How To Protect The Ocean

Early Interests and Education:

Stephanie Manka, originally known as Stephanie Shuttler, began her academic journey with a major in biology, initially considering a career in medicine as a backup to her interest in acting.

She discovered her passion for wildlife biology during a study abroad program in Africa, which opened her eyes to the possibility of a career in wildlife conservation.

Academic Path:

Stephanie pursued her PhD focusing on forest elephants and animal behavior, utilizing non-invasive genetics for her research.

After completing her PhD, she undertook two postdoctoral positions, one of which lasted five years in Raleigh, North Carolina, within the research triangle.

Transition to Science Communication:

While working at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Stephanie developed a love for science communication, blogging about her experiences and the challenges of the job market in wildlife biology.

She realized that her research, while valuable, often went unnoticed in academic journals and sought to make a more direct impact through communication and mentoring.

Establishing Her Business:

In April 2020, Stephanie launched her own business, focusing on career mentoring and science communication.

She began offering group programs and writing a book, leveraging her experiences to help others navigate the competitive job market in wildlife conservation.

Current Focus:

Stephanie now combines science communication with career mentoring, helping aspiring wildlife professionals improve their job applications and gain clarity on their career paths.

She emphasizes the importance of networking, gaining relevant experience, and crafting strong job applications tailored to specific roles.

Clarity and Strategy:

Identify what you truly want to do in your career. Having a clear goal helps in targeting the right opportunities and experiences.

Build Experience:

Gain a variety of experiences, especially those that align closely with your career goals. This may involve taking on multiple jobs or internships.

Networking:

Build and maintain a professional network. Connections can lead to job opportunities and valuable insights into the field.

Strong Job Applications:

Focus on writing compelling job applications. Many candidates struggle with this, often writing generic applications that do not highlight their unique experiences and skills.

Invest in Yourself:

Consider investing in career coaching or mentoring programs. This investment can lead to greater accountability and motivation, ultimately enhancing your chances of success.

Resilience and Dedication:

Persistence is key. The job market can be competitive, but with dedication and the right strategy, success is achievable.

Connect with Stephanie: Website: https://stephanieschuttler.com/

Career Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/https://stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to-success/

Fancy Scientist Podcast: https://stephanieschuttler.com/category/podcast/

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In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin sits down with TikTok personality Erica Hernandez to discuss the power of social media in advocating for ocean conservation. Erica shares her journey over the past two years, highlighting innovative ways to communicate environmental science, climate issues, and wildlife conservation to a broad audience. Listeners will gain insights into effective messaging strategies and be inspired to start their own platforms—whether on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or through podcasts—to join the movement for a healthier ocean. Tune in for practical advice and an engaging conversation about the impact of science communication in the conservation community.

Erika Hernandez' TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whaleswee?lang=en

Science communication is vital for raising awareness about environmental issues and engaging the public in conservation efforts. In a podcast episode featuring Erica Hernandez, a TikTok personality focused on climate and environmental science, the significance of effective science communication is underscored through various aspects of her work and experiences.

1. Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Andrew Lewin, the host, shares his motivation for starting the podcast, which arose from conversations with friends and family who were largely unaware of the pressing issues facing the ocean. This reflects a broader trend where many people lack access to reliable information about environmental challenges. Science communication acts as a bridge, providing resources and knowledge to those who may not have been exposed to these topics otherwise.
2. Empowering Individuals: Erica emphasizes the impact of her TikTok content, where she shares positive climate news and educational information. She mentions receiving messages from followers expressing gratitude for her work, stating that it gives them hope and encourages them to engage with environmental issues. This demonstrates how effective communication can empower individuals to take action and feel connected to the cause.
3. Diverse Platforms for Engagement: The episode discusses various platforms for science communication, including TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts. Erica's use of TikTok allows her to reach a younger audience, utilizing a format that is both engaging and accessible. By experimenting with different types of content, such as lifestyle videos and positive news segments, she caters to diverse interests and encourages broader participation in environmental discussions.
4. Addressing Climate Doomism: Both Andrew and Erica acknowledge the heavy nature of environmental issues, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness or "climate doomism." However, through positive messaging and highlighting actionable steps, they aim to counteract this negativity. Erica's commitment to sharing uplifting news about environmental progress serves to inspire and motivate her audience, reinforcing the idea that collective action can lead to meaningful change.
5. Community Building: The podcast highlights the importance of community in science communication. Erica mentions connecting with other advocates and sharing information that can mobilize action, such as potential developments in Florida State Parks. By fostering a sense of community among followers and fellow advocates, science communication can amplify voices and create a collective impact on conservation efforts.
6. Encouraging Action: The conversation underscores that science communication is not just about sharing information; it is about inspiring action. Erica's content encourages her audience to think critically about their lifestyle choices, such as thrifting and sustainable living, which can contribute to environmental conservation. By providing practical tips and relatable content, she engages her audience in a way that feels achievable and impactful.

In summary, science communication plays a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental issues and engaging the public in conservation efforts. Through platforms like TikTok, individuals like Erica Hernandez are able to share knowledge, inspire hope, and foster community, ultimately driving collective action toward a more sustainable future. The episode serves as a reminder of the power of effective communication in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.

In the podcast episode featuring Erica Hernandez, a TikTok personality focused on climate change and environmental science, the significance of science communication in environmental advocacy is thoroughly discussed. Erica's journey into environmentalism began at a young age, sparked by witnessing deforestation, which ignited her passio...

Where do whales live? Where do they go? These are just some of the questions the US federal government would like to answer by introducing a bill (H.R. 10292) called the Whale CHARTS Act.

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lauren discusses the recently introduced Whale Conservation Habitat Analysis Research and Technical Strategies Act, also known as the Whale Charts Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to enhance the protection of baleen and sperm whales by improving our understanding of their feeding areas, calving grounds, and migration routes.

Key points covered in the episode include:

• Objectives of the Whale Charts Act: The bill seeks to create high-resolution distribution maps of whale populations, develop predictive models to forecast shifts in whale habitats due to climate change, and conduct targeted research on understudied baleen whale species.
• Importance of Mapping: Enhanced mapping and predictive modeling are crucial for preventing dangerous collisions between vessels and whales. The North Atlantic right whale, for example, is often struck by ships, and understanding their migration routes is essential for their conservation.
• Use of Technology: The act encourages the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to utilize innovative data sources, such as passive acoustic monitoring and satellite imagery, to improve the accuracy of habitat maps. This technology integration aims to safeguard marine wildlife while ensuring safer navigation for boaters.
• Bipartisan Support: The episode emphasizes that the Whale Charts Act has bipartisan support, making it a viable piece of legislation that could pass. Listeners are encouraged to contact their federal representatives to express support for the bill.

Overall, the episode highlights the significance of mapping and tracking whale populations not only for their protection but also for the safety of human activities in marine environments. By leveraging advanced technology and data, the Whale Charts Act represents a proactive step towards harmonizing maritime operations with the natural behaviors of whales.

Link to article: https://ecomagazine.com/news/policy/new-bill-introduced-to-improve-predictive-mapping-technology-for-whale-and-boater-safety/

US Congresspeople associated with the bill:

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Florida): https://buchanan.house.gov/constituent-validation Rep. Doris Matsui (D-California): https://matsuiforms.house.gov/contact/ Rep. Nicole Malliotakis(R-New York): https://malliotakis.house.gov/contact Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California): https://huffman.house.gov/contact/

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Sea Turtle Conservation in Florida is hard and it's about to get harder with the onset of increased intensity of hurricanes and increased sea level rise.

Sea Turtle Conservation has been successful over the past few decades with protection policies being implemented along Florida coastlines. Still, hurricane events and increased sea level rise can wipe out nests in one storm killing hundreds of thousands of sea turtles.

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lord discusses the challenges facing sea turtle conservation in Florida, particularly in light of climate change. While sea turtles have seen a resurgence due to decades of conservation efforts, new threats are emerging that jeopardize their future.

The episode highlights the impact of climate change, specifically the increase in hurricane intensity and rising sea levels, on sea turtle nesting. The 2024 hurricane season demonstrated these vulnerabilities, with storms like Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Debbie destroying hundreds of nests along Florida's Gulf Coast. The physical toll on nesting beaches, including erosion and loss of habitat, poses a significant threat to the survival of sea turtles.

Sea turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, maintaining the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs. Their decline could have far-reaching consequences for marine biodiversity. The episode emphasizes that protecting sea turtles from climate change impacts is a complex challenge that requires collective action.

Listeners are encouraged to support beach conservation programs, advocate for climate action, and get involved with local organizations dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their habitats. Despite the daunting challenges posed by climate change, the episode conveys a message of hope, urging individuals to take action to ensure the survival of these iconic marine creatures.

Link to article: https://phys.org/news/2024-12-florida-sea-turtle-success-story.html

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Andrew Lewin dives into the controversial topic of deep-sea mining and its implications for the environment. He questions whether mining the deep sea for metals to create electric vehicle batteries truly benefits the planet or if there are better alternatives. The discussion raises concerns about the potential impact on the ocean and the need to explore alternative solutions for a sustainable future.

Link to article: https://www.sciencealert.com/mysterious-dark-oxygen-discovered-at-bottom-of-ocean-stuns-scientists

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Deep sea nodules, highly sought after for mining due to their valuable metal content, have recently been discovered to play a crucial role in oxygen production in the deep sea. Composed of cobalt, manganese, and nickel, these nodules form a polymetallic matrix that can generate a significant voltage when clustered together. This voltage is essential for splitting oxygen from water, a process that typically requires light for photosynthesis to occur. However, in the dark depths of the deep sea where light does not penetrate, these nodules serve as natural geobatteries, generating the necessary voltage to produce oxygen.

The discovery of oxygen production by deep sea nodules challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding deep sea mining. While deep sea mining has been promoted as a means to extract valuable metals for various industries, the potential impact on oxygen production in the deep sea raises significant concerns. The presence of these nodules not only supports diverse ecosystems but also contributes to the geochemical processes that sustain life in the deep sea.

The revelation that deep sea nodules are involved in oxygen production underscores the complexity of deep sea ecosystems and the interconnectedness of marine life. The implications of deep sea mining on oxygen production and ecosystem health must be carefully considered in light of this new information. The balance between economic interests and environmental conservation becomes even more delicate when the fundamental role of these nodules in oxygen production is taken into account.

This discovery prompts a reevaluation of the necessity and sustainability of deep sea mining practices. It raises questions about the long-term consequences of extracting nodules from their natural habitat and the potential disruption to oxygen production and deep sea ecosystems. As we continue to explore and understand the deep sea, it is essential to prioritize the protection of these vital ecosystems and consider alternative approaches to resource extraction that minimize harm to the environment.

The discovery of "dark oxygen" in the deep sea, as discussed in the podcast episode, has significant implications for the ongoing debate surrounding deep-sea mining. The revelation that certain nodules sought after for mining are actually contributing to oxygen production in the deep sea challenges the perceived necessity of deep-sea mining for metals like cobalt, manganese, and nickel.

The presence of these nodules, which create a polymetallic matrix capable of producing oxygen, raises questions about the trade-off between resource extraction and environmental conservation. Deep sea mining companies have invested substantial resources in developing technologies to extract these nodules efficiently. However, the newfound understanding of the role of these nodules in oxygen production highlights the potential consequences of disrupting deep-sea habitats for mining purposes.

The episode emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of deep-sea mining on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Areas rich in these nodules exhibit higher biodiversity levels compared to mined regions, indicating the potential ecological harm caused by mining activities. The interconnected nature...