The Healthy Seas Podcast Mon, 18 May 2026 09:56:21 -0400 https://thehealthyseaspodcast.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 The Healthy Seas Podcast yes f2b83e7f-a979-5c5a-ac91-00736c209aea Crystal DiMiceli episodic false Join us as we dive into the depths to explore the challenges and solutions shaping the future of our seas. Hosted by Crystal DiMiceli, each episode features conversations with the people making waves in marine protection: divers, scientists, educators, business partners, and local communities.

Healthy Seas is a unique alliance of NGOs and businesses working together to tackle marine litter, especially ghost fishing gear, and transform waste into opportunity through circular economy solutions. Active across 20+ countries, we operate with a global mission and a local heartbeat.

Through cleanups, education, innovation, and partnerships, we’re restoring the ocean and inspiring action—one net at a time.

Backed by over a decade of impact and part of the UN Ocean Decade movement, this podcast invites listeners and companies alike to dive into a world where environmental restoration meets meaningful collaboration.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) ocean conservation, ghost nets, ocean health, ghost fishing, pollution, climate change, ocean cleanup, seas, sustainable fashion, fishing, econyl, fishermen Crystal DiMiceli https://storage.buzzsprout.com/m534tihdbx9ki18hpsrbn3kwquul?.jpg The Healthy Seas Podcast Crystal DiMiceli What is plankton, why is it important, and how does it shape our climate and future? What is plankton, why is it important, and how does it shape our climate and future? Before forests, before animals, before humans there was plankton.

In this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we speak with ocean advocate and author Vincent Doumeizel, whose upcoming book The Power of Plankton explores one of the most overlooked yet fundamental components of life on our planet.

Plankton is often described as the “invisible” part of the ocean. But as Vincent reminds us, it is not just part of the story of life, it is the story.

A planet shaped by the smallest forms of life

Plankton is not a single organism, but a vast and diverse community of life forms ranging from microscopic algae and bacteria to larvae and even some animals like jellyfish that drift with ocean currents.

For over 3.5 billion years, plankton dominated life on Earth. In that time, it fundamentally transformed the planet. It was plankton that first developed photosynthesis, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. It was plankton that created the carbon cycle, the water cycle, and the conditions that made complex life possible. Quite simply, without plankton, there would be no breathable air, no stable climate, and no ecosystems as we know them.

The invisible engine of biodiversity

When we think about ocean conservation, we often focus on what we can see: coral reefs, marine animals, seagrass meadows. But all of these systems depend on plankton.

As Vincent explains, plankton sits at the base of the entire marine food web. It regulates nutrients, supports fish populations, and drives the biological processes that sustain biodiversity across the ocean and, by extension, across the planet.

This is where the connection to the Healthy Seas Foundation becomes clear. While our work focuses on removing marine litter, ghost nets, and other debris from the ocean, the ultimate goal is to protect the ecosystems that lie beneath. And those ecosystems depend on something far smaller and less visible: the balance of plankton communities. If we think of ocean conservation as restoring a house, plankton is the foundation. And without a stable foundation, nothing above it can stand.

A system under pressure

Plankton is resilient but it is not immune. Rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and pollution are already changing the composition of plankton communities. Species that help regulate climate, such as those that capture and store carbon, are being replaced in some areas by species that thrive in warmer, more polluted conditions.

This shift may seem invisible, but its consequences are not. Because plankton drives the carbon cycle, changes at this level can accelerate climate change. Because it supports marine food chains, disruptions can cascade through entire ecosystems. In other words, the smallest organisms can have the largest impact.

From understanding to solutions

Despite its importance, plankton remains one of the least understood parts of our planet. But this is beginning to change. Advances in DNA sequencing, satellite observation, and artificial intelligence are opening new windows into this microscopic world. In the past decade alone, scientists have discovered millions of new genes and vastly expanded our understanding of ocean life. And with this understanding comes potential.

Plankton could play a role in future solutions, from carbon capture to bioremediation, from new materials to new sources of food. But as Vincent emphasizes, the first step is not exploitation, it is understanding.

Starting from the foundation

At Healthy Seas, we often say that ocean conservation is about more than removing waste, it is about restoring balance. This episode reminds us that balance starts at the smallest scale. Protecting plankton does not mean “saving” it, it will continue to exist in one form or another. The real question is whether we can maintain the conditions that allow plankton to support life as we know it. Because in the end, as Vincent puts it, we may not need to save plankton. Plankton may be what saves us.


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.

]]> Before forests, before animals, before humans there was plankton.

In this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we speak with ocean advocate and author Vincent Doumeizel, whose upcoming book The Power of Plankton explores one of the most overlooked yet fundamental components of life on our planet.

Plankton is often described as the “invisible” part of the ocean. But as Vincent reminds us, it is not just part of the story of life, it is the story.

A planet shaped by the smallest forms of life

Plankton is not a single organism, but a vast and diverse community of life forms ranging from microscopic algae and bacteria to larvae and even some animals like jellyfish that drift with ocean currents.

For over 3.5 billion years, plankton dominated life on Earth. In that time, it fundamentally transformed the planet. It was plankton that first developed photosynthesis, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. It was plankton that created the carbon cycle, the water cycle, and the conditions that made complex life possible. Quite simply, without plankton, there would be no breathable air, no stable climate, and no ecosystems as we know them.

The invisible engine of biodiversity

When we think about ocean conservation, we often focus on what we can see: coral reefs, marine animals, seagrass meadows. But all of these systems depend on plankton.

As Vincent explains, plankton sits at the base of the entire marine food web. It regulates nutrients, supports fish populations, and drives the biological processes that sustain biodiversity across the ocean and, by extension, across the planet.

This is where the connection to the Healthy Seas Foundation becomes clear. While our work focuses on removing marine litter, ghost nets, and other debris from the ocean, the ultimate goal is to protect the ecosystems that lie beneath. And those ecosystems depend on something far smaller and less visible: the balance of plankton communities. If we think of ocean conservation as restoring a house, plankton is the foundation. And without a stable foundation, nothing above it can stand.

A system under pressure

Plankton is resilient but it is not immune. Rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and pollution are already changing the composition of plankton communities. Species that help regulate climate, such as those that capture and store carbon, are being replaced in some areas by species that thrive in warmer, more polluted conditions.

This shift may seem invisible, but its consequences are not. Because plankton drives the carbon cycle, changes at this level can accelerate climate change. Because it supports marine food chains, disruptions can cascade through entire ecosystems. In other words, the smallest organisms can have the largest impact.

From understanding to solutions

Despite its importance, plankton remains one of the least understood parts of our planet. But this is beginning to change. Advances in DNA sequencing, satellite observation, and artificial intelligence are opening new windows into this microscopic world. In the past decade alone, scientists have discovered millions of new genes and vastly expanded our understanding of ocean life. And with this understanding comes potential.

Plankton could play a role in future solutions, from carbon capture to bioremediation, from new materials to new sources of food. But as Vincent emphasizes, the first step is not exploitation, it is understanding.

Starting from the foundation

At Healthy Seas, we often say that ocean conservation is about more than removing waste, it is about restoring balance. This episode reminds us that balance starts at the smallest scale. Protecting plankton does not mean “saving” it, it will continue to exist in one form or another. The real question is whether we can maintain the conditions that allow plankton to support life as we know it. Because in the end, as Vincent puts it, we may not need to save plankton. Plankton may be what saves us.


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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-19195247 Mon, 18 May 2026 15:00:00 +0200 1843 30 full false Ghost Farms Don’t Appear Overnight Ghost Farms Don’t Appear Overnight 🌊 Ghost Farms Don’t Appear Overnight

They don’t start as pollution—they start as decisions. 🛠️

In this episode, we explore how abandoned fish farms become marine litter—and why the real issue begins long before cleanup. From governance gaps to ESG, it’s a story about responsibility across the full lifecycle of aquaculture. ♻️

🎧 Listen to learn:
 • When a “ghost farm” really begins
 • Why planning and decommissioning matter
 • How better decisions today can prevent pollution tomorrow


#OceanConservation #Aquaculture #ESG #MarinePollution #Podcast

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.

]]> 🌊 Ghost Farms Don’t Appear Overnight

They don’t start as pollution—they start as decisions. 🛠️

In this episode, we explore how abandoned fish farms become marine litter—and why the real issue begins long before cleanup. From governance gaps to ESG, it’s a story about responsibility across the full lifecycle of aquaculture. ♻️

🎧 Listen to learn:
 • When a “ghost farm” really begins
 • Why planning and decommissioning matter
 • How better decisions today can prevent pollution tomorrow


#OceanConservation #Aquaculture #ESG #MarinePollution #Podcast

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-19095225 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0200 919 29 full false Sea Cucumbers: The Ocean’s Unsung Recyclers Sea Cucumbers: The Ocean’s Unsung Recyclers When we think about cleaning the ocean, we often imagine divers removing ghost nets or volunteers collecting plastic from the shore. But beneath the surface, nature has its own recycling systems.

In this episode of our Ocean’s Natural Cleaning Crew series, we turn to one of the most overlooked and most underestimated marine animals: the sea cucumber.

Joining us is Prof Annie Mercier, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University (Canada), who has spent decades studying these remarkable creatures and co-edited the comprehensive scientific volume The World of Sea Cucumbers.

The “earthworms” of the ocean

Sea cucumbers play a vital but often overlooked role in marine ecosystems. Like earthworms on land, they process seabed sediments, recycle nutrients, and help keep ocean floors oxygenated. On coral reefs, they may even support coral health by reducing harmful bacteria.

Despite their simple appearance, sea cucumbers are incredibly diverse, ranging from tiny species to over a meter long, and living in environments from shallow reefs to deep-sea trenches. Their biology is equally remarkable — some can regenerate organs, split in two, and live for decades, making them valuable for scientific research on aging and regeneration.

However, rising global demand has led to overfishing, putting many populations at risk. Losing them doesn’t just remove a species — it disrupts essential ecological processes that keep marine ecosystems balanced.

Sea cucumbers may not be iconic ocean animals, but they are quiet engineers of resilience — and far more important than we often realize.

🎧 Listen to the full episode to discover why these humble creatures matter so much.


 

Further links to the topic:

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.

]]> When we think about cleaning the ocean, we often imagine divers removing ghost nets or volunteers collecting plastic from the shore. But beneath the surface, nature has its own recycling systems.

In this episode of our Ocean’s Natural Cleaning Crew series, we turn to one of the most overlooked and most underestimated marine animals: the sea cucumber.

Joining us is Prof Annie Mercier, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University (Canada), who has spent decades studying these remarkable creatures and co-edited the comprehensive scientific volume The World of Sea Cucumbers.

The “earthworms” of the ocean

Sea cucumbers play a vital but often overlooked role in marine ecosystems. Like earthworms on land, they process seabed sediments, recycle nutrients, and help keep ocean floors oxygenated. On coral reefs, they may even support coral health by reducing harmful bacteria.

Despite their simple appearance, sea cucumbers are incredibly diverse, ranging from tiny species to over a meter long, and living in environments from shallow reefs to deep-sea trenches. Their biology is equally remarkable — some can regenerate organs, split in two, and live for decades, making them valuable for scientific research on aging and regeneration.

However, rising global demand has led to overfishing, putting many populations at risk. Losing them doesn’t just remove a species — it disrupts essential ecological processes that keep marine ecosystems balanced.

Sea cucumbers may not be iconic ocean animals, but they are quiet engineers of resilience — and far more important than we often realize.

🎧 Listen to the full episode to discover why these humble creatures matter so much.


 

Further links to the topic:

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-18905443 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0100 2186 28 full false Sponges: The Quiet Animals That Clean the Ocean Sponges: The Quiet Animals That Clean the Ocean In this episode of our “Ocean’s Natural Cleaning Crew” series, marine scientist Erik Wurz reveals how sponges filter water, recycle nutrients, and quietly sustain marine life

Most of us think of ocean protection in terms of visible action: removing nets, collecting waste, monitoring habitats. But beneath the surface, nature has its own clean-up teams: organisms that filter water, recycle nutrients, and make marine ecosystems possible.

In this episode of our series on marine life that helps keep the ocean clean, we meet one of its most overlooked workers: the sponge.

Marine biologist Erik Wurz (University of Helsinki) takes us into a world most people never notice: animals that can look like paper sheets, chimneys, or giant vases, quietly pumping water through their bodies day and night.

A football-sized sponge, he explains, could filter up to 30,000 liters of seawater per day, removing bacteria, particles, and dissolved matter and releasing ultra-clean water back into the ocean. But their role goes far beyond filtration.

By transforming microscopic organic material into edible particles, sponges effectively kick-start marine food webs, making energy available to fish, invertebrates, and entire ecosystems. Without them, many marine habitats would struggle to sustain life.  In some parts of the deep sea, they even form vast “animal forests,” structures that provide shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding platforms for countless species.

And yet, despite their importance, sponges remain largely invisible in public imagination  overshadowed by more charismatic marine animals. That’s something Erik hopes to change: “I hope this podcast helps make sponges cool.”

The conversation also explores how climate change, sediment disturbance, and bottom trawling can disrupt sponge ecosystems with long-term consequences for fisheries, ocean health, and even potential biomedical discoveries hidden within sponge microbiomes.

If Healthy Seas teams remove debris in marine habitats, sponges do something incredibly remarkable too — continuously and silently — by filtering, recycling, and sustaining the ocean from within.

This episode invites us to look again at the seabed and many other places and notice the quiet workers already keeping it alive.


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.

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.

]]> In this episode of our “Ocean’s Natural Cleaning Crew” series, marine scientist Erik Wurz reveals how sponges filter water, recycle nutrients, and quietly sustain marine life

Most of us think of ocean protection in terms of visible action: removing nets, collecting waste, monitoring habitats. But beneath the surface, nature has its own clean-up teams: organisms that filter water, recycle nutrients, and make marine ecosystems possible.

In this episode of our series on marine life that helps keep the ocean clean, we meet one of its most overlooked workers: the sponge.

Marine biologist Erik Wurz (University of Helsinki) takes us into a world most people never notice: animals that can look like paper sheets, chimneys, or giant vases, quietly pumping water through their bodies day and night.

A football-sized sponge, he explains, could filter up to 30,000 liters of seawater per day, removing bacteria, particles, and dissolved matter and releasing ultra-clean water back into the ocean. But their role goes far beyond filtration.

By transforming microscopic organic material into edible particles, sponges effectively kick-start marine food webs, making energy available to fish, invertebrates, and entire ecosystems. Without them, many marine habitats would struggle to sustain life.  In some parts of the deep sea, they even form vast “animal forests,” structures that provide shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding platforms for countless species.

And yet, despite their importance, sponges remain largely invisible in public imagination  overshadowed by more charismatic marine animals. That’s something Erik hopes to change: “I hope this podcast helps make sponges cool.”

The conversation also explores how climate change, sediment disturbance, and bottom trawling can disrupt sponge ecosystems with long-term consequences for fisheries, ocean health, and even potential biomedical discoveries hidden within sponge microbiomes.

If Healthy Seas teams remove debris in marine habitats, sponges do something incredibly remarkable too — continuously and silently — by filtering, recycling, and sustaining the ocean from within.

This episode invites us to look again at the seabed and many other places and notice the quiet workers already keeping it alive.


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.

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-18746788 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0100 1983 27 full false When Nature Has a Number on the Balance Sheet When Nature Has a Number on the Balance Sheet When Nature Has a Number on the Balance Sheet

How the financial world is starting to recognize the value of ecosystems services

In this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ralph Chami — financial economist, former Assistant Director at the International Monetary Fund, and Co-Founder of Blue Green Future — to explore one of the most powerful shifts underway: integrating the value of nature’s services into economic and financial systems.

From whales and seagrass to elephants and bison, Ralph’s work centers around measuring the economic contributions of living ecosystems and designing financial tools that recognize their role in climate regulation, biodiversity support, and human wellbeing. The goal? To accelerate funding for restoration and protection by making nature visible on the balance sheet.

A Whale, a Shift, a New Vision

The conversation begins with a deeply personal story: a moment in the Sea of Cortez that transformed Ralph’s life and career. From that encounter with a blue whale came a new path, one that brought together climate science, conservation, and high-level economics. Since then, Ralph has helped governments and organizations understand how to value nature’s services — not to commodify ecosystems, but to make the case for investing in their preservation and restoration.

In the episode, you’ll hear about:

  • Why whales can be worth millions over their lifetime through carbon storage
  • How forward contracts are being used to fund environmental restoration
  • What makes a nature-based project “investable”
  • Why markets are slow to respond — and what could unlock faster change
  • The role of communities in managing and benefiting from ecosystem services
  • The risks of leaving nature outside the financial system, and how to avoid them

When Oceans Meet Economics

For companies, investors, and governments trying to build credible climate and biodiversity strategies, this episode offers a new lens. As Ralph puts it, valuing nature’s services isn’t about replacing conservation with markets — it’s about finally recognizing the systems we depend on, and funding their protection before it’s too late.

It’s a bold reframe of where value lies, and how finance can be part of the solution.

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.

]]> When Nature Has a Number on the Balance Sheet

How the financial world is starting to recognize the value of ecosystems services

In this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ralph Chami — financial economist, former Assistant Director at the International Monetary Fund, and Co-Founder of Blue Green Future — to explore one of the most powerful shifts underway: integrating the value of nature’s services into economic and financial systems.

From whales and seagrass to elephants and bison, Ralph’s work centers around measuring the economic contributions of living ecosystems and designing financial tools that recognize their role in climate regulation, biodiversity support, and human wellbeing. The goal? To accelerate funding for restoration and protection by making nature visible on the balance sheet.

A Whale, a Shift, a New Vision

The conversation begins with a deeply personal story: a moment in the Sea of Cortez that transformed Ralph’s life and career. From that encounter with a blue whale came a new path, one that brought together climate science, conservation, and high-level economics. Since then, Ralph has helped governments and organizations understand how to value nature’s services — not to commodify ecosystems, but to make the case for investing in their preservation and restoration.

In the episode, you’ll hear about:

  • Why whales can be worth millions over their lifetime through carbon storage
  • How forward contracts are being used to fund environmental restoration
  • What makes a nature-based project “investable”
  • Why markets are slow to respond — and what could unlock faster change
  • The role of communities in managing and benefiting from ecosystem services
  • The risks of leaving nature outside the financial system, and how to avoid them

When Oceans Meet Economics

For companies, investors, and governments trying to build credible climate and biodiversity strategies, this episode offers a new lens. As Ralph puts it, valuing nature’s services isn’t about replacing conservation with markets — it’s about finally recognizing the systems we depend on, and funding their protection before it’s too late.

It’s a bold reframe of where value lies, and how finance can be part of the solution.

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-18325984 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0100 2836 26 full false From Reporting to Real Impact: What Businesses Can Learn from ESG Consultants From Reporting to Real Impact: What Businesses Can Learn from ESG Consultants How sustainability reporting, biodiversity, and NGO partnerships can shape the next wave of corporate responsibility.

In this new episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we explore what lies beyond ESG compliance — and how companies can turn sustainability reporting into real environmental impact.

Our guests Elena Cicoria and Giuseppe Cais from Diligea, a Benefit Corporation specializing in ESG consulting, share what they’ve learned working with businesses of all sizes, from banks to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

They explain why sustainability can no longer be treated as a side project, what’s missing in most corporate strategies, and how new reporting regulations in Europe are reshaping the way companies integrate environmental and social performance into daily operations.

Together, we talk about:

  • The hidden opportunities behind ESG reporting
  • Why biodiversity — not just carbon — should be part of every business strategy
  • The growing role of transparency and accountability in fighting greenwashing
  • How oceans connect to every industry, even those far from the coast
  • And how NGOs like Healthy Seas can help companies move from reporting to real impact — through tangible restoration, circular economy, and education projects.

Whether you’re a sustainability manager looking to strengthen your company’s ESG strategy or a business curious about meaningful partnerships, this episode offers both clarity and inspiration.

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.

]]> How sustainability reporting, biodiversity, and NGO partnerships can shape the next wave of corporate responsibility.

In this new episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we explore what lies beyond ESG compliance — and how companies can turn sustainability reporting into real environmental impact.

Our guests Elena Cicoria and Giuseppe Cais from Diligea, a Benefit Corporation specializing in ESG consulting, share what they’ve learned working with businesses of all sizes, from banks to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

They explain why sustainability can no longer be treated as a side project, what’s missing in most corporate strategies, and how new reporting regulations in Europe are reshaping the way companies integrate environmental and social performance into daily operations.

Together, we talk about:

  • The hidden opportunities behind ESG reporting
  • Why biodiversity — not just carbon — should be part of every business strategy
  • The growing role of transparency and accountability in fighting greenwashing
  • How oceans connect to every industry, even those far from the coast
  • And how NGOs like Healthy Seas can help companies move from reporting to real impact — through tangible restoration, circular economy, and education projects.

Whether you’re a sustainability manager looking to strengthen your company’s ESG strategy or a business curious about meaningful partnerships, this episode offers both clarity and inspiration.

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-18137632 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0100 2049 25 full false From Ghost Nets to Knowledge: Science at the Heart of Healthy Seas From Ghost Nets to Knowledge: Science at the Heart of Healthy Seas Two marine scientists, one shipwreck, and a mission to uncover the hidden impacts of ghost nets.

Beyond Cleanups: A New Kind of Mission

In this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we take you inside a groundbreaking project that combines our cleanup work with long-term scientific research. Together with our partner DWS, Healthy Seas is investigating how ghost nets affect biodiversity on shipwrecks—and what happens when they’re removed with the help of Ghost Diving volunteers.

Our guests are Isadora Abuter and Ramona Reichert, two Healthy Seas marine scientists who joined the expedition in Greece. With host Crystal DiMiceli, they share what it was like to dive on the wreck, how they collected data underwater, and why science and storytelling must go hand in hand to protect the ocean.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

 Why the Ionian Sea shipwreck was chosen as the study site
 First impressions of the wreck—and the surprising life found on the ghost nets themselves
 How the team measured biodiversity and microplastic pollution underwater
 The importance of illustration and communication in bringing science to life
 What comes next in phase two of this long-term project

Why It Matters

For Healthy Seas, every cleanup is more than removing waste—it’s an opportunity to learn, restore, and inspire. This project shows how science strengthens conservation, and how partnerships like the one with DWS open new possibilities for impact.

As Isadora puts it: “Even the most important research has no impact if people cannot understand it. That’s why communication is key.”

Learn more about the "Wrecks of Life: Tracking Biodiversity After the Nets" and our mission with DWS: https://www.healthyseas.org/blog/unseen-damage-how-ghost-nets-disrupt-marine-life-coral-growth-and-ocean-health/








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.

]]> Two marine scientists, one shipwreck, and a mission to uncover the hidden impacts of ghost nets.

Beyond Cleanups: A New Kind of Mission

In this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we take you inside a groundbreaking project that combines our cleanup work with long-term scientific research. Together with our partner DWS, Healthy Seas is investigating how ghost nets affect biodiversity on shipwrecks—and what happens when they’re removed with the help of Ghost Diving volunteers.

Our guests are Isadora Abuter and Ramona Reichert, two Healthy Seas marine scientists who joined the expedition in Greece. With host Crystal DiMiceli, they share what it was like to dive on the wreck, how they collected data underwater, and why science and storytelling must go hand in hand to protect the ocean.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

 Why the Ionian Sea shipwreck was chosen as the study site
 First impressions of the wreck—and the surprising life found on the ghost nets themselves
 How the team measured biodiversity and microplastic pollution underwater
 The importance of illustration and communication in bringing science to life
 What comes next in phase two of this long-term project

Why It Matters

For Healthy Seas, every cleanup is more than removing waste—it’s an opportunity to learn, restore, and inspire. This project shows how science strengthens conservation, and how partnerships like the one with DWS open new possibilities for impact.

As Isadora puts it: “Even the most important research has no impact if people cannot understand it. That’s why communication is key.”

Learn more about the "Wrecks of Life: Tracking Biodiversity After the Nets" and our mission with DWS: https://www.healthyseas.org/blog/unseen-damage-how-ghost-nets-disrupt-marine-life-coral-growth-and-ocean-health/








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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-17971126 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200 1350 #HealthySeas, #GhostNets, #OceanConservation, #MarineScience, #ShipwreckResearch, #Microplastics, #Sustainability, #ScienceCommunication, #MarineBiodiversity, #UnderwaterResearch, #OceanRestoration, #EnvironmentalEducation, #ClimateAction, #CircularEco 24 full true More Than a Swim: How Andy Donaldson Turns Endurance into Impact More Than a Swim: How Andy Donaldson Turns Endurance into Impact One Stroke at a Time: A Journey of Purpose and Resilience

In our first episode after a long pause, the Healthy Seas Podcast dives back in with a guest who embodies everything we stand for—passion, action, and deep connection to the sea. Andy Donaldson is not just the first person to complete the Ocean’s Seven in a single year—he’s a man on a mission.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Andy reflects on his transformation from elite swimmer to accountant and back again—this time driven by a renewed sense of purpose. He opens up about burnout, mental health, and the healing power of water, sharing tools that can help not only athletes but anyone navigating tough times or long-term goals.

His message? Whether you’re swimming across oceans or facing challenges on land, the key is knowing your “why”—and taking one brave stroke at a time.

Endurance Meets Advocacy: Lessons for Athletes and Activists

This episode isn’t only for swimmers. Andy shares insights that resonate with anyone tackling long journeys—especially changemakers and environmental advocates who may be facing burnout or self-doubt.

He speaks candidly about building mental and physical resilience, preparing for setbacks, and using sport as a platform to protect what you love. From ultra-cold training swims to mindset tricks that helped him through 15-hour ocean crossings, Andy’s story is packed with actionable takeaways.

For young athletes, this is a masterclass in grit. For activists, it’s a reminder that the same tools of endurance apply to advocacy.

Sharing What You Love Means Protecting It

Andy joined Healthy Seas and our partner Arena on a ghost net cleanup in Croatia, witnessing first-hand the damage left behind by abandoned fishing gear. His experience turned into a powerful call to action: “We need clean oceans not just to swim—but to live, to breathe, to thrive.”

He’s now dreaming big—imagining a global network of athletes advocating for the sea through sport, visibility, and action. As he says in the episode: “Share what you love—and protect it too.”

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.

]]> One Stroke at a Time: A Journey of Purpose and Resilience

In our first episode after a long pause, the Healthy Seas Podcast dives back in with a guest who embodies everything we stand for—passion, action, and deep connection to the sea. Andy Donaldson is not just the first person to complete the Ocean’s Seven in a single year—he’s a man on a mission.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Andy reflects on his transformation from elite swimmer to accountant and back again—this time driven by a renewed sense of purpose. He opens up about burnout, mental health, and the healing power of water, sharing tools that can help not only athletes but anyone navigating tough times or long-term goals.

His message? Whether you’re swimming across oceans or facing challenges on land, the key is knowing your “why”—and taking one brave stroke at a time.

Endurance Meets Advocacy: Lessons for Athletes and Activists

This episode isn’t only for swimmers. Andy shares insights that resonate with anyone tackling long journeys—especially changemakers and environmental advocates who may be facing burnout or self-doubt.

He speaks candidly about building mental and physical resilience, preparing for setbacks, and using sport as a platform to protect what you love. From ultra-cold training swims to mindset tricks that helped him through 15-hour ocean crossings, Andy’s story is packed with actionable takeaways.

For young athletes, this is a masterclass in grit. For activists, it’s a reminder that the same tools of endurance apply to advocacy.

Sharing What You Love Means Protecting It

Andy joined Healthy Seas and our partner Arena on a ghost net cleanup in Croatia, witnessing first-hand the damage left behind by abandoned fishing gear. His experience turned into a powerful call to action: “We need clean oceans not just to swim—but to live, to breathe, to thrive.”

He’s now dreaming big—imagining a global network of athletes advocating for the sea through sport, visibility, and action. As he says in the episode: “Share what you love—and protect it too.”

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.

]]> https://www.healthyseas.org/ Buzzsprout-17765986 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200 2445 #OceanConservation #MentalHealth #Resilience #HealingPowerOfWater #Purpose #AndyDonaldson #OceansSeven #EnduranceSwimmer #AthleteStories #HealthySeasPodcast #HealthySeas #Arena #ProtectWhatYouLove #OpenWaterSwimming #EnduranceSports #Activism #BluePlanet 23 full false Tailer - The Healthy Seas Podcast Tailer - The Healthy Seas Podcast Join us as we dive into the depths to explore the challenges and solutions shaping the future of our seas. Hosted by Crystal DiMiceli, each episode features conversations with the people making waves in marine protection: divers, scientists, educators, business partners, and local communities.

Healthy Seas is a unique alliance of NGOs and businesses working together to tackle marine litter, especially ghost fishing gear, and transform waste into opportunity through circular economy solutions. Active across 20+ countries, we operate with a global mission and a local heartbeat.

Through cleanups, education, innovation, and partnerships, we’re restoring the ocean and inspiring action—one net at a time.

Backed by over a decade of impact and part of the UN Ocean Decade movement, this podcast invites listeners and companies alike to dive into a world where environmental restoration meets meaningful collaboration.

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.

]]> Join us as we dive into the depths to explore the challenges and solutions shaping the future of our seas. Hosted by Crystal DiMiceli, each episode features conversations with the people making waves in marine protection: divers, scientists, educators, business partners, and local communities.

Healthy Seas is a unique alliance of NGOs and businesses working together to tackle marine litter, especially ghost fishing gear, and transform waste into opportunity through circular economy solutions. Active across 20+ countries, we operate with a global mission and a local heartbeat.

Through cleanups, education, innovation, and partnerships, we’re restoring the ocean and inspiring action—one net at a time.

Backed by over a decade of impact and part of the UN Ocean Decade movement, this podcast invites listeners and companies alike to dive into a world where environmental restoration meets meaningful collaboration.

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-17735640 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0200 34 trailer false Unlocking the Ocean’s Secrets with NatureMetrics: How eDNA is Revolutionizing Marine Conservation with Nicole Yeomans, Ep.22 Unlocking the Ocean’s Secrets with NatureMetrics: How eDNA is Revolutionizing Marine Conservation with Nicole Yeomans, Ep.22 In this latest episode of the Healthy Seas podcast, we dive into the revolutionary world of eDNA with Nicole Yeomans, the Offshore Industrials Lead and marine ecology expert at NatureMetrics. With a powerful commitment to making biodiversity measurable, NatureMetrics uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to reveal previously unseen insights into marine ecosystems. Now a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, NatureMetrics is showing how this cutting-edge technology has become an essential tool not only for scientists but also for corporations and NGOs dedicated to conservation. 

Throughout this episode, Nicole introduces eDNA and explains how it captures the unique traces left by every organism. She shares examples of how NatureMetrics has partnered with companies like MSC Cruises to track species across cruise routes, from bacteria to blue whales, creating data that directly supports efforts to protect and measure biodiversity. We also discuss the critical role of eDNA in helping companies integrate nature-positive practices into their operations, aligning with conservation goals and regulatory needs. 

Listeners will learn about the limitations and unique advantages of eDNA, how it has transformed traditional research, and why it’s critical for businesses and NGOs to monitor and protect biodiversity. For anyone interested in understanding how technology is advancing marine conservation, this episode is a must-listen. 

 

Catch the episode to learn: 

  • What eDNA is and how it works to reveal the "hidden" biodiversity of our oceans 
  • Real-world applications in corporate and environmental conservation 
  • Why businesses are turning to eDNA to align with nature-positive targets and regulations 
  • How eDNA offers a non-invasive and powerful way to monitor ecosystems 

 

Don't miss this deep dive into a technology shaping the future of ocean and nature conservation. 

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.

]]> In this latest episode of the Healthy Seas podcast, we dive into the revolutionary world of eDNA with Nicole Yeomans, the Offshore Industrials Lead and marine ecology expert at NatureMetrics. With a powerful commitment to making biodiversity measurable, NatureMetrics uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to reveal previously unseen insights into marine ecosystems. Now a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, NatureMetrics is showing how this cutting-edge technology has become an essential tool not only for scientists but also for corporations and NGOs dedicated to conservation. 

Throughout this episode, Nicole introduces eDNA and explains how it captures the unique traces left by every organism. She shares examples of how NatureMetrics has partnered with companies like MSC Cruises to track species across cruise routes, from bacteria to blue whales, creating data that directly supports efforts to protect and measure biodiversity. We also discuss the critical role of eDNA in helping companies integrate nature-positive practices into their operations, aligning with conservation goals and regulatory needs. 

Listeners will learn about the limitations and unique advantages of eDNA, how it has transformed traditional research, and why it’s critical for businesses and NGOs to monitor and protect biodiversity. For anyone interested in understanding how technology is advancing marine conservation, this episode is a must-listen. 

 

Catch the episode to learn: 

  • What eDNA is and how it works to reveal the "hidden" biodiversity of our oceans 
  • Real-world applications in corporate and environmental conservation 
  • Why businesses are turning to eDNA to align with nature-positive targets and regulations 
  • How eDNA offers a non-invasive and powerful way to monitor ecosystems 

 

Don't miss this deep dive into a technology shaping the future of ocean and nature conservation. 

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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/nicole_yeomans/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-16043489 Tue, 05 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100 1787 edna, biodiversity, conservation, science, ocean conservation, restoration, science 1 22 full false Netting Innovation: Diopas on Creating the First Recycled and Recyclable Aquaculture Nets with Ioakeim Diamantidis, Ep.21 Netting Innovation: Diopas on Creating the First Recycled and Recyclable Aquaculture Nets with Ioakeim Diamantidis, Ep.21 Ioakeim Diamantidis is the General Manager of Diopas, a family-run business based in Greece. For generations, Diopas has been a leader in producing fishing, aquaculture, and sport nets. Now, under the leadership of Ioakeim, the company is pushing the boundaries of innovation in the fishing industry.

One of the standout achievements discussed in the episode is Diopas' pioneering development of the world's first recycled and recyclable fish farming nets. This breakthrough, in collaboration with Aquafil, utilizes ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon, to create a fully circular system. Beyond just the netting, Diopas has also developed ropes and sewing threads made from the same sustainable material. This innovation ensures that, when the nets reach the end of their lifecycle, they can be entirely recycled without the need to separate components—a first in the industry.

But Diopas' commitment to innovation doesn’t stop there. The company is also experimenting with artificial reefs made from netting and working on ecological coatings for nets to reduce the environmental impact of fouling. They’ve even developed nets designed to reduce diesel consumption for fishing boats, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

These forward-thinking projects reflect Diopas' ongoing collaboration with Healthy Seas to recover discarded fishing nets for recycling. Their work with universities and research centers highlights the power of partnerships in driving industry-wide change. Ioakeim’s approach to continuous improvement and risk-taking is inspiring and points the way forward for the future of sustainable fishing and aquaculture.

Tune in to hear more about Diopas' journey, their innovations, and the exciting future of net production and recycling.

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.

]]> Ioakeim Diamantidis is the General Manager of Diopas, a family-run business based in Greece. For generations, Diopas has been a leader in producing fishing, aquaculture, and sport nets. Now, under the leadership of Ioakeim, the company is pushing the boundaries of innovation in the fishing industry.

One of the standout achievements discussed in the episode is Diopas' pioneering development of the world's first recycled and recyclable fish farming nets. This breakthrough, in collaboration with Aquafil, utilizes ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon, to create a fully circular system. Beyond just the netting, Diopas has also developed ropes and sewing threads made from the same sustainable material. This innovation ensures that, when the nets reach the end of their lifecycle, they can be entirely recycled without the need to separate components—a first in the industry.

But Diopas' commitment to innovation doesn’t stop there. The company is also experimenting with artificial reefs made from netting and working on ecological coatings for nets to reduce the environmental impact of fouling. They’ve even developed nets designed to reduce diesel consumption for fishing boats, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

These forward-thinking projects reflect Diopas' ongoing collaboration with Healthy Seas to recover discarded fishing nets for recycling. Their work with universities and research centers highlights the power of partnerships in driving industry-wide change. Ioakeim’s approach to continuous improvement and risk-taking is inspiring and points the way forward for the future of sustainable fishing and aquaculture.

Tune in to hear more about Diopas' journey, their innovations, and the exciting future of net production and recycling.

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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/diopas-the-first-recycled-and-recyclable-aquaculture-nets-ioakeim-diamantidis/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-15897495 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0200 1330 ghost gear, aquaculture, recycling, ecofriendly, nets, ghost nets 1 21 full false Exploring the Power of Outdoor Education with Aristea Kyriakou, Ep.20 Exploring the Power of Outdoor Education with Aristea Kyriakou, Ep.20 In our latest episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we explored an innovative approach to education that’s not just about learning—it’s about living and interacting with the world around us. Our guest, Dr. Aristea Kyriakou, founder of the European Outdoor Education Hub, shares fascinating insights on how outdoor education can transform not only how students learn but also how they connect with their environment.

Outdoor education is more than just taking lessons outside. It’s a comprehensive methodology and philosophy that places students in natural settings, engaging them directly with their environment. Unlike traditional classroom-based instruction, which often relies on theoretical learning, outdoor education emphasizes experiential learning. This approach allows students to interact with their surroundings, engage multiple senses, and gain practical understanding through hands-on activities.

Aristea’s work with Healthy Seas in our Operation Ghost Farms exemplifies this methodology. By combining cleanups of abandoned fish farms with educational activities for kids, the program not only addresses immediate environmental issues but also fosters a deep, personal connection between students and their natural surroundings.

Listen to the full episode to learn how outdoor education can revolutionize learning and inspire future environmental stewards.


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.

]]> In our latest episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we explored an innovative approach to education that’s not just about learning—it’s about living and interacting with the world around us. Our guest, Dr. Aristea Kyriakou, founder of the European Outdoor Education Hub, shares fascinating insights on how outdoor education can transform not only how students learn but also how they connect with their environment.

Outdoor education is more than just taking lessons outside. It’s a comprehensive methodology and philosophy that places students in natural settings, engaging them directly with their environment. Unlike traditional classroom-based instruction, which often relies on theoretical learning, outdoor education emphasizes experiential learning. This approach allows students to interact with their surroundings, engage multiple senses, and gain practical understanding through hands-on activities.

Aristea’s work with Healthy Seas in our Operation Ghost Farms exemplifies this methodology. By combining cleanups of abandoned fish farms with educational activities for kids, the program not only addresses immediate environmental issues but also fosters a deep, personal connection between students and their natural surroundings.

Listen to the full episode to learn how outdoor education can revolutionize learning and inspire future environmental stewards.


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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/exploring-the-power-of-outdoor-education-with-aristea-kiriakou-ep-20/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-15680955 Mon, 02 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0200 1974 outdoor education, environmental education 1 20 full false Diving into the Depths of Science with Edd Stockdale from the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy, Ep. 19 Diving into the Depths of Science with Edd Stockdale from the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy, Ep. 19 Edd Stockdale is the Coordinator of the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy at the Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki. Edd shares his expertise on scientific diving, a specialized field that merges diving skills with scientific research, particularly in marine biology and archaeology.

Understanding Scientific Diving

Scientific diving is a unique discipline that requires rigorous training and a deep understanding of both diving techniques and scientific methods. Edd Stockdale elaborates on what scientific diving entails and the extensive training necessary to become proficient. This includes not only mastering diving skills but also learning how to conduct underwater research effectively.

The Role of Scientific Diving in Marine Biology Studies

Edd explains why scientific diving is sometimes integrated into marine biology programs and the significance of this training for students. He highlights the growing interest among students in pursuing scientific diving, driven by the increasing environmental challenges facing our oceans. This hands-on approach to learning allows students to directly engage with marine ecosystems and contribute to critical research.

Diving in Cold Water: Challenges and Training

One of the fascinating aspects of Edd's work is the focus on cold-water diving. He discusses what it takes to perform scientific dives in such challenging conditions and the specific training required to prepare divers for these environments. From handling extreme temperatures to navigating icy waters, Edd shares insights into the unique demands of cold-water diving.

Conducting a Scientific Dive: Planning and Execution

Edd provides a detailed look at how a scientific dive is planned and executed. He outlines the meticulous preparation involved, from selecting the dive site to ensuring all equipment is ready and safe. This segment offers a glimpse into the complexities and precision required for successful underwater research missions.

Upcoming Projects and the Future of Scientific Diving

Looking ahead, Edd talks about his upcoming projects as a safety officer and scientific diver. He also shares exciting developments at the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy, including new training options and the evolving interests of students. This forward-looking perspective underscores the dynamic nature of scientific diving and its critical role in advancing oceanic research.

Join us as we dive deep into these captivating topics with Edd Stockdale and gain valuable insights into the world of scientific diving.

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.

]]> Edd Stockdale is the Coordinator of the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy at the Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki. Edd shares his expertise on scientific diving, a specialized field that merges diving skills with scientific research, particularly in marine biology and archaeology.

Understanding Scientific Diving

Scientific diving is a unique discipline that requires rigorous training and a deep understanding of both diving techniques and scientific methods. Edd Stockdale elaborates on what scientific diving entails and the extensive training necessary to become proficient. This includes not only mastering diving skills but also learning how to conduct underwater research effectively.

The Role of Scientific Diving in Marine Biology Studies

Edd explains why scientific diving is sometimes integrated into marine biology programs and the significance of this training for students. He highlights the growing interest among students in pursuing scientific diving, driven by the increasing environmental challenges facing our oceans. This hands-on approach to learning allows students to directly engage with marine ecosystems and contribute to critical research.

Diving in Cold Water: Challenges and Training

One of the fascinating aspects of Edd's work is the focus on cold-water diving. He discusses what it takes to perform scientific dives in such challenging conditions and the specific training required to prepare divers for these environments. From handling extreme temperatures to navigating icy waters, Edd shares insights into the unique demands of cold-water diving.

Conducting a Scientific Dive: Planning and Execution

Edd provides a detailed look at how a scientific dive is planned and executed. He outlines the meticulous preparation involved, from selecting the dive site to ensuring all equipment is ready and safe. This segment offers a glimpse into the complexities and precision required for successful underwater research missions.

Upcoming Projects and the Future of Scientific Diving

Looking ahead, Edd talks about his upcoming projects as a safety officer and scientific diver. He also shares exciting developments at the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy, including new training options and the evolving interests of students. This forward-looking perspective underscores the dynamic nature of scientific diving and its critical role in advancing oceanic research.

Join us as we dive deep into these captivating topics with Edd Stockdale and gain valuable insights into the world of scientific diving.

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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/scientific_diving/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-15384512 Tue, 09 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0200 2130 diving, scuba diving, scientific diving, science, oceans, research 1 19 full false Exploring Ocean Litigation and Rights with Dr. Anna von Rebay, Ep. 18 Exploring Ocean Litigation and Rights with Dr. Anna von Rebay, Ep. 18 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.

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.

]]> 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.

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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/ocean_litigation/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-15176553 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 08:00:00 +0200 2375 litigation, ocean protection, ocean rights, marine protection, rights of nature, marine animals 1 18 full false Reclaiming Waters: An Interview with Veronika Mikos on Ghost Farms, Ep.17 Reclaiming Waters: An Interview with Veronika Mikos on Ghost Farms, Ep.17 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-14976971 Thu, 02 May 2024 01:00:00 +0200 1855 1 17 full false Untangling Seals: Inside Ocean Conservation Namibia's Fight Against Ghost Gear with Naude Dreyer, Ep.16 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.

Resources

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.

]]> 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.

Resources

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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/seal-rescue/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-14811921 Wed, 03 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0200 1545 ghost gear, marine rescue, seals, plastic pollution, marine life, wildlife rescue 1 16 full false Scaling Up and Enforcing Marine Protected Areas: Insights from Earthshot Prize Winner Wild Aid with Emily Owen, Ep. 15 Scaling Up and Enforcing Marine Protected Areas: Insights from Earthshot Prize Winner Wild Aid with Emily Owen, Ep. 15 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-14675565 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0100 1744 Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Climate Change, Ocean Conservation, Earthshot Prize, WildAid, Marine Biodiversity, Sustainable Seafood 1 15 full false Unveiling the Hidden: Advancements in Marine Litter Detection with Manuel Arias, Ep 14 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 

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-14493922 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0100 3052 plastics, marine litter, remote sensing technologies, microbeads, ghost nets 1 14 full false Celebrating a Decade of Healthy Seas: 2023 Highlights and 10 Years of Marine Protection, Ep.13 Celebrating a Decade of Healthy Seas: 2023 Highlights and 10 Years of Marine Protection, Ep.13 In this special episode of the "Healthy Seas Podcast," we celebrate a decade of the organization's impactful work in marine conservation. Featuring guests Veronica Mikos, Director of Healthy Seas, and Maria Giovanna Sandrini from Aquafil, the episode delves into the unique partnership between a marine conservation group and a synthetic fiber producer. They reflect on the organization's growth, its role in promoting sustainability and a circular economy, and discuss future plans for marine conservation. The episode is a testament to how businesses and nonprofits can work together for a sustainable future for our oceans.

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.

]]> In this special episode of the "Healthy Seas Podcast," we celebrate a decade of the organization's impactful work in marine conservation. Featuring guests Veronica Mikos, Director of Healthy Seas, and Maria Giovanna Sandrini from Aquafil, the episode delves into the unique partnership between a marine conservation group and a synthetic fiber producer. They reflect on the organization's growth, its role in promoting sustainability and a circular economy, and discuss future plans for marine conservation. The episode is a testament to how businesses and nonprofits can work together for a sustainable future for our oceans.

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-14375391 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 13:00:00 +0100 1216 healthy seas, ocean conservation, circular economy, sustainable fiber, ghost nets 1 13 full false Octopuses Revealed: Exploring Their Intelligence, Sentience, and the Controversy of Octopus Farming with Dr. Elena Lara Octopuses Revealed: Exploring Their Intelligence, Sentience, and the Controversy of Octopus Farming with Dr. Elena Lara The world's first octopus farm is on the cusp of being greenlighted, however, not without a global outcry. Today's guest, Dr. Elena Lara, is with the organization, Compassion in World Farming. She talks about what makes these animals so incredible- from their ability to solve problems to their uncanny talent for camouflage despite being colorblind! We explore the ethical and environmental considerations that come into play as the world seeks to supply the growing demand for seafood with the welfare of these intelligent, sentient creatures.

If you would like to sign a petition against octopus farming, click HERE.

Compassion in World Farming Reports on octopus farming:

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.

]]> The world's first octopus farm is on the cusp of being greenlighted, however, not without a global outcry. Today's guest, Dr. Elena Lara, is with the organization, Compassion in World Farming. She talks about what makes these animals so incredible- from their ability to solve problems to their uncanny talent for camouflage despite being colorblind! We explore the ethical and environmental considerations that come into play as the world seeks to supply the growing demand for seafood with the welfare of these intelligent, sentient creatures.

If you would like to sign a petition against octopus farming, click HERE.

Compassion in World Farming Reports on octopus farming:

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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/healthyseasoctopuses/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-13307002 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0100 1573 octopus, marine conservation, octopus farming, aquaculture 1 11 full false Racing for KGs: From Flawed Metrics to Impact Measurements with Pascal Van Erp & Kelsey Richardson Racing for KGs: From Flawed Metrics to Impact Measurements with Pascal Van Erp & Kelsey Richardson When it comes to supporting ocean clean-up efforts, oftentimes organizations are asked to report on the weight of everything they pulled out of the water. Seemingly, the higher the number, the more valuable the effort was. However, this is a flawed, and potentially dangerous, practice. For example, an almost weightless gill net could entangle and kill countless more animals than a heavy trawler net. It's also more likely to get wrapped up in boat propellers, posing a hazard and liability for people out at sea. Today's guests, Kelsey Richardson, a marine consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization, and Pascal Van Erp of Healthy Seas and GhostDiving, help to clear up why we need to move away from the "race for kgs" and, instead, toward more meaningful metrics.

 
Further Reading/ Resources:

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.

]]> When it comes to supporting ocean clean-up efforts, oftentimes organizations are asked to report on the weight of everything they pulled out of the water. Seemingly, the higher the number, the more valuable the effort was. However, this is a flawed, and potentially dangerous, practice. For example, an almost weightless gill net could entangle and kill countless more animals than a heavy trawler net. It's also more likely to get wrapped up in boat propellers, posing a hazard and liability for people out at sea. Today's guests, Kelsey Richardson, a marine consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization, and Pascal Van Erp of Healthy Seas and GhostDiving, help to clear up why we need to move away from the "race for kgs" and, instead, toward more meaningful metrics.

 
Further Reading/ Resources:

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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/racing-for-kgs-from-flawed-metrics-to-impact-measurements/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-13633182 Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0200 1513 ghost gear, ocean plastic, ocean cleanup, marine conservation, fishing, fisherers 1 11 full false Unveiling History's Secrets: Conservation and Discovery in the Mediterranean Sea with Mario Arena & Pascal Van Erp Unveiling History's Secrets: Conservation and Discovery in the Mediterranean Sea with Mario Arena & Pascal Van Erp What do you get when you combine environmental and historical conservation? The latest Healthy Seas project!

In this episode, Pascal Van Erp from Healthy Seas and Ghost Diving, and Mario Arena from the Society for the Documentation of Submerged Sites (SDSS), share about their recent, exciting, eight-day expedition off Italy's Lampedusa Island.

The area was the site of World War II's Battle of the Convoys which saw hundreds of ships, submarines, and planes brought down over a three-year period. With the help of volunteer divers who removed large fishing nets that covered one particular shipwreck, they were able to identify and document the ill-fated vessel. They discuss the unique conditions they experienced, the advanced equipment they used, and the historical discoveries that will be shared in an upcoming museum exhibition.

This collaborative effort was generously funded by Hyundai. 

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.

]]> What do you get when you combine environmental and historical conservation? The latest Healthy Seas project!

In this episode, Pascal Van Erp from Healthy Seas and Ghost Diving, and Mario Arena from the Society for the Documentation of Submerged Sites (SDSS), share about their recent, exciting, eight-day expedition off Italy's Lampedusa Island.

The area was the site of World War II's Battle of the Convoys which saw hundreds of ships, submarines, and planes brought down over a three-year period. With the help of volunteer divers who removed large fishing nets that covered one particular shipwreck, they were able to identify and document the ill-fated vessel. They discuss the unique conditions they experienced, the advanced equipment they used, and the historical discoveries that will be shared in an upcoming museum exhibition.

This collaborative effort was generously funded by Hyundai. 

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-13306979 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0200 1633 ghost diving, shipwrecks, world war 2, historical, Mediterranean, history 1 10 full false Changing the Perception About Sharks with Cristina Zenato Changing the Perception About Sharks with Cristina Zenato 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

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

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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/changing-the-perception-about-sharks-with-cristina-zenato/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-12757172 Mon, 01 May 2023 15:00:00 +0200 2144 sharks, shark conservation, ocean conservation, oceans, diving 1 9 full false D(r)iving the Change for Oceans with Alana Alvarez & Manuel Bustelo D(r)iving the Change for Oceans with Alana Alvarez & Manuel Bustelo The Divers Alert Network Europe, otherwise known as DAN Europe, was created 40 years ago to protect divers. However, it started to realize that the divers' playground, the ocean, also needed protection. To that end, they created the Sustainability Tour, led by Alana Alvarez and Manuel Bustelo. The two of them are traveling across Europe and its surrounding areas in an electric Hyundai Kona, creating awareness as they go about the perils that the ocean is facing.

 This year's focus is on climate change's evil twin, ocean acidification. This threat acts like an osteoporosis of the sea and Alana and Manuel are, quite literally, driving for a change.

 We talk about how easy it is to drive across Europe on only renewable energy, what carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has to do with the acidity of the ocean, and what are the effects of this acidification that we need to be aware of.

 
Resources

Sustainable Tour Website  

Instagram  

Facebook 

Twitter

Youtube  

Alana's IG  

Manuel's IG   

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.

]]> The Divers Alert Network Europe, otherwise known as DAN Europe, was created 40 years ago to protect divers. However, it started to realize that the divers' playground, the ocean, also needed protection. To that end, they created the Sustainability Tour, led by Alana Alvarez and Manuel Bustelo. The two of them are traveling across Europe and its surrounding areas in an electric Hyundai Kona, creating awareness as they go about the perils that the ocean is facing.

 This year's focus is on climate change's evil twin, ocean acidification. This threat acts like an osteoporosis of the sea and Alana and Manuel are, quite literally, driving for a change.

 We talk about how easy it is to drive across Europe on only renewable energy, what carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has to do with the acidity of the ocean, and what are the effects of this acidification that we need to be aware of.

 
Resources

Sustainable Tour Website  

Instagram  

Facebook 

Twitter

Youtube  

Alana's IG  

Manuel's IG   

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-12447982 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0100 1710 ocean acidification, electric cars, sustainability, DAN Europe, diving 1 8 full false Making Packaging Disappear: A chat with Earthshot winner, Notpla Making Packaging Disappear: A chat with Earthshot winner, Notpla Touted as the "Nobel Prize for environmentalism", the Earthshot Prize aims to find new solutions to the world’s biggest environmental problems by 2030. It is divided into five categories, one being "Build a Waste-Free World." Last year, Notpla had the honor of winning the prize in this category. Their mission is to replace single-use plastic packaging through their innovative invention based on seaweed. Samara Croci is the Senior Brand Partnership Manager with Notpla and she tells us about how this naturally biodegradable product works, how it is different than bioplastics, and the impact they are looking to achieve with the prize money. Also, with the growth potential of this product, we talk about how they are working on avoiding the potential negative consequences that come with scaled-up seaweed farming. 

 Healthy Seas is proud to be an Official Nominator of the Earthshot Prize. If you have a solution to help repair our planet that is inspiring, inclusive, and impactful, please get in touch with us for further discussion.

Resources

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.

]]> Touted as the "Nobel Prize for environmentalism", the Earthshot Prize aims to find new solutions to the world’s biggest environmental problems by 2030. It is divided into five categories, one being "Build a Waste-Free World." Last year, Notpla had the honor of winning the prize in this category. Their mission is to replace single-use plastic packaging through their innovative invention based on seaweed. Samara Croci is the Senior Brand Partnership Manager with Notpla and she tells us about how this naturally biodegradable product works, how it is different than bioplastics, and the impact they are looking to achieve with the prize money. Also, with the growth potential of this product, we talk about how they are working on avoiding the potential negative consequences that come with scaled-up seaweed farming. 

 Healthy Seas is proud to be an Official Nominator of the Earthshot Prize. If you have a solution to help repair our planet that is inspiring, inclusive, and impactful, please get in touch with us for further discussion.

Resources

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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/notpla/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-12146727 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:00:00 +0100 1695 single-use plastic, plastic, waste, seaweed, innovation, invention, Earthshot Prize 1 7 full false “Mediterranean Life Under Siege” An inspirational talk with director Frederic Fougea “Mediterranean Life Under Siege” An inspirational talk with director Frederic Fougea In this episode, Crystal speaks with Frederic Fougea as he gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of his newest documentary, Mediterranean Life Under Siege. The film and series take viewers on the journeys of some of the Mediterranean’s most precious species as they navigate survival around an increasingly human-dominated landscape. Some of the stories Frederic talks about are the unpredictability of working with animals, how he got some of those seemingly impossible shots, and which storyline stood out to him the most.

You'll also be hearing from Anni Mitropoulou, the Executive Director of the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF). She goes even deeper behind the scenes by offering some insight into the conservation work taking place for some of the species featured in the movie as well as the impact that the movie is having on people.

If you ever wanted to know how nature films are made, you can't miss this one!

BONUSES!

  • You can watch the documentary online here!    Use password : med
  • By signing up for the Healthy Seas newsletter you will receive a bonus clip of Fred talking about the dolphin with Alzheimer's, one of the most incredible stories told in the documentary! Sign up here

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.

]]> In this episode, Crystal speaks with Frederic Fougea as he gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of his newest documentary, Mediterranean Life Under Siege. The film and series take viewers on the journeys of some of the Mediterranean’s most precious species as they navigate survival around an increasingly human-dominated landscape. Some of the stories Frederic talks about are the unpredictability of working with animals, how he got some of those seemingly impossible shots, and which storyline stood out to him the most.

You'll also be hearing from Anni Mitropoulou, the Executive Director of the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF). She goes even deeper behind the scenes by offering some insight into the conservation work taking place for some of the species featured in the movie as well as the impact that the movie is having on people.

If you ever wanted to know how nature films are made, you can't miss this one!

BONUSES!

  • You can watch the documentary online here!    Use password : med
  • By signing up for the Healthy Seas newsletter you will receive a bonus clip of Fred talking about the dolphin with Alzheimer's, one of the most incredible stories told in the documentary! Sign up here

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.

]]> https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/mediterraneanlifeundersiege/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-11884789 Fri, 16 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0100 1813 Mediterranean, endangered animals, dolphins, documentary, film, sea 1 6 full false How to Make Black Friday Planet Friendly with Laura in Waterland & Curra Rotondo How to Make Black Friday Planet Friendly with Laura in Waterland & Curra Rotondo The biggest shopping day of the year is fast approaching and the rampant overconsumption that has been known to accompany Black Friday has devastating effects on the planet. Rather than a complete boycott of the day, Healthy Seas has a better concept- Blue Friday! This is the idea of shopping sustainably and ethically.

 Today's guests are Laura in Waterland, an oceans and sustainability advocate, and Curra Rotondo, the co-founder and CEO of the brand, Lefrik. We talk about why having a Blue Friday is the way to go and how we all can support Healthy Seas this weekend through a campaign that Lefrik has organized.

 
Highlights

  • How is overconsumption bad for the planet?
  • How can we shop more sustainably?
  • What does an ethical company look like?

 
Ten Tips to Have a Blue Friday  (to go deeper with these, be sure to check out Laura's blog post here on Healthy Seas):

  1. Bring your own shopping bags
  2. Ask yourself the right questions and make a list
  3. Buy from ethical brands
  4. Be cruelty-free
  5. Gift an experience
  6. Support small and local businesses
  7. Choose story over bargain
  8. Purchase eco items
  9. Make a donation
  10. Try secondhand

Bonus Tip! Buy yourself or a loved one a bag from Lefrik during the Blue Friday weekend and 15% of the proceeds from your purchase will be donated to Healthy Seas!

 
Resources

  • Lefrik
  • https://slowfactory.earth/open-edu
  • Book: Consumed: The need for collective change; colonialism, climate change & consumerism by Aja Barber 
  • Book: Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by
    Dana Thomas
  • Book: Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist by Kate Raworth

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.

]]> The biggest shopping day of the year is fast approaching and the rampant overconsumption that has been known to accompany Black Friday has devastating effects on the planet. Rather than a complete boycott of the day, Healthy Seas has a better concept- Blue Friday! This is the idea of shopping sustainably and ethically.

 Today's guests are Laura in Waterland, an oceans and sustainability advocate, and Curra Rotondo, the co-founder and CEO of the brand, Lefrik. We talk about why having a Blue Friday is the way to go and how we all can support Healthy Seas this weekend through a campaign that Lefrik has organized.

 
Highlights

  • How is overconsumption bad for the planet?
  • How can we shop more sustainably?
  • What does an ethical company look like?

 
Ten Tips to Have a Blue Friday  (to go deeper with these, be sure to check out Laura's blog post here on Healthy Seas):

  1. Bring your own shopping bags
  2. Ask yourself the right questions and make a list
  3. Buy from ethical brands
  4. Be cruelty-free
  5. Gift an experience
  6. Support small and local businesses
  7. Choose story over bargain
  8. Purchase eco items
  9. Make a donation
  10. Try secondhand

Bonus Tip! Buy yourself or a loved one a bag from Lefrik during the Blue Friday weekend and 15% of the proceeds from your purchase will be donated to Healthy Seas!

 
Resources

  • Lefrik
  • https://slowfactory.earth/open-edu
  • Book: Consumed: The need for collective change; colonialism, climate change & consumerism by Aja Barber 
  • Book: Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by
    Dana Thomas
  • Book: Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist by Kate Raworth

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-11736920 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0100 1536 black friday, overconsumption, fashion, ethical shopping, conscious choices, ecofriendly tips, recycled fabrics 1 5 full false Lobster Pot Recovery After Storm Arwen with Duncan Simpson & Andrew Jack Lobster Pot Recovery After Storm Arwen with Duncan Simpson & Andrew Jack In the winter of 2021, an unusually powerful cyclone called Storm Arwen wreaked havoc on the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France. In Scotland alone, on land, it was estimated that over 8 million trees were damaged or affected by the storm. The damage was no less under the water. Andrew Jack, a fisherman that works in the Moray Firth of the North Sea, lost almost 600 lobster traps in the angry sea. After contacting Duncan Simpson of UK Ghost Diving, the two collaborated (with their teams) on the retrieval of this lost gear that, at first, seemed like it couldn't be done.

Highlights

  • Why was Storm Arwen different and so detrimental?
  • Why was the retrieval of all of the lobster traps seemingly unlikely?
  • What made it possible?


Resources

  • If you are in the UK area and need ghost gear retrieval help, contact Ghost Diving UK.
  • Article by Healthy Seas about the lobster trap retrieval.


How YOU Can Help

  • Donate to Healthy Seas so they can conduct even more clean-up missions.


Click here for a transcript of this episode. 

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.

]]> In the winter of 2021, an unusually powerful cyclone called Storm Arwen wreaked havoc on the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France. In Scotland alone, on land, it was estimated that over 8 million trees were damaged or affected by the storm. The damage was no less under the water. Andrew Jack, a fisherman that works in the Moray Firth of the North Sea, lost almost 600 lobster traps in the angry sea. After contacting Duncan Simpson of UK Ghost Diving, the two collaborated (with their teams) on the retrieval of this lost gear that, at first, seemed like it couldn't be done.

Highlights

  • Why was Storm Arwen different and so detrimental?
  • Why was the retrieval of all of the lobster traps seemingly unlikely?
  • What made it possible?


Resources

  • If you are in the UK area and need ghost gear retrieval help, contact Ghost Diving UK.
  • Article by Healthy Seas about the lobster trap retrieval.


How YOU Can Help

  • Donate to Healthy Seas so they can conduct even more clean-up missions.


Click here for a transcript of this episode. 

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.

]]> https://www.healthyseas.org/2022/08/30/podcast-lobster-pot-recovery-after-storm-arwen/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-11228447 Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0200 1476 ghost gear, ghost fishing, ocean conservation, sustainability, marine pollution, diving, Storm Arwen, climate change 1 4 full false Searching for a Sea Change at the UN Ocean Conference with Gelareh Darabi Searching for a Sea Change at the UN Ocean Conference with Gelareh Darabi Healthy Seas ambassador, Gelareh Darabi, attended the UN Ocean Conference this past June and fills us in on the topics discussed and the progress made in protecting the world's oceans. We talk about new technology and inventions, economically prosperous opportunities in ocean conservation, and the advancement of marine pollution on the global agenda. But, perhaps the most important questions she addresses regarding this gathering of over 6000 participants are, "Who was missing" and "Was it worth it?"

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.

]]> Healthy Seas ambassador, Gelareh Darabi, attended the UN Ocean Conference this past June and fills us in on the topics discussed and the progress made in protecting the world's oceans. We talk about new technology and inventions, economically prosperous opportunities in ocean conservation, and the advancement of marine pollution on the global agenda. But, perhaps the most important questions she addresses regarding this gathering of over 6000 participants are, "Who was missing" and "Was it worth it?"

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-10985197 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0200 1236 UN Ocean Conference, oceans, ocean conservation, sustainable development, blue economies, ghost gear, green venture capital, UNOC2022, save our ocean, marine conservation 1 3 full false Nets, Divers, Action! Marine Conservation in Los Angeles with Norbert Lee & Eric Nelson Nets, Divers, Action! Marine Conservation in Los Angeles with Norbert Lee & Eric Nelson In this episode, we hear from both Norbert Lee of Ghostdiving USA and Eric Nelson of Aquafil about their new U.S. partnership with Healthy Seas that recently kicked off in Los Angeles. They removed entangled fishing nets from the ship, the USS Moody, that was sunk for the Hollywood movie, Hell Below. Norbert talks about the near-impossible conditions they overcame that day and Eric tells us all about what Aquafil does with the nets after they are retrieved. This new partnership expands Healthy Seas' presence and impact to 13 countries!

Highlights

  • How do you retrieve ghost nets when you can hardly see your hand in front of your face?
  • What sea creatures were rescued from the nets?
  • What is the environmental footprint of ECONYL®?

 Resources

How YOU Can Help

  • Limit your use of single-use plastics and recycle what you do.
  • Donate to Healthy Seas.
  • Volunteer for a beach cleanup or as surface support for the next net extraction.

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.

]]> In this episode, we hear from both Norbert Lee of Ghostdiving USA and Eric Nelson of Aquafil about their new U.S. partnership with Healthy Seas that recently kicked off in Los Angeles. They removed entangled fishing nets from the ship, the USS Moody, that was sunk for the Hollywood movie, Hell Below. Norbert talks about the near-impossible conditions they overcame that day and Eric tells us all about what Aquafil does with the nets after they are retrieved. This new partnership expands Healthy Seas' presence and impact to 13 countries!

Highlights

  • How do you retrieve ghost nets when you can hardly see your hand in front of your face?
  • What sea creatures were rescued from the nets?
  • What is the environmental footprint of ECONYL®?

 Resources

How YOU Can Help

  • Limit your use of single-use plastics and recycle what you do.
  • Donate to Healthy Seas.
  • Volunteer for a beach cleanup or as surface support for the next net extraction.

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.

]]> Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-10634065 Tue, 17 May 2022 18:00:00 +0200 1761 ghost gear, ghost fishing, ocean conservation, sustainability, marine pollution, diving 1 2 full false The Who, What, and Why Behind the Healthy Seas Organization with Veronika Mikos The Who, What, and Why Behind the Healthy Seas Organization with Veronika Mikos Veronika Mikos is the Director of Healthy Seas, a marine conservation organization established to tackle marine pollution caused by lost or abandoned fishing gear, otherwise known as ghost gear. As these materials drift aimlessly through the water, they get entangled on reefs and wrecks while continuing with their original purpose- to trap anything that comes within their path. Healthy Seas not only tackles this issue through clean-up, prevention, and awareness-raising, they contribute to the circular economy by working with partners who then recycle and repurpose this material.

Highlights

  • What is ghost gear and why is it a problem?
  • How have fishers gone from being skeptics to being ambassadors of the Healthy Seas mission?
  • What is the most daring clean-up Healthy Seas has done?
  • How does Healthy Seas contribute to the circular economy?

Resources

How YOU Can Help

  • Donate to Healthy Seas
  • Volunteer with them above or below the waves (and even from a distance).
  • Become a Partner.
  • Be conscious of the choices you make.

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.

]]> Veronika Mikos is the Director of Healthy Seas, a marine conservation organization established to tackle marine pollution caused by lost or abandoned fishing gear, otherwise known as ghost gear. As these materials drift aimlessly through the water, they get entangled on reefs and wrecks while continuing with their original purpose- to trap anything that comes within their path. Healthy Seas not only tackles this issue through clean-up, prevention, and awareness-raising, they contribute to the circular economy by working with partners who then recycle and repurpose this material.

Highlights

  • What is ghost gear and why is it a problem?
  • How have fishers gone from being skeptics to being ambassadors of the Healthy Seas mission?
  • What is the most daring clean-up Healthy Seas has done?
  • How does Healthy Seas contribute to the circular economy?

Resources

How YOU Can Help

  • Donate to Healthy Seas
  • Volunteer with them above or below the waves (and even from a distance).
  • Become a Partner.
  • Be conscious of the choices you make.

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.

]]> http://www.healthyseas.org/ Crystal DiMiceli Buzzsprout-10617700 Sun, 15 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200 1385 ocean conservation, ghost nets, ghost gear, diving 1 1 full false