poisonin...

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—...

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...

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 demon...

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-dr...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Fisheries: In this episode, we see the surprising news that the U.S. government is opening up parts of its marine protected areas (MPAs) to commercial fishing. This rollback of protections in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument has...

Great Barrier Reef bleaching is accelerating at a dangerous pace, and yet, hope rises from a unique blend of technology, data, and collective action. In this powerful episode, Andrew talks to Andy Ridley, the founding CEO of Citizens of the Reef,...

Ocean conservation is more than a job—it’s a calling. In this episode, we sit down with McKenzie Margereth, known online as McKnsea, who shares her inspiring journey of making bold career decisions in marine biology while becoming a powerful voice...

Coral restoration is often seen as a beacon of hope for our oceans—but are we putting too much faith in it? In this episode, we dive into why coral bleaching has become an annual event, especially on the Great Barrier Reef, and whether restoration...

Rebuilding fisheries in Canada: Capelin biomass is only at 16% of its pre-collapse level, which spells disaster for northern cod's recovery. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin breaks down the troubling state of Canada’s...

Shark communication is critical in changing their "man-eating" reputation from the movie Jaws. Sharks need protection so telling people about the wonders of sharks is essential. Marine biology is more than just a job — it’s a lifestyle driven by...

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...

Intersex marine mammals are an exceptionally rare topic in marine biology, and 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...

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...

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...