Rising Tide: The Ocean Podcast

Exploring the Depths: An Investigative Dive on Ocean Conservation and Cultural ImpactIn the latest episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein have an engaging conversation with Paul Greenberg, author of the best-selling book ‘Four Fish’ and more recent writings including his latest novel ‘A Third Term’ (George Washington takes on Donald Trump). A Writer in Residence at the Safina Center, a former Pew Fellow and recipient of many honors, Paul discusses growing up fishing, his literary journey (with a short jaunt into Semiotics) how people’s habits and perceptions often differ from common environmental messaging they receive and why Bluefin Tuna give him hope for the future. Tune in for a thoughtful and thought- provoking conversation in depth with our guest Paul Greenberg.

Exploring the Forgotten Frontlines of Our Ocean's Battle Against Climate ChangeThe tables turn on the latest episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast as Blue Frontier’s Natasha Benjamin interviews Rising Tide co-host and author David Helvarg on his latest book, ‘Forest of the Sea – The Remarkable Life and Imperiled Future of Kelp’ (coming out May 5th). As co-director of the award-winning kelp forest documentary ‘Sequoias of the Sea’ Natasha is also steeped in the mystery, wonder and peril of these great underwater forests of life and light. So, their discussion ranges over both familiar territory – how a changing warming ocean is impacting kelp forests that have been around over 30 million years - to some of the newer things David discovered during his two years researching the book, interviewing and diving with a wide range of people and creatures from Alaska to California, Maine, Turkey, Palau – for his chapter ‘Kelp is the new Coral’ - and other far-flung waterfronts where the world’s kelp forests, cover an area larger than the Amazon rainforest. He talks about how they’ve gotten into serious trouble even as they provide us half a trillion dollars of services a year including as ‘the mother seed’ for global food security in fishing and seaweed aquaculture.It’s a fun romp through an entangling wonderland, which is why Rising Tide recommends you give a listen and then buy David’s book (preferably through your local independent bookstore). Additional Resources Pre-order Forest Of The Sea — Veteran journalist David Helvarg takes us on a riveting journey beneath the waves to understand kelp’s natural and human history, the billions of dollars of products and services it contributes to our global economy, the unwitting human activities that threaten its survival, and the powerful movements around the world to restore its disappearing habitat.Sequoias Of The Sea — tells the story of the environmental, cultural and economic destruction impacting a coastal town that has lost its coastal kelp forest. It’s a deep dive into the lives of fishermen, tribes, scientists, and a community working to restore a habitat devastated by a warming climate. Blue Frontier / Substack — Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.Inland Ocean Coalition — Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protectionFluid Studios — Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

On the latest episode of Rising Tide, hosts David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols-Goldstein sit down with Angelo Villagomez, Senior Ocean Fellow at the Center for American Progress in Washington D.C. — a man who has spent his career turning conviction into policy at the edges of the map.A longtime activist and advocate for community and indigenous governance, Villagomez was a central force behind the establishment of the Mariana Trench National Marine Monument, doing the hard, unglamorous work of coalition-building from the ground up while based in Saipan, deep in the western Pacific.The conversation turns, as it must, to the present dangers. The Trump administration has set its sights on the nation's marine monuments, thrown open the door to deep-sea mining with reckless enthusiasm, and pursued what can only be described as a vendetta against offshore wind — apparently terrified of a wind-spill — while greasing every available skid for oil and gas expansion. Meanwhile, the institutional backbone of American ocean science, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is being quietly hollowed out from within.But Villagomez and his hosts don't stop at the diagnosis. The episode maps a course forward — from protecting local waters to hitting the streets (signs reading "No Kings but king salmon" are apparently optional but encouraged), registering to vote, and casting ballots with the ocean in mind come November.If information is a weapon for positive change, this conversation is live ammunition.Additional ResourcesBlue Frontier / Substack — Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.Inland Ocean Coalition — Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protectionFluid Studios — Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

On the latest episode of *Rising Tide*, hosts David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein sit down with Mark Benjamin and Katie Carpenter, co-directors of the powerful feature documentary Fatal Watch.Fatal Watch exposes the darkest underbelly of the global fishing industry—the murder and suspicious deaths of dozens of onboard fisheries observers assigned by the tuna industry and others to document illegal activities aboard commercial fishing vessels. Through an examination of multiple cases, including video evidence of observers supposedly “lost at sea,” the film reveals the profound difficulty of holding anyone accountable.Spanning the world’s waterfronts and open seas, Benjamin and Carpenter follow criminal investigators, industry critics, and the families left behind—people fighting through grief in pursuit of truth and justice.Fatal Watch is now available for streaming on Apple TV, YouTube, and other platforms. After listening to this wide-ranging and revealing conversation, audiences will undoubtedly want to experience the film for themselves. ** Additional Resources **Fatal Watch weaves the stories of four marine observers and investigators exposing the true cost of overfishing. Combining exclusive footage with access to key investigations, the documentary shows how tuna has become a prized commodity, lives are sacrificed and marine observers are dying to tell the truth.Brick City TV — Creating award-winning content for TV, film, and digital platforms. We partner with thought-leaders, organizations, and brands ready to stand up and say what they stand for.Blue Frontier / Substack — Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.Inland Ocean Coalition — Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protectionFluid Studios — Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

In the latest episode of Rising Tide: The Ocean Podcast, David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein speak with former guests and good friends of the Ocean Philippe and Ashlan Cousteau. Philippe is the third generation of the legendary family of Jacques Cousteau and a founder of the youth group Earth Echo International. Ashlan is a former entertainment journalist who now reports on the doings of sea stars and influencers of climate. Together they’ve produced ocean documentaries for CNN, the Discovery Channel and others, written books including ‘Oceans for Dummies’ and now are engaged in an effort to protect Antarctica’s Southern Ocean. They are supporting the establishment of protected areas and opposing massive commercial krill fishing that threatens the sea life, including penguins and whales, that depend on these tiny crustaceans. They have also launched an Omega 3 algae-based supplement – SeaVoir - to provide a healthier alternative to krill (or fish) oil that they also discuss. So, a fascinating encounter with a dynamic ocean duo. Please do listen in. ** Additional Resources **SeaVoir — Building on the spirit of the Cousteau legacy of ocean exploration and conservation. With a passion for scaling solutions to the biggest problems facing our ocean, Ashlan and Philippe Cousteau are leading the way to a healthier future.Blue Frontier / Substack — Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.Inland Ocean Coalition — Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protectionFluid Studios — Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

In this year-end episode Holden Hardcastle and Nick Paz do an on-the-ground (actually on the beach) interview with Vince Yuen, founder of 'Refuse, Refuse San Francisco.' During a beach clean-up on the city's oceanfront he discusses the significance of community-led trash cleanups in protecting the environment. Vince shares how his organization started as a personal project during the COVID pandemic and evolved into a city-wide movement aimed at reducing urban litter and its impact on all waterways. The discussion also touches on legislative efforts to reduce cigarette butts and single-use plastics, illustrating how collective citizen action and policy changes are crucial for lasting environmental impact.** Additional Resources **Refuse Refuse - Keeping San Francisco beautiful. Organizing events and cleanup opportunities, as well as partnering with local organizations with the ultimate goal of keeping San Francisco free of refuse.Blue Frontier / Substack — Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.Inland Ocean Coalition — Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protectionFluid Studios — Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

In the latest episode, David Helvarg & Vicki Nichols Goldstein talk with the Reverend Robert Wilkins about how his faith led him to his work with the Seafarers Ministry, serving ship crews arriving at the Port of Oakland, California. Wilkins and his team make ship visits, help crew members connect with families in places like the Philippines and Bangladesh, and check in on conditions such as time spent at sea and food quality — often doing follow-up when issues arise.They also support mariners on shore leave with recreation, transportation, and other needs, and even coordinate doctor visits when necessary, frequently working with Customs and Border Protection to make it happen. Each holiday season, the ministry delivers gift bags to seafarers and continues to grow its volunteer program, expanding ship visits from 250 vessels to 370 this year — supporting the people responsible for moving more than 90% of the world’s goods.Wilkins also shares his perspective on shipping automation and decarbonization, exploring how these changes are already affecting seafarers and may reshape their livelihoods in the future.Tune in to this insightful conversation with Rev. Wilkins and gain his unique perspective.** Additional Resources **Blue Frontier / Substack — Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.Inland Ocean Coalition — Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protectionFluid Studios — Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

In the latest episode of 'Rising Tide, the Ocean Podcast,' hosts David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein of the Inland Ocean Coalition interview Dr. Drew Harvell, an esteemed professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell University. The discussion delves into the recent breakthrough in identifying the bacteria responsible for sea star wasting disease, which has decimated starfish populations and kelp forests on the West Coast. Dr. Harvell reveals her journey into marine biology, highlights her research on marine ecosystem health, and discusses her influential books, including 'A Sea of Glass' and 'The Ocean's Menagerie.' Dr. Harvell emphasizes the impact of pathogen pollution on marine life, the interconnectedness of human and environmental health, and the therapeutic potential of marine organisms. The episode underscores the critical need for better ocean management and the role of art in translating scientific knowledge to foster public interest and understanding. ** Links & Resources **Catherine Drew Harvell of Cornell: https://ecologyandevolution.cornell.edu/catherine-drew-harvellCheck out her books, Sea of Glass (https://a.co/d/41kufFg), Ocean Outbreak (https://a.co/d/ihQpRi5), and her latest Ocean's Menagerie (https://a.co/d/0R5dK53)Blaschka Glass Collection: https://digital.library.cornell.edu/collections/blaschkaWorld Bank Project: https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/projects-homeBlue Frontier: bluefront.orgBuilding the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.Blue Frontier on Substack: https://davidhelvarg.substack.com/Inland Ocean Coalition: inlandoceancoalition.orgBuilding land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protectionFluid Studios: fluidstudios.orgThinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

In the latest episode David & Vicki talk with Wildaid CEO Meaghan Brosnan who, when it comes to marine wildlife and protected areas, is all about the enforcement. Wildaid is a leading international non-profit dedicated to saving the world’s declining wildlife species, perhaps best known for its decade-long media campaign that helped turn China from a consumer to an opponent of shark finning. Since taking over in 2017, Meaghan has expanded Wildaid’s ocean programs 10-fold with an emphasis on putting the bad guys away. No surprise, given her 20 years of service in the US Coast Guard, much of it in the Marine Resources Enforcement program. David & Vicki talk to her about her blue background, how a non-profit can help locals enforce protection of their (more than 20 nations’) waters and much more. And of course, Blue News You Can Use.Dive in with us. ** Links & Resources ** Wild Aid: https://wildaid.org/ Blue Frontier: bluefront.org Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild. Blue Frontier on Substack: https://davidhelvarg.substack.com/ Inland Ocean Coalition: inlandoceancoalition.org Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection Fluid Studios: fluidstudios.org Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

Our latest episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast ranges from Palau in the central Pacific to Washington D.C. After a short Blue News update with Congressman Jared Huffman in his DC office we go to the shark enhanced – not infested - waters of Palau where Blue Frontier's David Helvarg interviews Tiani Dun an underwater photographer who also organizes dive charters, part of the multi-billion-dollar global scuba diving industry. Co-Owner of Dive and More, a company that focuses its dive trips around underwater photography and more recently, marine conservation, Tiani’s also a marine biologist, surfer and drone pilot from Byron Bay Australia. So, lots to cover this episode from political resistance to Trump administration attacks on our public seas to diving with big critters in one of the world’s last best coral reef habitats and Marine Protected Areas. So, let’s dive in! ** Links & Resources ** Tiani Dun: https://www.tianidun.com/ Shiver: https://www.tianidun.com/shop/p/harvest-moon-cup-5fc72-ww9xn Eagle Ray: https://www.tianidun.com/shop/p/earth-sky-planter-4awkk-lm479-pwat8-n5rrk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tianioceani/ Dive and Moore: https://www.diveandmore.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dive_and_more/ James Cook University (JCU): https://www.jcu.edu.au/ Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/ Magnetic Island, Australia: https://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/destinations/magnetic-island/ Palau's Marine Protected Areas: https://marine-conservation.org/blue-sparks/projects/palau-nms Manta Trust: https://www.mantatrust.org/ Shark Trust: https://www.sharktrust.org/ Blue Frontier: bluefront.org Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild. Blue Frontier on Substack: https://davidhelvarg.substack.com/ Inland Ocean Coalition: inlandoceancoalition.org Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection Fluid Studios: fluidstudios.org Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

In the latest episode of the award-winning Rising Tide: the Ocean Podcast David and Vicki talk with retired NOAA Captain Craig McLean about the Trump administration’s attacks on the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. 20 percent of its workforce including weather forecasters and ocean and climate scientists have already been laid off and more than 10 percent of the budget cut and things could get worse. Having spent his career as a ship’s master in the uniformed NOAA Corps and as a lawyer and administrator including Acting Chief Scientist during the first Trump administration when he stood up for scientific integrity during the Sharpie-gate scandal, Craig will give us his unique perspective on what’s going on, and the importance of what NOAA does day to day to help our economy, security and environment and what we can all do to protect its work. This is one you won’t want to miss. ** Links & Resources ** NOAA : https://www.noaa.gov/ Dr. Carol Lichfield: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Litchfield Dr.Rita Caldwell: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rita_R._Colwell United States Coast and Geodetic Survey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_and_Geodetic_Survey National Marine Sanctuary Program: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/ Blue Frontier: bluefront.org Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild. Blue Frontier on Substack: https://davidhelvarg.substack.com/ Inland Ocean Coalition: inlandoceancoalition.org Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection Fluid Studios: fluidstudios.org Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future. photo src: Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

In this episode of 'Rising Tide, the Ocean podcast,' hosts David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein interview Melanie McField, the founder and director of Healthy Reefs for Healthy People. Melanie shares her journey from a childhood interest in marine biology to her work in Belize with the Peace Corps and beyond. She discusses the creation of the world's first science-based coral reef report card, which evaluates the health of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system globally. Melanie details the indicators used in the report card, including coral cover, macro-algae levels, herbivorous fish populations, and commercial fish stocks. She explains the impact of COVID-19 on fishing practices and reef health, the importance of protected areas, and the ongoing challenges of pollution and nutrient management. The conversation also touches on global reef stressors like coral bleaching and disease and the potential for coral restoration projects. Melanie expresses cautious optimism for the future, citing the dedication of conservation groups and innovative restoration efforts. ** Links & Resources ** Reef Report: https://www.healthyreefs.org/en/healthy-reefs-data/report-cards Support the Rising Tide and donate to Blue Frontier: bluefront.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation Your gift of any size will help bring communities together to protect our coasts and ocean. Blue Frontier: bluefront.org Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild. Blue Frontier on Substack: https://davidhelvarg.substack.com/ Inland Ocean Coalition: inlandoceancoalition.org Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection Fluid Studios: fluidstudios.org Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.