Scientific Discoveries That Changed How We See the Ocean
2026/2/04 | 53 mins.
Scientific Discoveries are transforming our understanding of the ocean in ways that were once unimaginable. In this episode of Surfacing Secrets: Explore the Ocean. Know the Planet, Richard Dewey, Kohen Bauer, and Gwen Klassen of Ocean Networks Canada share some of the most exciting breakthroughs made possible by real-time ocean monitoring. From mysterious sediment flows to acoustic insights that map marine life, this conversation reveals how cutting-edge technology is unraveling underwater mysteries. Ocean conservation has never felt more urgent or more hopeful. Scientific discoveries discussed in this episode include how the Delta Dynamics Laboratory survived a dramatic tumble, what we're learning from acoustic data in the Salish Sea, and why collaboration between scientists and Indigenous communities is driving innovation. One surprisingly emotional insight came when Gwen shared how listening to the ocean in real time gave her goosebumps and a sense of connection she hadn't expected. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow
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How Stereo BRUVs Are Revealing Sharks We Never See and Why It Changes Conservation
2026/2/03 | 47 mins.
Stereo BRUVs are transforming how scientists study sharks, yet most people have no idea how much we have been missing, and why that matters for conservation. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kaylee Schmidt about how underwater camera systems are uncovering sharks in places humans rarely go, changing what we think we know about abundance, behavior, and ecosystem health. Shark research has long depended on divers, fishing surveys, and tagging, but those methods can miss species that avoid people or live deeper than we can reach. Kaylee explains how stereo BRUVs allow researchers to study sharks without baiting hooks or disturbing animals, giving a clearer picture of how sharks actually use their habitats. Marine biodiversity takes center stage when Kaylee shares how this technology is being used beyond sharks, including in deep sea environments where data is scarce. One surprising insight from the episode is how often sharks appear in places once assumed to be nearly empty, highlighting how limited human observation has shaped flawed assumptions about ocean life. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow
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Marineland Beluga Whales: What Happens Next and Why This Decision Matters for Animal Welfare
2026/2/02 | 18 mins.
Marineland Beluga Whales are once again at the center of a national debate, and the outcome could shape the future of captive whales in Canada. Marineland Beluga Whales face uncertain futures as government decisions, export permits, and welfare concerns collide, raising a critical question, are these whales being protected or simply moved out of sight? Beluga whales in captivity reveal a deeper problem that goes beyond one facility. This episode breaks down the latest updates on relocation plans, the role of federal permits, and why animal welfare groups argue that sending belugas to other aquariums is not a true solution. The discussion explains what sanctuaries are, why they matter, and why timing is becoming a life-or-death issue for these whales. Beluga whale sanctuary Canada becomes the emotional core of this episode. One surprising and powerful insight is that euthanasia was openly discussed as a possible outcome if permits were denied, a reality that shocked advocates and accelerated government action. This moment exposes how fragile the protection of captive whales really is, and why long-term sanctuary solutions are urgently needed. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow
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Will the US move towards Deep-Sea Mining? What's Really at Stake for the Ocean and Our Future
2026/1/30 | 1h 2 mins.
Will the US move towards Deep-Sea Mining? This question is no longer theoretical, it is urgent, political, and deeply consequential for the ocean. As pressure grows to secure critical minerals for batteries and clean energy, the US is facing a decision that could permanently alter the deep ocean. In this episode, we break down what deep-sea mining really means, why it is suddenly back in the spotlight, and why scientists are sounding the alarm about what we stand to lose before we even understand it. Deep sea mining explained through real testimony, expert insight, and clear examples that cut through the noise. You will hear how mining the ocean floor could disrupt ecosystems that have taken millions of years to form, and why regulation has not kept pace with industry ambition. One of the most surprising insights in this episode is that the deep ocean is being considered for industrial extraction even though scientists still do not know how many species live there, or how long recovery would take, if recovery is even possible. Is deep sea mining dangerous for marine life and for people who rely on a healthy ocean? This episode connects the dots between geopolitics, green energy promises, and environmental risk, showing how decisions made far from the ocean could have irreversible consequences beneath the surface. The emotional core of this conversation is clear: once damage is done in the deep sea, there may be no way to undo it. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow
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Should bull sharks be culled? The truth behind shark bites and how people can actually stay safe
2026/1/28 | 19 mins.
Should bull sharks be culled? Shark bites spark fear, outrage, and calls for action, but the real question is whether killing sharks actually makes people safer. In this episode, we unpack why bull shark incidents happen, what science tells us about risk, and why quick emotional reactions can lead to decisions that do more harm than good. Bull shark attacks are tragic and serious, but one surprising insight from this episode is that bull sharks often bite because they cannot clearly see what is in front of them. Murky water, river runoff, and warm summer conditions dramatically increase confusion for these sharks, making humans more vulnerable without the sharks intending to target people. Living with sharks means accepting that the ocean is not a controlled environment. The emotional moment in this episode comes from recognizing that fear-driven solutions like culling may feel satisfying, but they do not reduce risk and can damage ecosystems that keep oceans healthy and predictable for everyone. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow
Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Dive into the Depths: Join Andrew Lewin on 'How to Protect the Ocean' – Your Gateway to Exclusive Ocean Insights! Explore the latest, uncharted realms of ocean science and conservation that you won't find anywhere else. Andrew takes you on an inspiring journey to uncover the hidden gems of oceanic discovery and initiatives. Tune in to discover how you can transform your life for a better ocean, one episode at a time.
The How To Protect The Ocean is your resource to keep you informed on the latest ocean news; teach you how to speak up for the ocean; and, how you can take action to live for a better ocean.
There is so much information on the ocean and the issues that are affecting it that it can be difficult to find optimism in the future of the ocean. Climate change, overfishing, plastic pollution, water pollution, and coastal development have altered the ocean in ways that have negatively changed the way we use it.
The repercussions of climate change, including the ominous specter of rising sea levels, the relentless march of warming ocean temperatures, and the ominous shadow of ocean acidification, have not only altered the very fabric of our coastlines but have also conjured fiercer storms and summoned floods with growing frequency. The fossil fuel industry may whisper in your ear that the situation is insurmountable, an inescapable fate. However, this podcast is here to unveil a different narrative, one that empowers you to take action. It illuminates the path to change by casting your vote for leaders committed to implementing climate-rescuing policies and by offering invaluable insights into how each of us can shrink our individual carbon footprint.
The grim reality of overfishing casts a long shadow, fueled by governmental shortcomings in the stewardship of both commercial and recreational fisheries. Within the delicate balance of our oceans, every fish population possesses a threshold - a point at which the relentless harvest of fishermen begins to erode their numbers. The management of these aquatic resources is a formidable task, as the elusive currents of the sea often defy easy tracking. Furthermore, the menace of illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing looms large in many nations, adding to the crisis.
Yet, a glimmer of hope shines through the depths. A beacon for responsible consumption emerges in the form of seafood programs, guiding conscientious individuals toward choices that safeguard our oceans. By heeding these programs, you not only savor the delights of sustainable seafood but also become an informed guardian of marine ecosystems.
The relentless scourge of plastic pollution has unleashed an epidemic of death upon the denizens of our oceans. It's a ruthless killer, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of marine mammals, majestic sharks, grandiose fish, gentle sea turtles, and the graceful sea birds that soar above. The malevolence of this crisis knows no bounds, with microplastics infiltrating even the remotest depths of the ocean and etching their presence along every coastline.
To mount a defense against this ecological cataclysm, the clarion call for action echoes on the international and national stages. It beckons governments far and wide to adopt resolute policies, wielding the power to outlaw the menace of single-use plastics and demanding the meticulous detoxification of our supply chains. In this grand battle to safeguard our seas, the fight against plastic pollution knows no borders.
The ominous specter of water pollution looms large, a consequence of our thoughtless disposal into the arteries of our planet – our streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. This callous act reverberates, sending shockwaves through the intricate ecosystems of our coastal havens, where the likes of coral reefs, resilient mangroves, and swaying seagrasses thrive. But alas, this intrusion is not benign; it bears the capacity to corrode and dismantle these vital sanctuaries, the very lifeblood of countless fish and the steadfast guardians of our vulnerable shorelines.
Yet, amidst the unsettling tide of pollution, there emerges a ray of hope. Through individual resolve and visionary government policies harnessed with cutting-edge technology, we can stem this toxic deluge. Water treatment systems stand as stalwart guardians, armed with the ability to sift out the insidious nutrients that fuel destructive algal blooms. The power to heal our waters and preserve the sanctity of our coastal treasures lies within our grasp.
Coastal development, driven by human desires to construct homes or fortify the shoreline against erosion, represents a significant intervention in the natural order. Yet, these changes, while initially confined to the coastal zone, often send ripple effects that extend far beyond their original boundaries, casting a shadow of unintended consequences.
The repercussions of altering coastlines resonate through interconnected ecosystems, occasionally triggering a cascade of events that can inflict profound harm on distant areas. In doing so, this well-intentioned transformation can unwittingly imperil the lives and livelihoods of communities residing in the wake of its impact. It is a stark reminder that our actions along the coast carry a profound responsibility, not just to the immediate environment but to the greater web of life and society that depends upon it.