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

Posted on By David Shiffman No Comments on Here’s how to join my IMCC8 symposium, “Ocean Science Communication: What’s New and What’s Next?”
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?”” »

Deep Sea Mining Symposium Announcement

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez No Comments on Deep Sea Mining Symposium Announcement
Featured, Science

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” »

Can we have a Star Trek for the oceans? Pretty please?!

Posted on By Chris Parsons No Comments on Can we have a Star Trek for the oceans? Pretty please?!
Popular Culture

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’m coming to Sharks International! Let’s chat!

Posted on By David Shiffman No Comments on I’m coming to Sharks International! Let’s chat!
Uncategorized

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!” »

Fun facts and FAQs about Megalodon, Maryland’s new (and definitely extinct) official state shark

Posted on By David Shiffman No Comments on Fun facts and FAQs about Megalodon, Maryland’s new (and definitely extinct) official state shark
Education, Science

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” »

Ocean scientists need to learn a lesson from NASA

Posted on By Chris Parsons No Comments on Ocean scientists need to learn a lesson from NASA
Exploration, Oceanography for Everyone, Popular Culture, Science

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” »

Loot, pillage and ransack the oceans: unpacking the 2026 Trump Administration ocean science budget

Posted on By Southern Fried Science No Comments on Loot, pillage and ransack the oceans: unpacking the 2026 Trump Administration ocean science budget
Policy

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” »

How to fix the UN Decade of Ocean Science

Posted on By Chris Parsons No Comments on How to fix the UN Decade of Ocean Science
Exploration, Oceanography for Everyone, Open Science, Policy, Science

In a previous post an uncomfortable reality was highlighted:  that the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) has, so far, delivered more branding than transformation. Despite much initial hyping, it has really failed to deliver on its promises so far. That may sound harsh. But halfway through the decade, its biggest outputs … Read More “How to fix the UN Decade of Ocean Science” »

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

Posted on By Southern Fried Science No Comments on Playing God – How the ESA “God Squad” just voted for the extinction of a uniquely American whale
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” »

The UN Decade of Ocean Science: A failure to launch

Posted on By Chris Parsons
Uncategorized

Back in 2017, the United Nations announced something that sounded genuinely exciting: a Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). The idea was to have ten years of coordinated global investment in ocean science to help solve the ocean’s biggest problems, such as climate change, marine biodiversity collapse, pollution and fisheries mismanagement. As well … Read More “The UN Decade of Ocean Science: A failure to launch” »