Why Cayman Islanders Voted against a massive cruise ship pier is a rare and powerful story of reef protection over profit. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin unpacks the bold decision by Cayman citizens to reject a development project that would have severely damaged their coral reef ecosystem. The vote sent a clear message: the long-term health of the ocean matters more than short-term tourism dollars. Why Cayman Islanders Voted is also a reminder that grassroots action can be effective. Andrew explores how this vote happened, what it means for ocean conservation around the world, and how you can channel this momentum into protecting your local waters. He also introduces&nbsp;The Undertow, a growing community of ocean advocates working to inspire and support action like this on a global scale.        Join the Undertow:&nbsp;  Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website:&nbsp; Instagram:&nbsp; TikTok:   Twitter:&nbsp; YouTube:        &nbsp;             &nbsp;

Why Cayman Islanders Voted to Stop a Cruise Ship Pier and Save Their Reef

French Polynesia marine protected area is now the largest in the world, covering nearly 4.8 million square kilometers of ocean. This groundbreaking conservation effort was announced during the United Nations Ocean Conference and includes large no-take zones near the Society and Gambier Islands, along with expansive areas that restrict harmful activities like deep-sea mining and bottom trawling. The MPA recognizes traditional fishing rights while also preserving critical marine habitats. Marine conservation leadership by French Polynesia demonstrates how small island states can make bold commitments to global biodiversity. Backed by IUCN standards and set to expand by another 500,000 km² by 2026, this initiative offers hope in a world where only 8.3% of the ocean is currently protected. In this episode, we explore what this means for ocean life, local communities, and global marine policy—and why the real work begins now with enforcement and support. Link to article:         Join the Undertow:&nbsp;  Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website:&nbsp; Instagram:&nbsp; TikTok:   Twitter:&nbsp; YouTube:        &nbsp;             &nbsp;

How French Polynesia Protected 4.8 Million km² of Ocean: The World’s Largest MPA

Tuna sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a complex challenge tackled head-on by the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). In this episode, Susan Jackson, ISSF President, joins host Andrew Lewin to unpack their groundbreaking 2024 Annual Report. From developing biodegradable jelly-FADs to advancing electronic monitoring standards, Susan explains how ISSF works with fishers, corporations, and NGOs to make global tuna fishing more sustainable and transparent. Electronic monitoring takes center stage as Susan discusses how vessel-level cameras and sensors are reshaping compliance in tuna fisheries. She also highlights the Proactive Vessel Register (PVR), which now includes over 1,700 vessels committed to ISSF conservation measures. We dive deep into how financial investments, stakeholder workshops, and scientific research are creating real-world change in the oceans—plus ISSF’s ambitious goals for 2025. Website:         Join the Undertow:&nbsp;  Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website:&nbsp; Instagram:&nbsp; TikTok:   Twitter:&nbsp; YouTube:        &nbsp;             &nbsp;

Tuna Sustainability and The Work of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation

All The Sharks Netflix finally delivers what ocean lovers and science communicators have been asking for: a show that gets shark science right. In this episode, Andrew breaks down how the new game show sets itself apart from misleading content like SeaSpiracy and Shark Whisperer, and instead showcases real marine scientists, environmental journalists, and shark conservationists doing meaningful, ethical work. Sharks have long suffered from misrepresentation in popular media, but All The Sharks flips the script. With entertaining competition, engaging underwater footage, and actual experts driving the narrative, the show combines education with action in a way that makes conservation both fun and credible. This is the kind of storytelling that builds trust and gets audiences inspired to protect the ocean.        Join the Undertow:&nbsp;  Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website:&nbsp; Instagram:&nbsp; TikTok:   Twitter:&nbsp; YouTube:        &nbsp;             &nbsp;

All The Sharks Netflix Review: It's A Must Watch

Orca Allokelping is the newly documented behavior where southern resident killer whales use bull kelp as a tool to rub against each other—possibly to remove dead skin and soothe irritation. Captured via drone, this social spa-like behavior, known as allokelping, reveals a rare example of cooperative tool use in the wild. Scientists believe it serves both physical and social functions, strengthening bonds within pods and supporting skin health. Kelp grooming is more than just orca hygiene. It highlights the intelligence and cultural complexity of these endangered whales. The discovery comes with a reminder: kelp forests and Chinook salmon are essential for these behaviors to continue. As habitat and food sources decline, so too may the traditions that define this population. This episode breaks down the science behind the behavior and why it matters for conservation.        Join the Undertow:&nbsp;  Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website:&nbsp; Instagram:&nbsp; TikTok:   Twitter:&nbsp; YouTube:        &nbsp;             &nbsp;

Orca Allokelping: Newly Documented Mutual Grooming Tool Use in Marine Mammals

Conservation is about collaboration, and collaboration is what we are discussing today. Ocean collaboration is at the heart of many conservation success stories, but what happens when it breaks down? In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin talks with Bart Orr, the founder of Balean, a platform created to support independent ocean conservationists by giving them the funding, structure, and digital tools to succeed. They dive into the barriers many changemakers face when working outside of traditional institutional channels and how a lack of communication and community support often holds back ocean progress. Balean’s mission is to foster a decentralized, human-centered support network for ocean missions. Bart shares how his background in engineering led him to build Balean as a solution to the gaps he witnessed in ocean collaboration. This episode also reflects on Andrew and Bart’s own partnership and how aligned values and open communication can shape stronger ocean solutions. Whether you’re an early-career marine conservationist or a funder looking to empower grassroots initiatives, this conversation is a powerful call to action. Website:         Join the Undertow:&nbsp;  Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website:&nbsp; Instagram:&nbsp; TikTok:   Twitter:&nbsp; YouTube:        &nbsp;             &nbsp;

Conservation Is About Collaboration And Balean Is All About Collaboration

Map the Deep Sea to protect what we don’t yet understand. In this episode, Andrew Lewin speaks with Tim Kearns from Map the Gaps, a global initiative working to close the knowledge gap beneath the waves. With over 75% of the seafloor still unmapped in high resolution, the ocean remains Earth’s final frontier—and unlocking its secrets is essential for biodiversity, disaster planning, and climate action. Ocean mapping is more than bathymetry. It’s a tool for social justice, environmental stewardship, and informed decision-making. Tim shares how Map the Gaps supports small island nations, Indigenous communities, and global science efforts through collaboration and cutting-edge technology. From an exploration policy perspective, this conversation makes a clear case: mapping the deep sea is the foundation for a sustainable ocean future. Website:  Map the Gaps Website:         Join the Undertow:&nbsp;  Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website:&nbsp; Instagram:&nbsp; TikTok:   Twitter:&nbsp; YouTube:        &nbsp;             &nbsp;

Map the Deep Sea: How Ocean Mapping Drives Conservation, Equity, and Innovation

Advocacy for scientists is a skill that can transform how research impacts the real world. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin reflects on an article by Melissa Varga from the Union of Concerned Scientists that encourages scientists to step into advocacy roles. Andrew shares why many researchers hesitate to speak out, the cultural challenges within academia, and how advocacy can be integrated into a science career without sacrificing credibility. Ocean conservation also depends on people outside the scientific community. Andrew emphasizes that anyone, scientist or not, can play a role in advocating for the ocean. From joining local campaigns to supporting policy initiatives, small steps build a movement that strengthens the voice for conservation. This episode highlights how advocacy can feel intimidating at first but ultimately becomes a natural extension of caring for the ocean. &nbsp;        Join the Undertow:&nbsp;  Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website:&nbsp; Instagram:&nbsp; TikTok:   Twitter:&nbsp; YouTube:        &nbsp;             &nbsp;

Advocacy for Scientists: How to Speak Up for the Ocean

Fighting overfishing with AI is transforming how we protect the ocean. A new study revealed that nearly half of all coastal marine protected areas (MPAs) showed fishing vessel presence, with many ships operating “dark” without AIS tracking. This means that even in places meant to be safe havens for biodiversity, industrial fishing has been creeping in unnoticed. Satellites and artificial intelligence are changing that reality. By detecting untracked vessels and guiding patrols, this technology is already leading to arrests in Gabon, better enforcement in Palau, transparency in Chile, and effective oversight in the UK Blue Belt program. In this episode, I’ll break down the science behind the study, the risks remote MPAs face, and the real-world success stories that give us hope.        Join the Undertow:&nbsp;  Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website:&nbsp; Instagram:&nbsp; TikTok:   Twitter:&nbsp; YouTube:        &nbsp;             &nbsp;

Fighting overfishing with AI: Satellites Expose Illegal Fishing in Marine Protected Areas

In our very first episode, we share a bit about who we are and dip our toes into the world of benthic trawling - aka, bottom trawling. This fishing method involves dragging a large net along the ocean floor.

We’re excited for you to come along on this journey with us!

Pilot Episode

Four passionate biologists are here to connect you with the wonders of the natural world! While many educational podcasts focus on sharing information through discussions, we aim to take it a step further. Our goal is to actively involve you in both the dialogue and efforts to protect our environment. Each episode wraps up with our "Outro of Opportunity," where we highlight ways you can engage and make a difference.

New tracks tagged #Marine science