Our oceans are vast, teeming with life, and critical to the health of our planet—but they’re also under increasing pressure from human activity and climate change. In this episode of People & Planet, I sit down with Dr. Brock Bergseth, an award-winning marine biologist and conservation psychologist, to explore the beauty, resilience, and challenges facing our oceans today.

Dr. Brock Bergseth tackles some of the most pressing issues facing our oceans, including overfishing, illegal fishing, and poaching. For the past 13 years, his work has focused on understanding and shaping how people interact with coral reef ecosystems, with the ultimate goal of strengthening protection measures and reducing conflicts between humans and nature. 

As humanity’s footprint continues to expand, public sentiment toward conservation has increasingly shifted toward negativity and despondency—ironically, at a time when many positive trends and scalable solutions are emerging. In response to this, Brock is currently finishing his first pop science book, Wild Hope, a story centered on optimism for our planet’s future, aimed at shifting the narrative away from doom and gloom. I hope you enjoy this conversation.

From his years studying coral reefs on the Great Barrier Reef to his work tackling overfishing and illegal fishing, Dr. Bergseth shares his unique insights into marine conservation, the impact of climate change, and why hope remains for the future of our oceans.

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Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your doctor or physician. Always consult a medical professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication protocol.