Scaling Up and Enforcing Marine Protected Areas: Insights from Earthshot Prize Winner Wild Aid with Emily Owen, Ep. 15

03/12/24 • 29 min

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.

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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.

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Previous Episode

Unveiling the Hidden: Advancements in Marine Litter Detection with Manuel Arias, Ep 14

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

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Next Episode

Untangling Seals: Inside Ocean Conservation Namibia's Fight Against Ghost Gear with Naude Dreyer, Ep.16

Naude Dreyer is the co-founder of Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN), a non-profit organization established in 2020 with a mission to rescue marine life, especially seals, entangled in plastic pollution and raise awareness about the devastating impact of this waste on our oceans.

Through Naude's firsthand accounts, listeners gain insight into the heartbreaking reality of seals becoming ensnared in abandoned fishing gear, posing a grave threat to their survival and the health of our oceans. Despite facing challenges ranging from safety concerns to bureaucratic hurdles, OCN has rescued over 3,500 seals from entanglement, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to marine conservation.

From innovative rescue techniques to advocacy efforts aimed at policy change and community engagement, OCN embodies grassroots activism at its finest. Initiatives like their intern program and collaborations with local communities and authorities are not only saving individual animals but also fostering a culture of ocean stewardship for generations to come.

As advocates for cleaner, healthier seas, we salute the tireless work of Ocean Conservation Namibia and urge everyone to join the fight against ghost gear and plastic pollution. Together, we can protect our oceans and the precious life they sustain.

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