How To Protect The Ocean

How 5 billion sea stars died is a story that shook marine ecosystems along North America’s Pacific coast. This episode dives into the groundbreaking discovery of the bacterium Vibrio pectenicida, the pathogen responsible for sea star wasting disease, which decimated up to 90% of sunflower sea stars. We explore how the loss of these predators caused sea urchin populations to explode, leading to widespread kelp forest destruction, and what new recovery strategies—such as captive breeding, probiotics, and climate monitoring—could mean for the species and the habitats they support. By understanding the science and the solutions, we can help restore balance to one of the ocean’s most important coastal ecosystems. Link to article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/04/science/sea-stars-disease-vibrio-pectenicida.html [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/04/science/sea-stars-disease-vibrio-pectenicida.html] Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow [https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow] Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf [https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf] Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG [https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue [https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue] Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc [https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc] YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube [https://www.speakupforblue.com/youtube]

Scientist Identifies New Manta Ray Species—the Atlantic Manta Ray, Mobula yarae—in a groundbreaking announcement from Dr. Andrea Marshall and her team at the Marine Megafauna Foundation. In this episode, Andrew Lewin shares the story of how Dr. Marshall, already renowned for identifying two distinct manta species in 2009, confirmed a long-suspected third species after years of meticulous observation, genetic analysis, and global collaboration. Listen to this remarkable story of how this new species was first spotted off the Yucatán Peninsula, how it differs from other mantas, and why its recognition is a crucial win for marine conservation. Andrew also reflects on the significance of species discovery for protecting vulnerable marine life and the importance of scientific persistence in the face of challenges. Link to Article: https://marinemegafauna.org/news/third-manta-ray-species-mobula-yarae-discovered-in-atlantic-ocean [https://marinemegafauna.org/news/third-manta-ray-species-mobula-yarae-discovered-in-atlantic-ocean] Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow [https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow] Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf [https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf] Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG [https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue [https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue] Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc [https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc] YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube [https://www.speakupforblue.com/youtube]

Climate Crisis and Capitalism are at the heart of David Suzuki’s powerful message in this episode. In a candid and impassioned reflection, Suzuki warns that if we continue to prioritize politics and the economy over protecting the environment, we may as well give up on climate action. He challenges the cultural obsession with perpetual economic growth, critiques the short-sightedness of political cycles, and urges a fundamental shift in our collective priorities. David Suzuki’s call for transformation is both urgent and inspiring. He advocates for placing the environment at the center of all decision-making, recognizing that our survival depends on living within ecological limits. Drawing on decades of experience as a scientist, broadcaster, and environmental activist, Suzuki encourages individuals to embrace systems thinking, reevaluate their relationship with nature, and demand more from leaders who treat the planet as expendable. This is a wake-up call that goes beyond environmentalism—it’s a call for a radical reimagining of our future. Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow [https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow] Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf [https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf] Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG [https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue [https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue] Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc [https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc] YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube [https://www.speakupforblue.com/youtube]

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: https://www.mapthegaps.org/ [https://www.mapthegaps.org/] Map the Gaps Website: https://www.mapthegaps.org/symposium [https://www.mapthegaps.org/symposium] Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow [https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow] Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf [https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf] Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG [https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue [https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue] Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc [https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc] YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube [https://www.speakupforblue.com/youtube]

Ocean Books can do more than entertain—they can inspire action, hope, and a fresh way of thinking about climate change. In this episode, Todd Medema introduces his new novel, How to Surf a Hurricane, a solarpunk heist that imagines a near-future world adapting to climate change. Todd and Andrew Lewin explore how fiction can shift the narrative from doom to determination, showing how communities can come together to protect nature and build a better future. Solarpunk climate fiction takes center stage in the second half of the conversation. Todd shares his journey from clean energy and political advocacy to storytelling, describing the writing process, the publishing hurdles, and how his background shaped the world he built. This episode is for anyone who wants to see climate action through a more creative, hopeful lens. Website: https://howtosurfahurricane.com/ [https://howtosurfahurricane.com/]   Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow [https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow] Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf [https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf] Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG [https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue [https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue] Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc [https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc] YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube [https://www.speakupforblue.com/youtube]