So You Want to Be a Marine Biologist

Send us a textHunter, trapper, and fisherman Cody McLaughlin joins us on the show today. Cody is a season podcast producer and outdoor writer featured in several national publications including National Wild Turkey Federation's Turkey Call Magazine and the Sportfishing Magazine. He also is a political strategist and serves on the board of the Alaska Outdoor Council, the Last Frontier State's NRA affiliate, and is a former board member and spokesperson for the NJ outdoor alliance.On the show today, Cody shares the tale of the Salmon Wars happening in America's PNW, and his podcast with the same name that highlights the plight of the salmon fishery. We also chat about what it's like to actually live in the Last Frontier of Alaska, and how to use politics to preserve our natural resources.Connect with Cody:WebsiteInstagramSalmon WarsSupport the showGET THE *FREE* COURSE: ✨ BACK TO NATURE ✨Daily drops of goodness to bring your closer to Ocean, Nature, and Yourself✨BACK TO OCEAN RETREAT ✨ Weigh in hereCheck out the website: https://karagracemuzia.com/GET THE *FREE* GUIDE: HOW TO BE A MARINE BIOLOGIST WITHOUT THE DEGREEPURCHASE ✨ SCUBA FOR BEGINNERS ✨ DIRECT DOWNLOADDROPS OF GOODNESS, TO YOUR INBOX: ✨JOIN MY NEWSLETTER✨

Send us a textWELCOME BACK! Host Kara Muzia is on the show today verifying the nearly two year hiatus from recordings, and sharing what's next for the SYWTBAMB podcast. Support the showGET THE *FREE* COURSE: ✨ BACK TO NATURE ✨Daily drops of goodness to bring your closer to Ocean, Nature, and Yourself✨BACK TO OCEAN RETREAT ✨ Weigh in hereCheck out the website: https://karagracemuzia.com/GET THE *FREE* GUIDE: HOW TO BE A MARINE BIOLOGIST WITHOUT THE DEGREEPURCHASE ✨ SCUBA FOR BEGINNERS ✨ DIRECT DOWNLOADDROPS OF GOODNESS, TO YOUR INBOX: ✨JOIN MY NEWSLETTER✨

So, so much has been covered in 100 episodes. Here we recap some of the most important topics covered.Full transcript: marinebio.life/100Register for the Rising Tides Container: a four month, 1:1 mentorship program (Registration closed 2/28)Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram

Melissa Cristina Márquez is a marine science education expert, TEDx speaker, author, and podcast host currently finishing her doctoral degree. She has been featured in NPR, Allure, InStyle, GQ, Seeker, Popular Science, and appeared on Disney+, BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Acciona, and Good Morning America. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Mexico, Melissa has worked at the forefront of marine science education and communication for over a decade, her work taking her all over the world to the US, New Zealand, and now Australia. In this episode, we chat about how Melissa balances science and outreach, the importance of role models, and her work demystifying misunderstood predators.Show Notes: marinebio.life/99Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram

Emily Velasquez is a student who currently lives in Mozambique. Though a newcomer to the country, she's followed her curiosity to help answer some of the most pressing questions that this region- and the world- faces. From mangrove reforestation to using red algae in cattle feed to reduce methane emissions, Emily's projects and goals are wide ranging with positive, long-lasting implications.Show Notes: marinebio.life/98Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram

Andrea Richey is the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Shark Foundation. After decades as a corporate lawyer, Andrea realized that she wanted to give back more in life, and found her passion in saving sharks in the very epicenter of the shark fin trade. Through her work, Andrea has educated thousands of students, created lasting change in her community, and, through her TED talk, reached thousands more. One of the biggest takeaways from Andrea's story is that you don't have to have a degree or be “qualified” to save our oceans– you just have to care- and take actionShow Notes: marinebio.life/97Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram

William Trubridge is the world's deepest man, with an unassisted freediving record to 102m or 334 feet. He holds eighteen freediving records and six world champion titles, and is able to hold his breath for over seven minutes. He has spent an extraordinary amount time in and around the ocean in his lifetime, completing nearly unfathomable underwater challenges. William offers a fascinating way of translating his freediving techniques into the everyday world and he shares them here.Show Notes: marinebio.life/96Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram

Divya Karnad is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Ashoka University in India. The focus of her work is marine conservation and fisheries management. She won the global Future for Nature Award in recognition for her work with InSeason Fish, a sustainable seafood initiative that she founded.  Divya is published in scientific journals like Ambio, Biological Conservation, Conservation Biology, Marine Policy and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science and offers a unique perspective on fishing and fishing communities.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram

Brooke Lynn Elzweig is an engineer and a marine biologist. Growing up, marine science took center stage with school projects focused on the ocean and marine science sleep away camps. When it came time for higher education, Brooke chose to pursue engineering in a land-locked state. The siren song of the sea is a powerful one, and after graduation, Brooke found herself once more back in the marine science realm. This time, she's traveling overseas to Saudi Arabia as a Project Coordinator for the Shushah Island Coral Reefscape Project with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and NEOM. In today's episode, Brooke shares her journey from rescuing sea turtles in drains to working on the largest coral restoration project on the planet. Show Notes: marinebio.life/94Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram

Erich Hoyt has spent much of his life on or beside the ocean, working with whales and dolphins. He is a noted conservationist, scientist, and an award-winning author, he actually wrote the first ever book on Orcas, or Killer Whales. A former Vannevar Bush Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Erich is currently a research fellow at Whale and Dolphin Conservation, co-chair of the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force, and author of the new book "PLANKTONIA: The nightly migration of the ocean's smallest creatures” from Firefly Books. In this episode we chat about making a living from passion projects, Erich's work with Orcas, and all about the greatest migration on earth that happens twice a night, every night in the deep blue sea.show notes: marinebio.life/93Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram

Maddy McAllister is the Senior Curator for Maritime Archaeology at James Cook University and the Museum of Tropical Queensland. In her words, Maddy is a maritime archeologist and shipwreck detective.  In today's episode we chat about the ghost story that inspired Maddy's career, how technology has helped shape the archeology field, how to identify a shipwreck, and why telling these stories is so important.Show Notes: marinebio.life/92Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram

Stephan Abel is the the President and CEO of Ferry Cove Shellfish, an oyster hatchery located along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Starting off his career, Stephan didn't even consider going into natural sciences or natural resources at all. In fact, he was military. In today's episode, Stephan shares his story, transitioning from flying helicopters for the US Navy to working for big name start ups like Sallie-Mae and Career Builder before taking the leap into the world of natural resource management. Stephan has some key insights into what it takes to change industries, and he shares them here today.Show Notes: marinebio.life/91Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram

Chris Maingot is an ocean engineer and physical oceanographer. Growing up in South Florida, Chris always felt at home in the water and- after a slight deviation down the path of pre-med- decided to pursue a career in the ocean. Today we chat about what an ocean engineer is, what a physical oceanographer does, and about some crazy ocean phenomenon including waves underneath the waves- nature is wild.Scuba for BeginnersShow NotesSupport the show

For four decades, Dr. Megan Davis has been working with the iconic queen conch in Florida and all over the Caribbean. In today's episode, Megan shares how at age 16, she knew she wanted to do conch aquaculture, and how she's been at the forefront of conch science and aquaculture since. Megan shares how conch is being restored all over the Caribbean, some crazy facts about the iconic species, and what a conch pearl looks like. Her passion for these shelled creatures is contagious; you're in for a treat.This episode is brought to you by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. For over 50 years, FAU Harbor Branch has been in relentless pursuit of Ocean Science for a Better World®. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, FAU Harbor Branch's cutting-edge research focuses on marine ecosystem conservation, aquaculture, the connection between ocean and human health, and technological innovation and national defense. During my time as part of the undergraduate Semester By the Sea program, I learned so much about the ocean and what it takes to become a good scientist. The programs and opportunities offered at FAU Harbor Branch have continued to swell since! To learn more, and how you can get involved, please visit www.fau.edu/hboi.Show notes : marinebio.life/89Support the show

Dr. Joshua Voss is the Executive Director of NOAA's Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research, and Technology and an Associate Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. His research interests? Coral. In today's episode, we chat about coral reefs, both shallow and mesophotic (or slightly deeper water), their health, how they're explored. Josh is a certified technical rebreather diver and scuba instructor who has completed over 1500 scientific dives and led more than 35 scientific expeditions. He shares how his field work is accomplished, how crime scene investigation methods translates to coral, and how you, as a stakeholder, can get involved.This episode is brought to you by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. For over 50 years, FAU Harbor Branch has been in relentless pursuit of Ocean Science for a Better World®. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, FAU Harbor Branch's cutting-edge research focuses on marine ecosystem conservation, aquaculture, the connection between ocean and human health, and technological innovation and national defense. During my time as part of the undergraduate Semester By the Sea program, I learned so much about the ocean and what it takes to become a good scientist. The programs and opportunities offered at FAU Harbor Branch have continued to swell since! To learn more, and how you can get involved, please visit fau.edu/hboi.Click here for show notes.Click here for "Scuba for Beginners"Support the show

Outdoor environmental educator Amy Osborne joins us on the show today. Starting her career as a rowing coach, Amy discovered her passion for teaching- and particularly teaching the outdoors- a little bit later in life. This led her to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Wyoming, and California. It also gave her the opportunity with PolarTrec to conduct research at McMurdo Research Station in Antarctica, something we chat about quite a bit today. Amy shares what life on the ice is like, how this opportunity came about, and the importance of connecting with your place.Show notes : marinebio.life/87Photo credits : Amy Osborne pulls up the plankton tow net from a hole in the ice inside the Jetty Hut. McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Photo by Denise Hardoy (PolarTREC 2019), Courtesy of ARCUS.Support the show

Film-maker, broadcaster, photographer, and outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean joins us on the podcast today. Calum is a host on the BBC Social, and has his own wildly popular YouTube, Instagram, and now TikTok channels. His new book, “1001 Outdoor Swimming Tips” is written to get people out in and excited about being submerged in nature. Today's episode is a fun one chatting about all things swimming outside- in both the ocean and freshwater bodies. Calum shares insights into what it's like outdoor swimming, and why you should get started today. He also shares some of the best adventure stories, including his field story at the end, so stay tuned for that.Show notes : marinebio.life/86scuba guide, click here.Support the show

Entrepreneur, marine biologist, educator, and dive instructor, Danél Wentzel joins us on the show. Danél shares her journey from landlocked farmland in rural South Africa to becoming an instructor with over 600 dives under her belt, four minute breath holds, and her own show and company. As a self proclaimed “freelance marine biologist” Danél has some incredible stories and experiences to share, including surviving a shark attack (you'll have to listen to the end for that one!) show notes : marinebio.life/85Support the show

Past SYWTBAMB intern Aislinn Olthoff joins us on the show today! Inspired by nature around her and Jane Goodall, Aislinn took a gap year after high school in order to figure out where her interests lie. A pivotal volunteer opportunity working with elephants in Asia firmly pointed her to her degree in Wildlife Conservation. Not one to sit idylly by, Aislinn did quite a bit of traveling and work during her undergrad, including to Costa Rica, Africa, and Paris. Then she decided to turn her focus below the surface of the waves, and discovered the SYWTBAMB podcast. This led her to an amazing position as a naturalist working in close proximity to humpback whales in Hawai'i. Aislinn has such a great story, and some really great insights into the conservation world and connecting with nature.show notes: marinebio.life/83Support the show

With an undergraduate, two masters under her belt, Constance Shéré is currently working on her PhD studying MPAs. In this super wide ranging episode we chat about how Constance went from a history degree to studying marine science and then conservation, how growing up next to a marine protected area influences her work now, and how she's brought it full circle. We leap all over the pond, from Constance's native France to the US to Northern Ireland, and we also chat about the difference between the French, English, and American university systems (Constance has experienced all three), and when a university will actually kick you out.  Constance recently co-authored a publication with the British Ecological Society about 30 x 30, and she shares just what that means and how we're looking. Constance shares three pretty amazing field stories at the end of the episode, so be sure to stay tuned for that. show notes: marinebio.life/83Support the show

Isobel Yeo is a marine volcanologist, which means she studies volcanoes underwater. Volcanoes are found everywhere, and we really don't know that much about them. Today, Izzy and I chat about why it can actually be easier to study space than the ocean, and what field work really looks like including playing with ROVs and seeing fish with feet in thousands of feet of water. We chat about blue mining and what that means and how we, in our everyday lives, impact it. Izzy also explains the complexity of naming underwater seamounts, and I have a request for any listeners that like maps about halfway through, so stay tuned for that. Show Notes: marinebio.life/82Support the show

If you've listened to episode 2 of the podcast, you've already heard Jessica's story and the genesis of her research. Today, we start right where we left off in that episode. Jessica shares a few of her many exciting projects including identifying and describing a third species of manta, tagging the mantas, and future projects with guitarfish. We chat about how the manta project has evolved from bowriding to droning, how it's grown from a side project to full time endeavor, and how Jessica's work was featured in Nat Geo. Show Notes: marinebio.life/81Support the show

IT guru at PEW Charitable Trusts, Dawn Borg Costanzi joins us on the SYWTBAMB podcast. Her job? To help track international fisheries. Which wasn't what she thought she would do initially. Originally, Dawn was going to go into software design. In this episode, we chat about how the fishing world captivated Dawn's interest and how she's navigated working for private entities and a large NGO. We chat about how vessels are tracked, both on the water and in port, IUU fishing, and why her work is so impactful.show notes: marinebio.life/80Support the show

Brandon Doheny is a marine scientist, diver, and sailor. Our conversation today ranges from crazy two hundred plus foot dives to eDNA sampling to teaching technology to identify sea creatures. Currently Brandon is on an extended sailing trip with his family, sailing from California to New Zealand, so of course we chat a bit about this adventure.Show Notes: marinebio.life/79Support the show

We're diving into the wonderful world of seaweeds! My guest today is Allison Poklemba, environmental educator, botanist, and herbalist. Allison shares how plants have fascinated her from a young age, why her move across the country for university was the financially responsible choice, and how she incorporated both botany and herbalism into her career. Allison puts a few different species of kelp on highlight today including bullwhip kelp and wakame. She shares how kelp will actually devour cancer tumors, how a walk on the beach can also be a walk in a medicine cabinet, and some fun ways to cook with sea vegetables. We have a two part, fun ask for you at the end of today's episode, so stay tuned for that.Show Notes:Marinebio.life/78Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Dr. Andia Fonnegra Chavez studies sponges and their interactions on reefs at Florida Atlantic University.. In today's fascinating conversation, Andia shares her story falling in love with the ocean growing up in Colombia, and how she ultimately ended up in the States. We chat about how sponges are important members of the reef building and maintenance crew, how most of the color you see on reefs are in fact sponges, the importance of following your own path, and so much more. Andia's enthusiasm and passion for her work is absolutely contagious; you're in for a treat.This episode is brought to you by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of FAU Harbor Branch's relentless pursuit of Ocean Science for a Better World®. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, FAU Harbor Branch's cutting-edge research focuses on five major areas: marine ecosystem conservation, aquaculture, the connection between ocean and human health, technological innovation and national defense. During my time at HB as part of the undergraduate Semester By the Sea program, I learned so much about the ocean and what it takes to become a good scientist. The programs and opportunities offered at FAU Harbor Branch have continued to swell since! To learn more, and how you can get involved, please visit www.fau.edu/hboi.Show Notes: marinebio.life/77Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Valeria Vergara is a senior research scientist at Raincoast Conservation Foundation where she co-directs the Cetacean Conservation Research Program. Her main focus? Beluga Whales. Originally hailing from Argentia, Valeria studied canids- specifically coyotes and foxes- during her undergrad and masters degree. It wasn't until her PhD that she switched to the marine world.  Valeria is so passionate about her work, and shares insight into what beluga whale research looks like, including spending weeks at camp with these creatures. She also shares why belugas are considered the canaries of the sea, why it's important for us humans to be adaptable, and she shares some amazing stories from the field.Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Kristy Bredin is an herbalist, educator and owner of Mermaid botanicals. She lives in the San Juan Island in Washington State. In this episode, you'll learn what herbalism is, how seaweed is the ancestor to all land plants, some of the magical powers of marine algae, and what a day in the life of an ocean herbalist looks like- tide pools are involved.Show notes: marinebio.life/75Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Winnie Courtene-Jones is a researcher at the University of Plymouth in their International Marine Litter Research Unit. We had such a fun conversation today starting with Winnie's volunteer position studying dolphins off the coast of Wales. Winnie shares her graduate research of, essentially, watching hermit crabs duke it out, and how she definitely wasn't going to get PhD. Until she did. She also explains what being self employed in the marine science means. Winnie's research has taken her all over the world, and has found plastic in some surprising places- including over a mile beneath the ocean's surface.Winnie is a font of knowledge when it comes to plastic and plastic pollution, and she breaks down where it's found, what the ‘great garbage patches' really look like, and if biodegradable plastics are actually a thing. Her conservation ask is a great one, so be sure to stay tuned for that.Show notes: marinebio.life/74Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Steve Burton has what most people would consider to be the dream job. As the Director of the Marine Mammal and Stranding Assessment program at Harbor Branch, Steve's job is to work with dolphins and whales. In addition to responding to animals in distress, he also gets to conduct population assessments, the scientific way of describing going out on the boat to look for dolphins and whales. He's also lived in, arguably, the three best beach states in the US- California, Hawaii, and now Florida- and it all started by saying “yes” to a flyer posted on a billboard. In this episode, we chat about the hilarious difference between training dolphins and seals, how to identify individual dolphins, and what his field work really looks like. There's a couple of spots where he mentions great ways for you to get involved, so be sure to keep an ear out for those.This episode is brought to you by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of FAU Harbor Branch's relentless pursuit of Ocean Science for a Better World®. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, FAU Harbor Branch's cutting-edge research focuses on five major areas: marine ecosystem conservation, aquaculture, the connection between ocean and human health, technological innovation and national defense. During my time at HB as part of the undergraduate Semester By the Sea program, I learned so much about the ocean and what it takes to become a good scientist. The programs and opportunities offered at FAU Harbor Branch have continued to swell since! To learn more, and how you can get involved, please visit www.fau.edu/hboi.Show notes: marinebio.life/73Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Harri is an aquatic animal biologist and ecologist which is a broad way to describe his work monitoring fish patterns and their implications with our changing climate, and spending time at camp tagging whales. We have a fun conversation today covering topics ranging from tropical sharks to arctic fish and even narwhals. Harri has some great insights into what sustainable fishing really looks like and has an incredible field story and answer to the blank check question, so be sure to stay tuned for those. Please enjoy!Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Jim Sullivan has had a fascinating career starting with the smallest, and quite possibly the mightiest, organism in the sea, phytoplankton. From doing ground-breaking scientific research, including anti-submarine warfare research, to inventing new oceanographic equipment to leading an oceanographic institute, Jim has had quite the diverse career. In this episode, Jim shares some amazing insights into marine science and the world in general, and he shares how he affected legislative changes that had some pretty big trickle down effects. We also chat about what true science really means, and why sometimes it can be really challenging to do. Jim also has one of the craziest sea stories I've ever heard, so stay tuned for that.This episode is brought to you by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of FAU Harbor Branch's relentless pursuit of Ocean Science for a Better World®. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, FAU Harbor Branch's cutting-edge research focuses on five major areas: marine ecosystem conservation, aquaculture, the connection between ocean and human health, technological innovation and national defense. During my time at HB as part of the undergraduate Semester By the Sea program, I learned so much about the ocean and what it takes to become a good scientist. The programs and opportunities offered at FAU Harbor Branch have continued to swell since! To learn more, and how you can get involved, please visit www.fau.edu/hboi.Show Notes: marinebio.life/71Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Sindia is a paleoclimatologist, which means she studies how the earth used to look, millions of years ago, in order to better understand what may be going on with our current climate. Sindia is a past Sir Keith Murdoch fellow, Fulbright Distinguished Scholar, and currently teaches and conducts research at Cardiff University in the UK. In today's episode, we chat about how surfing influenced Sindia's worldwide travel and studies taking her from the States to Australia, and then the UK, what paleoclimateology is and how you can get involved.show notes: marinebio.life/70Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Bill Francois is a physicist, marine scientist, fisherman, and author. In his premiere book, Eloquence of the Sardine, Bill dives into the world of mythology, legends, and basic science, bringing to life fascinating stories from the underwater realm. In today's show, Bill shares how he won a National French show competition and the prize of a book deal. Bill also shares the correct catch and release methods, how whales prevent themselves from cooking on a daily basis, how larval fish swim through honey, and soo much more. Show Notes: marinebio.life/69Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Kate Morrison is the strategic partnership director for the Ocean Foundation. Her job? Match-making. Kate is the magician that connects science and conservation efforts to the sources of funding with similar intentions and goals. In today's episode, we chat about Kate's winding path, starting as a marine bio major and the shift from science to ultimately graduating with a masters in marine affairs. Kate has been on the ground floor of several ocean policy initiatives on the eastern seaboard of the states, and she shares her experiences and lessons learned. She has a great outlook on adapting to and willfully creating change in your own life.Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

As a senior program associate with The Ocean Foundation, Kaitlyn Lowder  supports the International Ocean Acidification Initiative. Despite growing up in a landlocked desert, Kaitlyn always knew she wanted to become a marine biologist.She pursued her dream of becoming a marine scientist, despite growing up in a landlocked desert, and was the recipient of the NOAA Hollings Scholarship as well as the Knauss Fellowship Kaitlyn also presented at two COP events, and succeeded in her efforts in getting “ocean” in the Paris Agreement. show notes: marinebio.life/67Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Finnish sailor, marine scientist, and science communicator, Annukka Pekkarinen joins us on the show today. Growing up sailing the archipelagos of Finland, the ocean has influenced her life in a big way. In this episode, we chat about Annukka's PhD research studying pygmy blue whales (don't worry, they're still huge), how her research evolved and how she evolved out of her research and into an oceanic entrepreneurial endeavor.Show Notes: marinebio.life/66Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

From shucking in oyster bars to his own private events and even for the President of the United States, Gardener Douglas truly is the Oyster Ninja. With his own mobile rawbar business and podcast, Gardner has garnered some amazing experiences around oysters. Gardner is super passionate about oysters and his work, and it really shows during our conversation today that encompasses everything from what oyster shucking is to farms and restaurants to oyster recycling and entrepreneurship.Show Notes: marinebio.life/65Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

If studying sound underwater sounds like a quiet activity to you, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Denise Risch is a marine mammal ecologist currently with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) studying marine acoustics (sounds in the ocean) and the impacts with marine mammals like whales and dolphins. We chat about how her career has taken her from Europe, to the States, and then to the UK- all studying exciting creatures like orcas and other dolphins and whales. We also chat about her research on renewable energy technologies in the ocean- like wind and tidal energy- and their effects on the denizens of the sea, and how COVID has impacted the oceanic soundscape.Show Notes: marinebio.life/64Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Marine ecologist Aurora Ricart joins us on the show today. Aurora is a seagrass biologist studying the effects of this often overlooked part of our oceanic ecosystem. Starting off with corals, Aurora made a full-hearted leap into seagrasses during grad school, and hasn't looked back. Today we chat about her amazing coral research in Mexico, how seagrasses combat climate change, and how you play a role in this underwater nursery. Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

With a professional engineering license backing up a degree in ocean engineering, it may come as a surprise that Nick Muzia originally wanted to be a marine biologist. It wasn't until he realized his aptitude in math, and a fateful discovery channel episode featuring submarines, that Nick decided to make the switch. In today's episode, we chat about how my Midwestern husband discovered his love for the ocean and fascination with submarines. He also shares insight into what exactly an ocean engineer is, the program he took to get his degree, and what a career as an ocean engineer can look like. We also chat about where we live and the important work Nick is doing to help keep our waterways clean. It's a fun episode and I love being able to share this conversation with you. show notes: marinebio.life/62Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

My guest today is Illegal Fishing and Transparency Analyst for Oceana, Emma Gee. I've been wanting to have someone on the show to chat about IUU fishing, and I'm so excited to share this episode with you! In today's episode, we chat about how Emma's non-marine biology degrees are helping to save the oceans, how we can look at historical ecology- what used to be in the ocean- and all about pirate fishing.Show Notes: marinebio.life/61Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Her Deepness, Dr. Sylvia Earle joins us on the show today. Sylvia is a marine biologist who has been deemed a Hero for the Planet and designated by the Library of Congress as a Living Legend. She has been a Nat Geo explorer since 1998, author of over a dozen books. Her TED talk has over 3m views. Sylvia led the first team of women living underwater, has thousands of research diving hours, and explored all over the world. She is also a personal hero of mine, and today's show is a true honor to be able to present to you. In today's episode we chat about how Sylvia is a witness to the oceanic changes in her lifetime, why no child should be left dry, and how by looking in the mirror, we can save our oceans and our blue planet. Show Notes: marinebio.life/60Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Andy Bramburger is a researcher with Environment and Climate Change Canada. In addition to the numerous scientific papers and publications, Andy's work has also been featured in National Geographic. In this episode we chat about how something so tiny it can only be seen with a microscope influences the entire planet, and how we, in turn, influence it. Andy also breaks down the similarities and differences- surprisingly few- of oceanic work and working on the Great Lakes.Show Notes: marinebio.life/59Nominate the SYWTBAMB podcast for education and best female host: Podcastawards.comThank You!!Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Jake Kheel is a sustainability innovator, sargassum-wrangler, and coral reef saver.  In addition to these illustrious titles, Jake also holds the titles of Vice President of the Grupo Puntacana Foundation and Vice President of Sustainability for Grupo Puntacana. He is also a TEDx speaker, and author of  “Waking the Sleeping Giant: Unlocking the Hidden Power of Business to Save Our Planet.” In this episode you'll learn what it really means to have a career in sustainability (it doesn't have to necessarily be working for a big non-profit), how the private sector can drive impactful environmental change, and how a little innovation goes a long way.Show Notes: marinebio.life/58Nominate the SYWTBAMB podcast for education and best female host: Podcastawards.comThank You!!Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Colin Howe is a tropical marine ecologist studying corals in the Caribbean. He is also the creator behind the Instagram and YouTube channels @MarineSci4life. In today's episode, Colin breaks down the difference between a marine ecologist and marine biologist, what research at different career levels can look like, and the importance of experience. Colin also shares his coral research throughout the Caribbean, and why this dynamic ecosystem is his favorite to study, and how both corals and careers can thrive despite- and maybe because of- seemingly adverse conditions.Show Notes: marinebio.life/57Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Samantha Andrews is a marine ecologist, naturalist, professional science communicator, and founder of Ocean Oculus, a one-woman endeavour, supporting scientists, researchers, companies, NGOS, stakeholders, and everything in-between discover more about - and take better care of - this pale blue dot we call home. In today's episode Samantha shares how she shifted her career from finance to ocean science, why she decided to pursue her PhD- and why she's not giving up, and what science communication looks like for her, and how she's helping others make the impact they were meant to.Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Dr. Christine Figgener is the director of science and education at the Footprint Foundation and Costa Rican Alliance for Sea Turtle Conservation & Science (COASTS), founder of Nāmaka Conservation Science, and the researcher that filmed the sea turtle straw video. In today’s episode we chat about what brought Chris from Germany to study sea turtles in Costa Rica, why she prefers sea turtle research over whale research, and how one seemingly small action can create an entire movement. Show Notes: marinebio.life/55Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Nic Mink is a professor of environmental science and the co-founder and CEO of Sitka Salmon Shares, a direct to consumer, sea-to-table company. Join us as we chat about fish and fisheries, what a community supported fishery is, why small, generational fisheries can be a good thing, and what you can do to help the fish that swim in the sea.Show Notes: marinebio.life/54Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

Laura Smith is a marine biology PhD student currently hailing from Australia. In this episode, Laura  shares her stories behind the scenes aboard humpback whale boats, doing sea turtle research on the Great Barrier Reef, and how she found herself studying one of the most iconic fish in the sea. Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)

The first woman to command a federal vessel and the first woman Admiral in the NOAA Corps joins us on the podcast today. Rear Admiral Evelyn Fields (ret.) shares what the NOAA Corps is, why their work is vital to NOAA’s mission, and what it’s like to be the first.Support the show (http://patreon.com/marinebiolife)