Less than 400 left; that’s how many North Atlantic right whales remain in the world. These critically endangered whales are at the center of an urgent conservation story, but how the media communicates about them plays a powerful role in shaping public awareness and action. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin sits down with Dr. Marcus Reamer, a new PhD graduate in science communication, to explore how newspapers and digital outlets covered right whale crises over the past decade.

Science communication emerges as a critical conservation tool, with Dr. Reamer sharing insights from his research on major publications like the New York Times, Washington Post, and LA Times. Together, they unpack why media coverage spikes during crises but fades when attention shifts elsewhere, and what this means for endangered species storytelling.

Whale conservation depends not only on data and science but also on the narratives shared with the public. This conversation highlights how media framing can help or hinder conservation literacy, and how improved communication can increase support for saving one of the world’s rarest whales.

Link to article: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2515-7620/adeeec

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Science communication and whale conservation
04:10 Welcoming Dr. Marcus Reamer, new PhD graduate
08:30 Research focus: Media coverage of North Atlantic right whales
13:40 Crisis-driven coverage: Why articles spike then fade
19:20 Case studies: New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times
24:50 Media framing and conservation literacy
30:15 Why keeping whales in the headlines is so difficult
36:00 Lessons for scientists and communicators
42:10 Audience role in amplifying endangered species stories
48:25 Marcus’ reflections on improving communication strategies
54:30 Final thoughts on saving whales through storytelling
59:45 Closing remarks and action steps

#oceanconservation #MarineBiology #SaveOurOceans #ProtectTheOcean #OceanAwareness #BluePlanet #ConservationMatters #ScienceForChange #SustainableOceans
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