Conservation – Southern Fried Science

“Why Sustainable Seafood Matters” is now available for preorder! Here’s what it’s about, and why I decided to write it.

June 8, 2026 David Shiffman No Comments

I am thrilled to announce that “Why Sustainable Seafood Matters,” my second book, is now available for preorder through my publisher Johns Hopkins University Press! Use code HWSSM for 30% off your preorder! Preorders are important because they help signal to booksellers how much interest there is in a book, so please consider ordering a … Read More ““Why Sustainable Seafood Matters” is now available for preorder! Here’s what it’s about, and why I decided to write it.” »

Oceans week 2026 – a lost hope

June 5, 2026 Southern Fried Science No Comments

Academic life, Climate change, Conservation, Science

This week is National Oceans week. One of the main events in Washington DC is Capitol Hill Ocean Week (or CHOW). This two-day event, sponsored by the U.S. Government, brought policymakers, scientists, and conservationists together for policy discussions, networking, and raising awareness about ocean issues. I went to the event two years ago, and at … Read More “Oceans week 2026 – a lost hope” »

Why ocean science is still one of the worst-funded scientific fields worldwide

June 3, 2026 Chris Parsons No Comments

Climate change, Conservation, Exploration, Science

For a planet that is 71% ocean, humanity spends a surprisingly small amount of time (and money) trying to understand it. Ocean science sits in a strange place in the research ecosystem. It underpins climate science, fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, and coastal economies. It’s essential for understanding everything from hurricanes to heatwaves to global carbon … Read More “Why ocean science is still one of the worst-funded scientific fields worldwide” »

I just told 850 shark scientists a hard truth: We’re not communicating shark conservation correctly.

June 1, 2026 David Shiffman No Comments

Conservation, Education, Policy, Science

At the 2026 Sharks International conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, I was invited to present my research on the causes and consequences of public misunderstanding of shark conservation issues. The meeting brought together more than 850 shark scientists and conservation professionals from 84 countries, a new record for the conference. Here’s what I told them. … Read More “I just told 850 shark scientists a hard truth: We’re not communicating shark conservation correctly.” »

Earth Day 2026: We paved paradise and put up a parking lot

April 23, 2026 Southern Fried Science

Conservation, Uncategorized

Earth Day used to be about the environment. In 2026, it’s about traffic. The Trump administration marked April 22 with a mix of infrastructure announcements, deregulation, and a heavy dose of branding … while environmental protection took a noticeable back seat. Freedom to Drive… Over Everything The headline initiative? A “Freedom to Drive” push from … Read More “Earth Day 2026: We paved paradise and put up a parking lot” »

Here’s how to join my IMCC8 symposium, “Ocean Science Communication: What’s New and What’s Next?”

April 22, 2026 David Shiffman

Conservation, Education, Featured

I am pleased to announce that I’ll be leading a symposium at the upcoming 8th International Marine Conservation Congress in Scotland! We’ll be discussing new developments and emerging trends in the field of ocean science and conservation communication, and will produce a multi-coauthor peer reviewed scientific journal manuscript. Here’s how to sign up to present. … Read More “Here’s how to join my IMCC8 symposium, “Ocean Science Communication: What’s New and What’s Next?”” »

Playing God – How the ESA “God Squad” just voted for the extinction of a uniquely American whale

April 9, 2026April 14, 2026 Southern Fried Science

Conservation, News, Science

On March 31, 2026, the federal Endangered Species Committee (previously dubbed the “God Squad”) met for the first time in three decades to do exactly what their name suggests: deciding the fate of an entire species. In a record-breaking 15-minute meeting (barely enough time to order a latte), the committee voted unanimously the committee granted a … Read More “Playing God – How the ESA “God Squad” just voted for the extinction of a uniquely American whale” »

Join Me at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice — Our Fourth Year!

March 24, 2026March 24, 2026 Angelo Villagomez

Conservation, Featured, News

I hope that you will join me at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice this June 2-3 in Washington, DC. Please register today. Due to popular demand, Upwell is moving to a larger venue this year and we are adding a second day. We are holding this year’s event at the Martin Luther King Jr. … Read More “Join Me at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice — Our Fourth Year!” »

How close did the world’s first deep-sea mining come to the dredging the world’s largest cold-water coral reef?

March 17, 2026March 18, 2026 Andrew Thaler

Conservation, Exploration, Featured

The Blake Plateau, off the coast of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, is one of the most remarkable ecosystems in the United States. It is home to the world’s largest cold water coral reef, a coral complex larger than the state of Vermont, which may be the single largest contiguous ecosystem in the continental US. … Read More “How close did the world’s first deep-sea mining come to the dredging the world’s largest cold-water coral reef?” »

Here are some ocean conservation technologies that I’m excited about

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 David Shiffman

Conservation, Featured

“Is there any technology the left is excited about?” This question was asked on social media this week by a supporter of AI who was frustrated by criticisms of that technology. It’s led to some interesting discussions on Bluesky, and I wanted to answer it from my perspective as an ocean conservation scientist and policy … Read More “Here are some ocean conservation technologies that I’m excited about” »