Over 15 years of ocean science and conservation online
The “Freedom 250” activities in Washington DC have been controversial for a number of reasons, but after the fireworks display in the early hours of July 5th, the environmental and health impacts of this event became a concern. In the aftermath of the fireworks display on the National Mall, Washington D.C.’s Air Quality Index went … Read More “What goes up must come down: the toxic hangover from the Freedom 250 fireworks” »
Logan’s Run is a sci-fi movie from the 1970s, in which humans live in domes protected from a ravaged world outside. In these domes they live lives of pleasure and luxury. Until they reach the age of thirty, when they go to the Carousel and “renew” (in truth, they get vaporized). Anyone who tries to escape … Read More “Ageism in the conservation job market” »
Let’s be honest. Most of us got into conservation science because we wanted to save something. We envisioned our data serving as a shield, protecting a fragile ecosystem or an endangered species from the relentless march of human expansion. We write our papers, carefully craft our “Management Implications” sections, and wait for the policy world … Read More “Screaming into the void – Why your scientific paper doesn’t matter” »
For decades, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) was defined by a single, highly polarized debate: the battle between pro-whaling and anti-whaling nations over commercial catch quotas. Today, however, the landscape of the IWC has radically evolved. For the current IWC Commissioners, conservation-related topics (such as sustainable whalewatching, marine pollution, and protected areas) hold an equal, … Read More “The evolution of the International Whaling Commission – from whaling quotas to whale conservation” »
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” »
“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!” »
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?!” »
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” »
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” »
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” »
