Over 15 years of ocean science and conservation online
“Someone open up a window!” Adams yells.“No!” a Congressman barks back.“It’s stifling!” Adams protests.“It’s hot as hell!”“It’s ninety degrees! Have mercy, John, please! It’s hot as hell in Philadelphia!” If you’ve ever seen the play or watched the movie musical 1776, you probably remember the Founding Fathers sweating through their wool waistcoats. The opening scene … Read More “250 years of climate change – it’s as hot as hell in Philadelphia!” »
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 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” »
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?”” »
Abstract submissions are now open for the 8th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC8), taking place November 13–17, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland—and we’re excited to announce an open symposium on deep‑sea mining. Titled “Between a Rock and a Deep Place: Science and Deep Sea Mining Policy,” this session will examine the science, ethics, and governance shaping … Read More “Deep Sea Mining Symposium Announcement” »
Star Trek is a global phenomenon. There is an entire streaming service that is essentially supported by the franchise. There are massive conventions full of fans wearing Stra Trek uniforms. It has gone from a short-run TV show to a part of our culture. But not only has Star Trek been a huge hit for … Read More “Can we have a Star Trek for the oceans? Pretty please?!” »
I am excited to be attending the upcoming Sharks International conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka! If you’re attending, I’d love to chat with you about your work. Here’s how to find me. This photo of me at Sharks International 2018 in Brazil is now my official Amazon author photo. (I donated that costume to a … Read More “I’m coming to Sharks International! Let’s chat!” »
This week, Maryland became the first U.S. State to have an official state shark! Otodus megalodon was a really cool shark that is rightfully beloved by many, and Maryland’s Calvert Cliffs are a major source of Megalodon fossils of this awesome animal (which is definitely and unequivocally super-duper extinct). I wanted to join in the … Read More “Fun facts and FAQs about Megalodon, Maryland’s new (and definitely extinct) official state shark” »
My social media this week was full of space. When Artemis I splashed down, the world watched in awe. When the James Webb Space Telescope unrolled its golden mirrors, it felt like a win for humanity. NASA has mastered the art of making space science matter to the public. Meanwhile, ocean science (the study of … Read More “Ocean scientists need to learn a lesson from NASA” »
The 2026 budget proposal from the Trump administration just dropped, and if you’re a fan of having a functional ocean, breathable air … or whales, you might want to sit down. We’ve seen “lean” budgets before, but this isn’t a haircut; it’s a lobotomy of U.S. marine science that shifts our entire blue backyard from … Read More “Loot, pillage and ransack the oceans: unpacking the 2026 Trump Administration ocean science budget” »
