Rising Tide: The Ocean Podcast

On this episode of Rising Tide David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein speak with Craig Foster, the Academy Award winning filmmaker of ‘My Octopus Teacher’ co-founder of the ‘Sea Change Project’ and the author of a new memoir – ‘Amphibious Soul.’

Craig discusses his daily underwater explorations of the ‘Great African Seaforest’ near his home and the importance of tracking skills in discovering life both within the kelp forest and on the shore. His encounters include not only octopuses and sharks, but seaweed eating ostriches and burrowing beach crabs. He also finds deep connections to our human past and our natural spirit. So, join us for some cold-water enlightenment.  

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Sea Change Project: https://seachangeproject.com/

Amphibious Soul - Finding the Wild in a Tame World: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/amphibious-soul-craig-foster?variant=41096263598114

Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org

Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org

Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

On this episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast, David and Natasha Benjamin speak with Nick Rahaim, a former commercial fisherman, journalist, researcher, and now public spokesman for NOAA (though speaking on his own behalf).

We'll talk about his adventures from the shocks of squid fishing to confrontations between fishermen and whales in Alaska (including a shooting incident), to whale intelligence, whale depredation, and what it was like in Southwest Alaska when migrating salmon met "the blob". Join us for a fascinating episode!

Dive in to learn more.

Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org

Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org

Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

On this episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast, David & Vicki speak with Florida-based oceanographer and marine ecologist Dr. Sara Frias-Torres about her life and work, the tragic “death by a thousand cuts” of the Florida Keys coral reef tract, and the more hopeful recovery of the “Lord of the Rocks” the Goliath Grouper. Despite poaching and pollution, this massive, curious fish is making an impressive comeback from near extinction. 

It’s essential for the ecosystem and inspiring for divers. Yet, it could be lost again if the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission doesn’t listen to scientists like Dr. Frias-Torres, who say their protection must be continued. 

Dive in to learn more.

Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org

Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org

Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

On Sunday, July 21, Ocean Activist and Sea Shepherd Society founder Paul Watson was arrested in Greenland, a territory of Denmark, on an Interpol warrant issued by Japan. Japan claims he damaged one of their commercial whaling ships while protesting and helping to end Japanese whaling off Antarctica. France, where Watson now lives, has asked Denmark not to extradite him. 

We're replaying our October 2022 interview with Watson so you can better understand his perspective on fighting for whales, against pirate fishing, and for the health of the Ocean. In this episode, we talked to Captain Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, about his background fighting for beavers, seals, and whales and the breakup with Sea Shepherd over its purpose and direction. We also discussed the Paul Watson Foundation, his biocentric religion, phytoplankton, and the planet, and how his time at the siege of Wounded Knee taught him not to fear for the future. 

If, after hearing from Paul, you'd like to also protest to the Danish Embassy or reach out to one of your members of Congress to add pressure on Denmark not to support Japan's political persecution of him, you can find out how in our program notes.  

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THE #FREEPAULWATSON PETITION: https://www.paulwatsonfoundation.org/freepaulwatson/

Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org

Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org

Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

On this episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast we speak with world-famous Ketchikan Alaska-based artist and illustrator Ray Troll about his art – from Tee-shirts to wall murals - highlighting ocean life present and prehistoric (he summers in the ancient seas of Kansas). Combining the sensibilities of Gary Larson and Winslow Homer he can take your breath away with laughter and beauty. We discuss his 40-year retrospective art book – ‘Spawn Till You Die – The fin art of Ray Troll,” his upcoming documentary profile, his popular ‘Paleo Nerds Podcast’ and more. So, dive in.

Links and additional resources:

SPAWN TILL YOU DIE! A beautiful collection of Ray’s fishy, funny and inspiring work:

https://www.trollart.com/product/spawn-till-you-die-book/

Ratfish Wranglers: https://www.trollart.com/music/albums/

Paleo Nerds Podcast: https://www.paleonerds.com/

Ray’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-troll-3ab82294/

Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org

Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org

Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

In this rebroadcast of episode 13 of the Rising Tide Ocean Podcast, we pay tribute to the late Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a distinguished marine biologist, passionate water lover, and dedicated turtle advocate. In this poignant conversation, Dr. Nichols opened his heart and shared the deeply personal story of losing his home in the devastating California Lightning Complex fires. We felt his profound loss through his words and admired his unwavering resilience.

Dr. Nichols also enlightened us with his profound knowledge about the 'Blue Mind'—the captivating science of how being in and around water transforms our brains. His insights revealed the powerful, healing connection we share with water and how it brings us peace, joy, and solace, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

This episode is a testament to Dr. Nichols' enduring spirit and lifelong commitment to understanding and protecting our oceans. It reminds us of the beauty and fragility of our natural world and the incredible strength of the human spirit. As we reflect on this moving episode, we honor Dr. Nichols' contributions and the powerful message of hope and healing he shared with us all.

The Dr Wallace J Nichols Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/Nichols-memorial-fund

J is creating useful words: https://www.wallacejnichols.org/

Blue Mind: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/wallace-j-nichols/blue-mind/9780316252119/

Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org

Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org

Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

Photo by Max LaRochelle on Unsplash

On this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean Podcast, we dive deep with Curt Newport, an underwater salvage expert and author of the new book, 'Ready to Dive – Five Decades of Adventures in the Abyss.' Curt shares his incredible experiences using ROV robot submarines and advanced technologies around offshore oil platforms, fiber optic cable laying operations, military crash sites, and more.

Curt recounts some of the most challenging recovery missions, including the 1986 Challenger Disaster, where he helped recover the booster rocket that identified the crash's cause, the TWA 800 airliner crash, and Air India Flight 182, which was brought down by a terrorist bomb. Please note his discussion on body recovery operations is graphic and may disturb some listeners.

Discover the fascinating shift from hard hat divers to robotic recovery and the realities of working at sea. With a career spent on the frontlines of marine salvage, Curt Newport offers a unique and compelling perspective. Don't miss this episode of Rising Tide.

Ready To Dive: https://www.press.purdue.edu/9781612499666/

Plane Photo Credit: https://prelevicmilos.com/

Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org

Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org

Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Rising Tide podcast as David Helvarg & Natasha Benjamin sit down with Bob Shavelson, a seasoned conservationist with over 35 years of experience in the environmental field. Growing up along the shores of Atlantic City, NJ, Bob's journey has taken him from the east coast to the rugged beauty of Homer, Alaska, where he has led significant efforts in environmental protection and advocacy.

In this 110th episode, Bob shares his rich history in conservation, from his early work with MassPIRG on toxic use reduction to his fight against the passage of NAFTA. We delve into his impactful tenure with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where he tested and regulated landfills, and his extensive legal work bringing citizen suits under the Clean Water Act. Bob also recounts his experiences as a Knauss Sea Grant Fellow on Capitol Hill, where he influenced environmental policy.

As the leader of the nonprofit organization Cook Inletkeeper since 1996 until his retirement 3 years ago, Bob has dedicated his career to protecting Alaska's vital waterways. He currently serves on the Board of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council, overseeing oil tanker and terminal operations in the wake of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.

Bob’s passion for conservation extends beyond his professional life. He actively volunteers for various community groups and now operates a water taxi on the stunning Kachemak Bay, where he lives with his wife and two young daughters.

Tune in to hear Bob's incredible stories and insights on environmental protection, community engagement, and the ongoing efforts to safeguard our natural world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in conservation and the power of grassroots advocacy.

Links: 

Inletkeeper: https://inletkeeper.org

Cook Inletkeeper on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Inletkeeper

Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org

Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org

Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

On this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean Podcast! Today, we sat down with Kiera Foti, the brand manager for Atlantic Sea Farms, the leading aquaculture kelp grower in the U.S. Based in Maine, this innovative company supplies edible kelp to stores like Whole Foods and numerous restaurants. They also produce branded products and sell kelp for cosmetics, fertilizers, and more. Discover how Atlantic Sea Farms collaborates with local lobstermen to cultivate kelp during their off-season and learn why Kiera refers to these carbon-absorbing algae as a "climate hero crop." Tune in to explore the fascinating world of sustainable kelp farming!

On this, our latest episode we talk with Kate Toniolo, U.S. Fish & Wildlife’s project leader for Delaware’s coastal refuges including the 10,000 acre Prime Hook, an area devastated by 2012’s Hurricane Sandy. Since then, she’s overseen restoration efforts that have seen the comeback of its sandy beaches, fresh and saltwater marshes and wildlife including threatened shorebirds, horseshoe crabs and their surrounding communities. We’ll talk about this and her past work in Hawaii, the remote Pacific Islands and elsewhere. So join us!