Conservation and Science

Listen to my conversation with John Aitchison from the Coastal Communities Network Scotland to learn about the devastating effects of salmon farming on the marine environment and coastal communities. Toxic waste, pesticides, diseases and parasites are just the tip of the iceberg.

I knew that salmon farming was bad but I didn’t realise quite how bad it really is. Salmon aquaculture creates massive ecological and welfare issues for the fish. Both farmed fish as well as wild fish populations are negatively affected by open-net aquaculture. And that is even before I mention the impacts the industry has on coastal communities. The massive amounts of toxic waste, misuse of pesticides, diseases and spread of parasites that negatively affect wild salmon are just the tip of the iceberg.

To better understand the issues examined in this episode, I talk with John Aitchison. John is an acclaimed wildlife filmmaker but he is also an environmental activist at the Coastal Communities Network Scotland NGO. During our conversation, we take a closer look at the Scottish salmon farming industry. However, the issues we discuss apply equally to Ireland, Norway or anywhere salmon aquaculture is present.

I am pretty sure that after listening to this episode you won’t buy farmed salmon again, which you shouldn’t, or you will at least take a pause and consider your choices.

Cover image courtesy of Corin Smith - Copyright Corin Smith.

Special guests in this episode: Ireland on the Fly

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Mentioned in this episode:

This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

Ireland on The Fly

I sit down with Tom and Daire from Ireland on the Fly podcast to explore the intersection of angling, conservation, and environmental storytelling. As fellow podcasters focused on outdoor pursuits and environmental issues, we discuss the challenges of balancing technical fishing content with crucial environmental coverage. The conversation delves into how both our shows strive to bridge divides and foster understanding between different stakeholder groups in environmental debates. From salmon farm escapees to the future of recreational fishing, we examine how podcasting can help tackle complex environmental topics while maintaining audience engagement.

Ireland on the Fly

Do you feel climate anxiety? Is it overwhelming you? How do we find peace while being bombarded with dire environmental predictions? In an attempt to answer these questions, I talk with Lynne Sedgmore, a well-known educator, leadership coach, activist and the author of the book "Presence Activism: A Profound Antidote to Climate Anxiety".

To set the scene, we start with a discussion about peaceful but disruptive climate protests. We discuss their effectiveness, the reception by the wider public, and the recent governmental clampdown resulting in excessively long prison sentences for protesters. I also asked Lynne about ways to communicate with older generations about environmental issues. From my observations, it's usually more difficult than with younger people.

During our discussion, Lynne talks about the challenges of immersing herself in climate change literature and the importance of finding a balanced perspective. As in the book, in the podcast we explore the concept of "presence" as a tool for managing anxiety, and how practices like meditation have a calming effect on our nervous systems. Lynne emphasises the need for empathy in climate discussions, even with those holding opposing views.

We finish with a reminder about the value of staying present, rather than getting lost and upset by predictions for the future. This episode offers a unique mix of practical advice and philosophical wisdom for anyone grappling with climate concerns. And if all this sounds interesting to you, buy Lynne's book using the link below. That way, you will also support my work on the podcast.

Buy "Presence Activism: A Profound Antidote to Climate Anxiety"

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The guest featured in this episode paid a nominal guesting fee. This fee did not directly influence the content of the episode. The guest had no editorial control, did not review the episode before publication, and did not influence the questions asked during the interview.

Tommy’s Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk

Last week I published a blog post where I set out to answer the question of whether polar bears are facing impending extinction due to climate change or are they, in fact, doing better than ever. Around the time when I was investigating this question, I got in touch with Professor Andrew Derocher from the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, who has studied polar bears for over 40 years. He specialises in ecology, conservation, and management of large Arctic mammals with a particular focus on polar bears. So, of course, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to sit down with him for a comprehensive chat about all things polar bears.

During our conversation, we talk about the limiting and regulating factors of polar bear populations. Those include habitat use, predator-prey relationships, the effects of climate change as well as the accumulation of toxic chemicals in the bears' bodies. We also explore the issue of polar bear hybridisation with brown bears and how this might impact their population. We ended our conversation with an attempt to predict the future of polar bears in the rapidly warming world.

You may also be interested in checking out my blog: “Are Polar Bears Going Extinct or Are Their Populations Doing Better Than Ever?”

Finally, you might want to check Andrew’s book: “Polar Bears: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behavior”. And, by purchasing it using the link provided, you will help support my work since I receive a tiny commission on each sale made.

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Tommy’s Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk

Mentioned in this episode:

This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

Is scientific publishing broken? How can we make it more accessible and inclusive? And what if peer review could be collaborative and efficient instead of opaque and burdensome? In this episode, we dive into the world of academic publishing with Dr David Green, founder of Stacks Journal. We talk about how the current system is failing researchers and science enthusiasts alike, with over half of all research never getting published and exorbitant costs imposed by a handful of publishers who monopolise the industry.

David describes how Stacks Journal is revolutionising peer review through a community-based, transparent approach that empowers scientists by eliminating gatekeepers, reducing bias, and making publishing affordable. We also explore known issues like the publish or perish culture, resistance to paradigm-shifting ideas, and the impact of AI on academic writing. Finally, we try to answer the question of whether science really progresses one funeral at a time.

This episode offers valuable insights into the changing landscape of scientific publishing. David shares his vision for the future of open access and provides inspiring advice for early-career researchers feeling discouraged by the system. Whether you're a seasoned academic or simply curious about how scientific knowledge advances, this episode is a must-listen.

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The European Commission is deliberating on lowering the protection status of wolves in the EU. It seems like this decision has been taken after the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen’s pony was killed by wolves. Is this really the reason for what many have dubbed “a new European wolf hunt”? To unpack this issue I talked to environmentalists, farmers, top-tier scientists and last but not least, hunters.

Our guests are a wildlife biologist, Professor John Linnell, a goat breeder, Bruno Lecomte, a social scientist, ​​Professor Erica von Essen, an environmentalist, the Head of EU Policy at BirdLife International, Ariel Brunner and, last but not least, the Secretary General of the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation, Dr David Scallan. Special thanks to hunting journalist and blogger Denis Plat for his help in ensuring that opinions from rural France were voiced.

While making this episode I recorded many hours of material and understandably not all of it made it into the episode. If you would be interested in listening to the individual interviews with the guests in this podcast, please click here.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation. The participants are expressing their personal opinions and perspectives.

Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter

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Mentioned in this episode:

This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

Can farming and conservation coexist harmoniously? How can farmers produce high-quality food while protecting biodiversity? Elise Sutton, a passionate conservationist and livestock manager at Cherry Lodge Farm, shares her experience in balancing food production with nature conservation. Elise talks about conservation grazing using English Longhorn cattle on a 650-acre farm that includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest. She explains how this method maintains biodiversity and produces top-quality, grass-fed beef.

We talk about the intricacies of managing a nature-friendly farm, focusing on the importance of soil health, dung beetles, and adaptive grazing techniques. Elise describes how the farm has transitioned from intensive practices to a more holistic approach, integrating livestock with conservation objectives. I also asked about the challenges faced by farmers attempting to adopt more sustainable methods.

Further, our conversation extends to broader topics such as the future of farming, the potential of rewilding, and the importance of connecting habitats across landscapes. Elise offers insights into making nature-friendly farming economically viable through diversification and direct-to-consumer sales. She expresses optimism about the next generation of farmers embracing more environmentally conscious practices while acknowledging the hurdles that still need to be overcome in balancing food production with conservation efforts.

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What are the latest advancements in gene editing for crops? How can genetic engineering help plants withstand climate change? Is genetically modified food safe for consumption? To answer these questions, I talk with Ido Margalit, a co-founder and the CEO of BetterSeeds, a plant genetics company focused exclusively on using genome editing/CRISPR technology for their breeding activities. Ido explains the differences between GMOs and gene editing, highlighting how CRISPR allows for precise modifications without introducing foreign genetic material. He discusses the potential of gene editing to create drought and heat-resistant crops, addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

Ido talks about the specific traits his company is developing, such as plants that can reduce water usage by 70% without compromising yield. He explains how these advancements can contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing energy consumption in irrigation and greenhouse temperature regulation. Our conversation also touches on the regulatory landscape for gene-edited crops. Ido notes that many countries treat gene-edited plants similarly to conventionally bred varieties due to their low-risk profile.

We finish discussing the broader implications of climate change for agriculture and the role gene editing can play in ensuring food security. Ido emphasises the safety of gene-edited crops and encourages farmers to embrace this technology as a solution for the future. He also mentions ongoing work to develop an enabling technology that would make CRISPR more accessible and applicable across a wider range of crops, potentially revolutionising plant breeding and agricultural practices.

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The guest featured in this episode paid a nominal guesting fee. This fee did not directly influence the content of the episode. The guest had no editorial control, did not review the episode before publication, and did not influence the questions asked during the interview.

Can large carnivore conservation coexist with livestock farming? In this episode, environmental social scientist Jonny Hanson and I discuss the complex issue of large carnivore reintroductions in Britain and Ireland. What are farmers' perspectives on sharing landscapes with predators like wolves and lynx? How can we balance conservation goals with the realities of modern agriculture? We explore these pressing questions, drawing from Jonny’s extensive research and firsthand experience as both a researcher and small-scale farmer.

Interested in the potential reintroduction of large carnivores to Britain and Ireland? Read Jonny's informative report, "Large Carnivore Reintroductions: Farmers' Perspectives and Management Options," along with other relevant resources in the public edition of my newsletter. To receive future issues containing additional reading materials that expand on podcast discussions, consider subscribing to my newsletter.

In the episode, we discuss the challenges of large carnivore restoration to landscapes where they've been absent for centuries. Jonny highlights the importance of governance and stakeholder engagement in managing potential conflicts between wildlife and livestock. Our conversation covers various management tools, from livestock guardian dogs to compensation schemes, and examines their practical implications for farmers. Jonny also talks about the need for more social science research to understand the cultural and psychological aspects of reintroductions.

The episode concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on innovative approaches to wildlife management, including the potential use of technology to create "virtual fences" for large carnivores. We also explore the ethical implications of such interventions and question whether they diminish the wildness of reintroduced animals. This episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of rewilding and the delicate balance between conservation and agriculture. Listen to learn how human perspectives shape our future landscapes.

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This is one of the most thought-provoking books I have read. Although I don’t agree with everything in the book, I can overlook my disagreements because of how brilliant some parts that I do agree with are. So I couldn’t wait to sit down with the author, expert ecologist, Simon Mustoe for a chat about his views and, of course, about the book.

In his book, “Wildlife in The Balance”, Simon lays out the case for animals being the most important ingredient of the ecosystem. He outlines the critical importance of keeping the planet’s energy inputs and outputs in balance and the role animals play in ensuring this balance. This connection of ecology with physics is one of the most unique and forward-thinking aspects of this book. To extend this thought, it contains one of the most comprehensive and compelling explanations of why the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis are in fact one and the same — neither can be solved separately.

After reading this book, I started to question many things that I had thought to be unequivocally true. For example, the removal of overabundant species, like deer, that are thought to be having a negative effect on the local ecosystem. I’m not saying that I think it’s not true anymore, but it made me question whether it is really true.

Buy "Wildlife in the Balance" here.

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Tommy’s Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk

Mentioned in this episode:

This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

Are humans part of nature or separate from it? How do we define native species, and should we always strive to eradicate invasive ones? Can urban green spaces play a role in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss? And what is the Anthropocene anyway? These are only some of the questions I discussed with Dr. Marcus Collier, an Associate Professor of Sustainability Science at Trinity College Dublin. His expertise in nature-based solutions gives us a new perspective on answering these complex questions and a fresh approach to environmental issues.

In this episode, we talk about the fascinating world of novel ecosystems. We explore the complex relationship between humans and nature while challenging traditional notions of ecosystem restoration and conservation. I asked Marcus to clarify the concept of the Anthropocene and its implications for our understanding of the human impact on the environment. We also didn’t shy away from the controversies surrounding invasive species and ecological restoration practices. Marcus shares his insights on how our perception of time and history influences our approach to ecosystem management and highlights the challenges of defining a "natural" state in an ever-changing world.

Then our conversation shifts to cultural landscapes and urban environments, highlighting the importance of nature-based solutions in cities. Marcus emphasises the benefits of urban greening initiatives, from improved air quality to enhanced mental health, while acknowledging potential drawbacks like gentrification. He advocates for a multifaceted approach to environmental challenges, emphasising the need for both technological and nature-based solutions for issues such as water quality and climate change.

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