Can fishing gear protect whales and livelihoods? NOAA fisheries biologist Megan Amico explains how on-demand, or ropeless, lobster gear can reduce the vertical lines that entangle endangered North Atlantic right whales. The conversation follows gear testing with fishermen, seasonal closures, coastal economies, and the difficult work of designing marine conservation policy that protects both whales and fishing communities.

Episode Guest: Megan Amico

Learn more about Megan Amico here

NOAA Protected Species Gear Research: Visit Here

NOAA’s Endangered Species List and Action Plans: Browse List

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Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

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Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese 

Cover art by Jomiro Eming

Theme music by Nela Ruiz

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Oceanography is a marine science podcast about the research happening beneath the surface—literally. It’s where your favorite science 101 class meets environmental journalism, with weekly conversations featuring marine biologists, oceanographers, and climate scientists from around the world. One week we might explore whale communication or how sound travels underwater; the next, we’re looking at fishing gear designed to protect endangered species. You'll also hear about ocean conservation, deep sea ecosystems, microplastic pollution, and the surprising ways marine life is connected to life on land. If you're curious about the ocean and want to hear from the people uncovering its secrets, you’re in the right place.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.