The Healthy Seas Podcast

Dr. Anna von Rebay is the founder and CEO of Ocean Vision Legal (OVL), the first law firm worldwide entirely specializing in Ocean Protection. OVL focuses on the enforcement of existing obligations to protect the marine environment (Ocean Litigation) and advocates for new laws to provide better protection standards for the Ocean (Ocean Rights).

Understanding Ocean Litigation

Ocean litigation is a term coined by Dr. von Rebay, inspired by the growing climate litigation movement. In our discussion, she explains what ocean litigation means and how it could transform the way we protect our oceans. This innovative approach encompasses legal actions and frameworks aimed at addressing environmental harm and promoting marine protection and conservation.

Connecting Climate and Ocean Litigation

We explore the connection between climate litigation and ocean litigation, highlighting how the fight against climate change intersects with efforts to safeguard our oceans. Dr. von Rebay discusses the parallels between these movements and how lessons learned from climate litigation can be applied to the ocean context.

Rights of Nature and the Rights of Marine Species

One of the most intriguing aspects of our conversation is the Rights of Nature movement and its application to marine species. Dr. von Rebay shares her work on whale rights in collaboration with the Maori, illustrating how this concept can lead to a more equitable and sustainable approach to the way we think, see. and protect our oceans.

Exploring Ecocide and Human Rights

We also touch on ecocide and its implications for ocean protection. Dr. von Rebay emphasizes the need to view environmental destruction as a serious crime and discusses human rights connections with ocean rights. She shares how her early passion for human rights and courtroom advocacy influenced her journey into ocean protection.

Reimagining Ocean Rights and Nature's Intrinsic Value

Beyond litigation, Dr. von Rebay discusses the second branch of Ocean Vision Legal: ocean rights. This initiative focuses on improving laws and challenging the traditional view of nature as a resource. Instead, Dr. von Rebay advocates for recognizing nature's intrinsic value, promoting a deeper respect for the oceans and their ecosystems.

Join us as we explore these fascinating topics with Dr. Anna von Rebay and gain insights into the evolving landscape of ocean protection.

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Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Emily Owen is the Marine Program Director at WildAid, an organization at the forefront of marine protection efforts. With their recent Earthshot Prize win, WildAid is setting the bar high for global conservation initiatives.

In this conversation, Emily delves into one of WildAid’s specialties- the enforcement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Highlighting the varied types of MPAs, from offshore sanctuaries to coastal reserves, Emily emphasizes their essential contribution to sustainable fisheries and climate change mitigation. Despite the challenges in enforcing MPAs, such as staffing shortages and limited resources, WildAid has pioneered an approach that empowers local leaders to strengthen monitoring and surveillance, meet conservation goals, and provide lasting benefits for endangered wildlife, marine ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal communities.

WildAid's commitment to marine conservation, validated by their Earthshot Prize achievement, resonates with Healthy Seas’ mission to tackle marine debris and foster healthier aquatic ecosystems. Let's join forces to protect our oceans and ensure their sustainability for future generations.

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Sharks have survived five global mass extinctions yet, now, many of their species are endangered due to human activities and myths. Cristina Zenato works to reverse this. She is an ocean and cave explorer, shark behaviorist and expert, dive instructor, speaker, writer, and conservationist. She has helped to change the perception of sharks through the close encounters she has with these animals. They often allow her to pet them and even remove hooks from their mouths! Cristina was a vital player in helping to declare the Bahamas as a shark sanctuary when external fisheries were looking to come in and take them from Bahamian waters. She also works all over the world advocating for these often maligned creatures and for the conservation of the waters they live in.

We talk about what it's like to, literally, have a shark in your lap, how it's crucial that we know that not all sharks are the same, the dangers sharks are facing, and what would happen to us if they are removed from the ecosystem.

Resources

• Her website
• Her nonprofit, People of the Water

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Dive into the depths of marine litter detection with Manuel Arias, an earth observation
scientist at the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar in Spain in this episode of the Healthy
Seas Podcast.
As specialists in cleaning the seas and combating marine pollution, the Healthy Seas
Foundation brings you an insightful conversation with Arias, who delves into the innovative technologies driving the detection and categorization of marine debris.
From optical sensors on satellites to drones, explore the pros and cons of different remote sensing technologies and their crucial role in identifying and measuring marine litter.
Arias discusses the significance of detecting and quantifying marine litter, particularly amidst evolving policy changes and legislation aimed at mitigating its impact. Gain insight into the challenges of detecting floating litter versus sunken debris, including the persistent threat of ghost gear and ghost nets. Discover the environmental ramifications of plastics in the ocean, from their ability to absorb toxic substances to the formation and detection of microplastics and nanoplastics.
This episode also addresses the spill of microbeads in Spain, recycling options, consumption reduction strategies, and collaboration with the fishing industry.
Join us as we unravel the complexities of marine pollution and emphasize the importance of legislative measures in safeguarding our oceans!
Tune in to this enlightening discussion, packed with topics essential to the Healthy Seas Foundation's ocean conservation and awareness mission. Don't miss out on this opportunity to uncover what lies beneath the surface and join us in our efforts to protect and clean the seas.
Some interesting links on the topics Manuel Arias discusses.
- IOOCCG Taskforce
- GEO BLUE Planet e IMDOS
- IMDOS
- Ocean Decade Conference
- Enzymes to degrade plastics
- IEO Drones
- The problem with the idea of biodegradable plastic
- One of their collaborative works in the field
- Plastic pellet spill in Spain

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

We're diving into the murky waters of ghost farms with Veronika Mikos, the director of Healthy Seas. Ghost farms, a relatively unknown, but significant, threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, are the focus of this insightful conversation. Veronika guides us through the intricacies of what ghost farms are, where they are typically found, and their impact on communities, marine life, and ocean pollution.

What Are Ghost Farms?

Ghost farms refer to abandoned aquaculture or fish farming sites, often left to deteriorate in coastal waters. These sites become environmental hazards, polluting the ocean with debris, and affecting marine ecosystems. The presence of decaying structures, abandoned nets, and other industrial waste can harm wildlife and disrupt local communities' livelihoods.

The Impact on Marine Life and Ocean Pollution

Veronika discusses the numerous ways in which ghost farms impact marine life. Abandoned nets and other structures can entangle sea creatures, causing injury or death. Moreover, the decaying materials from these sites contribute to ocean pollution, affecting the broader marine ecosystem and leading to cascading effects on the food chain.

Organizing a Cleanup

Veronika shares how Healthy Seas organizes cleanups of ghost farms. The process involves complex logistics, including securing funding, gathering a skilled team, and obtaining legal information. The cleanups aim to remove debris and restore the natural environment, ensuring that the sea can begin to heal from the damage caused by these abandoned sites.

A Growing Problem with Limited Knowledge

The episode also highlights the limited knowledge about ghost farms' full impact. Veronika notes that, despite being a growing problem, there's a lack of comprehensive studies and data on the extent of the issue. This lack of information poses challenges for those working to address the problem, emphasizing the need for more research and awareness.

New Operation: Ghost Farms - Reclaiming Waters

One of the exciting announcements in this episode is the upcoming "Ghost Farms - Reclaiming Waters" operation. Starting in May, this initiative will focus on cleaning up ghost farms in Western Greece and educational activities with universities and schools. The operation is set to continue throughout the year, aiming to make a significant impact on the affected areas.

Tune in to learn more about ghost farms, the work being done to reclaim our waters, and how you can get involved in supporting these efforts. Don't forget to subscribe to the Healthy Seas podcast to stay updated on the latest news and episodes!

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.