Animals affected by climate change are showing us how fragile our ecosystems have become. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with Dr. Helen Killeen, a marine ecologist whose research connects seabird reproduction to shifting ocean temperatures, prey diversity, and climate pressures across the northern hemisphere.

Animals affected by climate change, from seabirds in the Arctic to those in the Pacific, serve as living indicators of ocean health. Helen explains how changes in prey diversity and warming oceans disrupt seabird breeding success, what this means for food webs, and why protecting biodiversity can help stabilize marine ecosystems. She also shares her journey from high-school science teacher to marine researcher, revealing how curiosity and adaptability are essential traits for anyone working to protect our planet.

Link to study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02717-z

Link to Farallone Institute: https://www.faralloninstitute.org/

Link to seabird page: https://seabirds.faralloninstitute.org/

Marine Conservation Projects are driving real wins: green sea turtles downgraded to least concern in many regions, North Atlantic right whales showing a small but meaningful uptick, and a new vaquita calf sighting offering hope. In this episode I explain the common thread behind these stories, targeted local projects, science monitoring, and laws that actually get enforced, and I share practical ways you can support the people doing the work.

From night patrols that protect turtle nests to whale disentanglement teams and community programs in Mexico that replace gillnets, you will hear how volunteers, NGOs, scientists, and agencies are collaborating. I also share simple options for listeners, micro-donations, monthly support for field teams and students, and amplifying calls to action, so your contribution compounds over time.

Bill Gates and Climate Change have become a trending topic after the billionaire philanthropist argued that the world is too focused on cutting carbon emissions and not focused enough on improving human welfare. In this episode, I unpack what Gates said, why it caused such a reaction, and how his argument connects to decades of work in climate justice and climate equity.

Many climate justice organizations have long emphasized that people struggling with hunger, illness, or poverty cannot prioritize environmental action until their basic needs are met. Gates's claim—that people fighting to survive won't care about climate change—has reignited a long-standing debate: should the global focus be on saving people now or saving the planet long-term? I explore what this means for climate policy, philanthropy, and how we communicate solutions for ocean and human health together.

You'll also hear how these conversations tie back to ocean conservation, coastal communities, and the delicate balance between adaptation, mitigation, and justice.

North Atlantic right whales have been teetering on the edge of extinction for decades, with fewer than 400 individuals left. But recent reports hint at a small sign of hope: the population may finally be stabilizing, or even slightly increasing. In this episode, Andrew Lewin explores what that really means.

Conservation efforts, from slower ship speeds to ropeless fishing gear, are starting to make a difference—but are they enough to ensure these whales survive? Andrew breaks down the latest science, the hard numbers from NOAA's newest technical memo, and why every calf, especially every female calf, matters for the species' future.

This episode balances realism and optimism, showing how policy, technology, and human compassion can still change the course for one of the ocean's most endangered giants.

Art and Ocean Science are merging in ways that bring new life to marine research and conservation. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with the creative minds behind Ocean Networks Canada's "Surfacing Secrets" project, a groundbreaking collaboration where sculptors, theatre directors, and scientists explore how art can help people see, feel, and understand the ocean in fresh ways.

Ocean creativity takes center stage as guests share how sculpture can represent underwater sounds, theatre can transform data into emotion, and how cross-disciplinary partnerships bridge the gap between research and public engagement. This powerful exchange between artists and scientists reveals how creative storytelling can inspire empathy, foster curiosity, and spark action for the ocean.

Ocean connection drives every part of this episode, reminding us that art isn't just a reflection of science, it's a vital part of understanding our planet's most mysterious realm, the deep sea.

Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary has officially received provincial approval, marking a monumental step toward creating Canada's first ocean refuge for retired whales. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explains how this decision moves the Whale Sanctuary Project closer to reality, what challenges remain before the sanctuary opens, and why this could change the way the world cares for marine mammals.

Andrew also dives into how the Whale Sanctuary Project built the foundation for this historic milestone through years of environmental assessment, scientific planning, and local engagement. He reflects on his own experiences as a marine biologist and communicator, sharing why the sanctuary represents more than just a safe haven for whales—it's a sign that humanity is learning to live in balance with the ocean once again.

AI and Water are more connected than most people realize. As artificial intelligence continues to expand, the data centres that power it are using millions of litres of water every day to stay cool. This invisible demand is creating ripple effects across our freshwater systems, and ultimately, our ocean.

In this episode, Andrew Lewin uncovers how AI's explosive growth is reshaping global water use. From groundwater depletion and saltwater intrusion near coastal data hubs to desalination discharges harming marine life, the story goes far beyond servers and code. He breaks down how indirect energy use from AI contributes to ocean warming and acidification, revealing that every digital action has a hidden aquatic cost.

Andrew also explores innovative solutions—from recycled and non-potable cooling systems to closed-loop designs that dramatically reduce water loss. With growing global demand for AI, he highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and smarter policy design to protect both freshwater and marine environments.

Green sea turtle conservation shows us what's possible when people, policy, and passion align. Once nearly wiped out by overharvesting and habitat loss, the green sea turtle has made an inspiring recovery after decades of global protection. In this episode, Andrew Lewin shares a deeply personal story of encountering a turtle nest in Florida with his daughters and reflects on how that moment connects to today's IUCN Red List update.

But while the turtle story offers hope, the latest report warns of darker trends. Arctic seals like the harp, hooded, and bearded seals are now at greater risk as melting sea ice robs them of essential habitat, and 61 percent of the world's bird species are in decline due to deforestation, agriculture, invasive species, and climate change. Andrew breaks down how the balance between success and loss reveals both the fragility of nature and the power of sustained conservation.

This episode isn't just about wildlife; it's about people choosing to act. Andrew explains how individual and collective choices—from voting and policy advocacy to supporting community-based conservation—can determine which species recover and which fade away.