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    Natural Sciences

    How To Protect The Ocean

    Dive into the Depths: Join Andrew Lewin on ‘How to Protect the Ocean’ – Your Gateway to Exclusive Ocean Insights! Explore the latest, uncharted realms of ocean science and conservation that you won’t find anywhere else. Andrew takes you on an inspiring journey to uncover the hidden gems of oceanic discovery and initiatives. Tune in to discover how you can transform your life for a better ocean, one episode at a time.

    The How To Protect The Ocean is your resource to keep you informed on the latest ocean news; teach you how to speak up for the ocean; and, how you can take action to live for a better ocean.

    There is so much information on the ocean and the issues that are affecting it that it can be difficult to find optimism in the future of the ocean. Climate change, overfishing, plastic pollution, water pollution, and coastal development have altered the ocean in ways that have negatively changed the way we use it.

    The repercussions of climate change, including the ominous specter of rising sea levels, the relentless march of warming ocean temperatures, and the ominous shadow of ocean acidification, have not only altered the very fabric of our coastlines but have also conjured fiercer storms and summoned floods with growing frequency. The fossil fuel industry may whisper in your ear that the situation is insurmountable, an inescapable fate. However, this podcast is here to unveil a different narrative, one that empowers you to take action. It illuminates the path to change by casting your vote for leaders committed to implementing climate-rescuing policies and by offering invaluable insights into how each of us can shrink our individual carbon footprint.

    The grim reality of overfishing casts a long shadow, fueled by governmental shortcomings in the stewardship of both commercial and recreational fisheries. Within the delicate balance of our oceans, every fish population possesses a threshold – a point at which the relentless harvest of fishermen begins to erode their numbers. The management of these aquatic resources is a formidable task, as the elusive currents of the sea often defy easy tracking. Furthermore, the menace of illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing looms large in many nations, adding to the crisis.

    Yet, a glimmer of hope shines through the depths. A beacon for responsible consumption emerges in the form of seafood programs, guiding conscientious individuals toward choices that safeguard our oceans. By heeding these programs, you not only savor the delights of sustainable seafood but also become an informed guardian of marine ecosystems.

    The relentless scourge of plastic pollution has unleashed an epidemic of death upon the denizens of our oceans. It’s a ruthless killer, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of marine mammals, majestic sharks, grandiose fish, gentle sea turtles, and the graceful sea birds that soar above. The malevolence of this crisis knows no bounds, with microplastics infiltrating even the remotest depths of the ocean and etching their presence along every coastline.

    To mount a defense against this ecological cataclysm, the clarion call for action echoes on the international and national stages. It beckons governments far and wide to adopt resolute policies, wielding the power to outlaw the menace of single-use plastics and demanding the meticulous detoxification of our supply chains. In this grand battle to safeguard our seas, the fight against plastic pollution knows no borders.

    The ominous specter of water pollution looms large, a consequence of our thoughtless disposal into the arteries of our planet – our streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. This callous act reverberates, sending shockwaves through the intricate ecosystems of our coastal havens, where the likes of coral reefs, resilient mangroves, and swaying seagrasses thrive. But alas, this intrusion is not benign; it bears the capacity to corrode and dismantle these vital sanctuaries, the very lifeblood of countless fish and the steadfast guardians of our vulnerable shorelines.

    Yet, amidst the unsettling tide of pollution, there emerges a ray of hope. Through individual resolve and visionary government policies harnessed with cutting-edge technology, we can stem this toxic deluge. Water treatment systems stand as stalwart guardians, armed with the ability to sift out the insidious nutrients that fuel destructive algal blooms. The power to heal our waters and preserve the sanctity of our coastal treasures lies within our grasp.

    Coastal development, driven by human desires to construct homes or fortify the shoreline against erosion, represents a significant intervention in the natural order. Yet, these changes, while initially confined to the coastal zone, often send ripple effects that extend far beyond their original boundaries, casting a shadow of unintended consequences.

    The repercussions of altering coastlines resonate through interconnected ecosystems, occasionally triggering a cascade of events that can inflict profound harm on distant areas. In doing so, this well-intentioned transformation can unwittingly imperil the lives and livelihoods of communities residing in the wake of its impact. It is a stark reminder that our actions along the coast carry a profound responsibility, not just to the immediate environment but to the greater web of life and society that depends upon it.

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    Latest Episodes:
    Why YouTube Might Be the Future of Ocean Science Communication Aug 13, 2026
    Show notes

    YouTube has quietly become one of the best platforms for ocean science communication, and in this episode Andrew breaks down exactly why. Fresh off yesterday's 2,000-episode milestone and the new Pisces Oceans licensing agreement, Andrew explains why he's diving back into YouTube after stepping away last spring, including the launch of a brand new daily show, Ocean Decoded Live.

    Andrew walks through his own history with video, from the early days of Speak Up for Blue TV through burnout, a rebrand, and now a fresh start under Ocean Decoded. He breaks down why YouTube's search-driven discovery beats subscriber-driven platforms for reaching new audiences, how B-roll and AI-assisted visuals solve the storytelling limits of audio-only podcasting, and why going live and unscripted brings back an authenticity that AI-written scripts were starting to erode.

    The episode closes with a practical look at YouTube's two-tier Partner Program, how the ad revenue and fan-funding splits actually work, and two real-world case studies in ocean science: Kristian Parton's Shark Bytes channel and KPassionate's marine mammal content. Andrew also previews tomorrow's interview with Amy Weldon of Blue Collar White Coats and shares where you can catch him talking workflow at IMCC8 in Edinburgh this November.

    Takeaways:

    • YouTube is search-driven rather than subscriber-driven, which makes it a strong discovery platform for niche science content
    • Andrew is relaunching Ocean Decoded Live, a Monday–Thursday livestream (expanding toward Friday) at 4 PM Eastern covering ocean news
    • YouTube's Partner Program has two tiers: 500 subscribers unlocks fan funding (memberships, Super Chats), 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days unlocks full ad revenue
    • Standard ad revenue splits 55% creator / 45% YouTube; Super Chats, Super Stickers, and memberships split 70% creator / 30% YouTube
    • Going unscripted and live restores authenticity that Andrew felt was eroding when he leaned too heavily on AI-written scripts
    • Kristian Parton's Shark Bytes and KPassionate are cited as examples of ocean science creators building sustainable income on YouTube
    • Andrew will be discussing content workflow at IMCC8 in Edinburgh, Scotland, November 13–17, 2026

    Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

    Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube


    Episode 2000: TV Offers, Job Offers, and a Major Announcement Aug 12, 2026
    Show notes

    Today marks episode 2000 of How to Protect the Ocean, and Andrew is taking a break from the usual format to look back at how this show came to be. From an accidental start in 2010 to a name change driven by search engine optimization, to over 3 million downloads across 11 years, this episode traces the full arc of the podcast's history.

    Andrew also opens up about how podcasting reshaped his career. What started as a side project outside of work hours led to TV documentary appearances, podcast hosting offers including a multi-year run on the Toronto Zoo podcast, and eventually the job offer that became his dream role. Along the way, he helped launch an estimated 20 to 25 other podcasts, including Beyond Jaws, the shark science show he co-hosts with Dr. David Ebert.

    The biggest news of the episode is the announcement that How to Protect the Ocean is now officially licensed to Pisces Oceans, the same organization where Andrew now works as their ocean communications manager. He explains why this partnership matters, what it means for the quality of future episodes, and how it sets up a bigger ocean impact going forward, including the launch of new shows across the Pisces podcast network.

    Takeaways:

    • How to Protect the Ocean began as Speak Up for Blue in 2010, later became Speak Up for the Ocean Blue for SEO reasons, before settling on its current name
    • The show has generated an estimated 3 million downloads over 11 years of consistent publishing
    • Andrew has helped launch an estimated 20 to 25 podcasts, including Beyond Jaws with Dr. David Ebert
    • Podcasting led to TV documentary appearances, podcast hosting offers, and ultimately Andrew's current role at Pisces Oceans
    • How to Protect the Ocean is now officially licensed to Pisces Oceans, with the goal of improving show quality and increasing ocean impact
    • The Pisces network is expanding to include Ocean Leaders podcast and Polar Bears and Flip Flops with Angelo Villagomez [VERIFY]
    • Ocean Decoded Live continues weekdays at 4 pm Eastern on YouTube

    Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

    Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube


    The Power of Podcasting for Ocean Science Communication Aug 11, 2026
    Show notes

    Podcasting has been part of Andrew Lewin's life for 11 years, and in this episode he explains why he thinks more people working in ocean science and conservation should be doing it too. He walks through what makes long-form audio and video different from the short clips discussed in yesterday's episode: the ability to sit with complex topics, tell a full story, and reach an audience that's multitasking, whether they're walking the dog, working out, or gardening while listening.

    Andrew gets specific about what podcasting actually requires. He covers how titles and the first several seconds of an episode function as the hook, why podcast search and discovery lag behind YouTube's, and why algorithms on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts make organic growth slow. He's also direct about monetization: there's no creator fund, sponsorships have to fit your brand, and building a loyal audience takes years, not weeks. (Note: the specific reach and market-size figures cited in this episode should be verified before publishing.)

    The throughline is that podcasting isn't a shortcut to reach or income. It's a long game that builds authority, opens doors, and gives ocean science a format built for depth. Andrew shares how the show helped him land his role at Pisces Oceans, and closes with practical advice for anyone considering starting a show: listen first, differentiate your angle, and don't worry about equipment before you worry about your message.

    Takeaways:

    • Long-form podcasting allows for depth and storytelling that short-form content can't accommodate
    • Titles and the opening hook (roughly the first 10 seconds) heavily influence whether a new listener stays
    • Podcast discovery and algorithms lag behind YouTube's searchability
    • Monetization in podcasting is slower and less structured than other content platforms; sponsorships need to align with your brand values
    • Building a loyal, engaged audience takes years of consistency, not virality
    • Differentiating your podcast's angle matters more than competing head-on with existing shows in your niche
    • Equipment is a secondary concern; message clarity comes first

    Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

    Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube


    Short-Form Content for Ocean Awareness: What Actually Works Aug 10, 2026
    Show notes

    This week on the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, Andrew kicks off a science communication series exploring how ocean advocates can spread awareness across every major content format. Today's episode digs into short-form video: TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, and what it actually takes to make original content work when you're used to talking for an hour, not ninety seconds. Andrew is candid about his own struggle with the format, since most of his short-form output today is repurposed podcast clips rather than content built for the platform from the ground up.

    The conversation covers what separates a scroll-stopping short from one that gets skipped: a hook in the first one to three seconds, one idea per video, native casual style over polished production, readable captions, and consistency over perfection. Andrew points to Christian Parton's Shark Bites and KPassionate as creators doing this well across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch, and explains how the algorithm on platforms like TikTok now prioritizes watch time and virality over follower count, meaning a single video from a small account can outperform everything else in a creator's catalog.

    The episode closes with a candid look at monetization: what TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels actually pay per view [VERIFY figures before publishing], why the real money in short-form tends to come from brand sponsorships, affiliate codes, and funneling viewers to a long-form platform or Patreon-style support, and why short-form works best as an entry point rather than a destination. This is the first episode in a week-long arc on science communication formats, building toward Friday's interview with Amy Weldon of Blue Collar White Coat.

    Takeaways

    • Short-form content needs a hook in the first one to three seconds or the algorithm moves on
    • Stick to one idea per video, delivered in one to three minutes
    • Native, casual, direct-to-camera style tends to outperform overly produced content
    • Captions matter because most viewers watch with the sound off
    • The algorithm rewards watch time and virality over follower count, so small accounts can go viral
    • Consistency over perfection is what builds a following over time
    • Short-form monetization pay rates are modest [VERIFY]; real income tends to come from sponsorships, affiliates, and funneling to long-form or Patreon-style support
    • Short-form is best used as an entry point into a creator's larger body of work, not the destination

    Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

    Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube


    The Electric Boat Revolution Is Here Aug 07, 2026
    Show notes

    Electric boating is having its Tesla moment, and few people understand that shift better than Alexandre Mongeon, CEO and co-founder of Vision Marine Technologies. Andrew sits down with Alexandre to trace his path from importing speed boats in Montreal to building the electric outboard systems now powering boats across North America. Along the way, Alexandre shares how a chance meeting with Olympic sailor and boat designer Ian Bruce set him on the road to electric propulsion, and how a rental-to-sale showroom model in Newport Beach, California, turned a small hobby business into a NASDAQ-listed company.

    The conversation covers the real tradeoffs of owning an electric boat, from quieter rides and instant torque to range anxiety that Alexandre says almost never becomes a real problem on the water. He also breaks down why big outboard manufacturers have been slow to go electric, what it took to validate the technology with McLaren Engineering, and how Vision Marine used a record-breaking electric race boat to prove the technology could outperform gas power head to head. The episode closes on a topic close to the podcast's heart: Vision Marine's partnership with ocean conservation organization 4ocean, and why quieter boats matter for the marine mammals sharing the water with us.

    Whether you are a lifelong boater curious about going electric or just interested in how a niche technology scales into a real industry, this conversation offers a grounded look at where boating is headed next.

    Takeaways

    • Electric boats trade gas fumes and engine noise for instant torque and quiet, social rides on the water
    • Range anxiety is rarely an issue in practice, since most boaters travel under nine nautical miles per outing
    • Vision Marine's acquisition of Nautical Ventures gave it its own dealership and service network across the US
    • A specially built electric race boat has outpaced its gas-powered Mercury counterpart on the same hull
    • Quieter electric motors mean less underwater noise pollution, which matters for marine mammal communication
    • Big outboard manufacturers have been slow to go electric because switching from combustion engine production is costly and complex
    • Vision Marine's partnership with 4ocean has funded ocean cleanup work tied directly to boat sales and rentals

    Website: https://visionmarinetechnologies.com/

    Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

    Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube


    3 For-Profit Companies Cleaning the Ocean and Paying Living Wages Aug 06, 2026
    Show notes

    Not every ocean conservation win comes from a nonprofit or a government program. In this episode, Andrew breaks down three for-profit companies that are cleaning up the ocean, funding wildlife research, and paying living wages to the people doing the work. These businesses show that conservation and profit are not opposing goals. They can be the same goal.

    Andrew covers 4Ocean, whose full-time captains and cleanup crews earn living wages with health insurance and bonuses across Florida, Bali, Haiti, and Guatemala. He covers Ocean Sole, the Kenyan social enterprise that pays local collectors for discarded flip-flops and employs artisans to turn that waste into sculptures sold around the world. And he covers the wildlife tracking bracelet company that lets a purchase fund a satellite tag on a real shark, manatee, or seabird, connecting buyers directly to the research their money supports.

    This episode is for entrepreneurs, scientists, and conservationists who want their work to have impact without depending entirely on grants or donor cycles. Andrew argues these three companies point to a business model that more of the ocean conservation space should be paying attention to: people, planet, and profit working together instead of one getting sacrificed for the others.

    Takeaways

    • 4Ocean employs over 200 full-time captains and crew at living wages across Florida, Bali, Haiti, and Guatemala, plus 350+ bracelet artisans in Bali and Guatemala
    • Ocean Sole pays Kenyan collectors for discarded flip-flops and employs local artisans to carve them into sculptures sold worldwide
    • Wildlife tracking bracelets connect a single purchase to funding for a real satellite tag on an animal like a shark, manatee, or penguin
    • All three companies operate as B Corps or B Corp-style social enterprises, combining environmental impact with fair local employment
    • For-profit conservation businesses can offer more consistent funding than grant-dependent nonprofits, since revenue comes from ongoing product sales rather than competitive fundraising cycles
    • Andrew argues the "triple bottom line" of people, planet, and profit should be the standard other conservation-minded entrepreneurs build toward

    Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

    Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube


    How 4ocean Turned Bracelets Into 50 Million Pounds of Ocean Trash Removed Aug 05, 2026
    Show notes

    4ocean has removed more than 50 million pounds of plastic and trash from the world's oceans, rivers, and coastlines. That milestone did not come from a government program or a traditional nonprofit. It came from a for-profit business built around a single idea: every bracelet sold funds the removal of a pound of ocean trash.

    In this episode, Andrew breaks down how 4ocean went from one viral video in Bali to a global cleanup operation, why founders Alex Schulze and Andrew Cooper chose a business model over a nonprofit, and how the company built local jobs, recycling infrastructure, and B Corp accountability into its growth. He also digs into the harder questions worth asking about any cleanup business, including the tension between extraction and prevention, the tradeoff of turning recycled ocean plastic into apparel, and why independently audited impact numbers matter more than self reported totals.

    Whether you're building a career in ocean conservation, running a sustainability focused business, or just curious how a bracelet company ended up pulling 50 million pounds of trash out of the water, this episode gives you a clear look at what works, what's still unresolved, and what to look for the next time you're deciding where to put your money.

    Takeaways:

    • 4ocean was founded in 2017 by Alex Schulze and Andrew Cooper after they saw plastic pollution overwhelming the water while surfing in Bali
    • The company has removed more than 50 million pounds of plastic and trash from oceans, rivers, and coastlines as of February 2026
    • Every product sold ties directly to a measurable outcome, which makes the impact tangible for consumers
    • 4ocean is a certified B Corp that hires and pays local workers in the regions where it operates, including Bali and Haiti
    • The company is launching an Impact Dashboard in 2026 to give corporate partners traceable, verifiable insight into their funded impact
    • Extraction models like 4ocean's remove existing trash, but prevention policies are still needed to stop plastic from entering waterways in the first place
    • When evaluating any cleanup organization, look for independently audited impact numbers rather than self reported totals

    Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

    Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube


    The Boat Sharing Economy Is Exploding, Here's Why You Shouldn't Buy a Boat Aug 04, 2026
    Show notes

    The boat rental market is bigger than most people realize, and it's growing fast. In this episode, Andrew shares a personal story about his dad, boats, and why he's spent the last few months considering buying one, before walking through the data that changed his mind about ownership altogether.

    Andrew breaks down the numbers behind the boat sharing economy: a market valued between nineteen and twenty three billion dollars US, growing five to seven percent a year, with electric propulsion emerging as the fastest growing segment in boat rentals. Peer to peer platforms like Getmyboat, Boatsetter, Click and Boat, and Samboat are expanding access based boating, and membership and club models are outpacing traditional ownership. He also digs into why electric motors are becoming the preferred choice for rental fleet operators, from lower maintenance to fewer moving parts to a quieter, more pleasant experience on the water.

    This episode sets up Friday's interview with Alexandra Manjon, who runs an electric boat sales business, for a deeper conversation on electric motors and where the industry is headed.

    Takeaways:

    • The global boat rental market is valued at roughly nineteen to twenty-three billion dollars US and growing five to seven percent annually
    • Electric boats are the fastest-growing power source segment in boat rentals, projected at a compound annual growth rate near seventeen to eighteen percent through 2031
    • Peer-to-peer platforms like Getmyboat, Boatsetter, Click and Boat, and Samboat are expanding access-based boating over ownership
    • Electric propulsion means lower maintenance and fewer moving parts, making it attractive for rental fleet operators
    • Renting lets you try a boat, including an electric one, without the upfront cost or ongoing maintenance burden of ownership

    Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

    Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube


    Why Cargo Ships Are Bringing Back Sails to Cut Emissions Aug 03, 2026
    Show notes

    Global shipping moves roughly 80 to 90% of the world's trade, and it comes with a real climate cost: the industry is responsible for a little over 2% of global CO2 emissions. On today's episode of the How to Protect the Ocean Podcast, Andrew looks at one of the more surprising fixes the industry is turning to: sails. Not the old canvas kind, but massive rigid wing sails retrofitted onto modern cargo vessels to cut fuel use and emissions without waiting on next-generation fuels.

    The centerpiece example is the Pyxis Ocean, a bulk carrier fitted with two 37.5-meter WindWings that fold down like giant airplane wings when they're not catching wind. It's part of a wider trend: more than 100 large cargo ships now sail with some form of wind propulsion installed, and the fuel savings range from about 1% to as much as 47%, depending on the number of sails and wind conditions. Andrew breaks down why shipping companies are leaning into this old-school technology now, from tightening emissions regulations to the simple fact that wind is free once the hardware is on deck.

    The bigger obstacle isn't the technology, it's the business model. Andrew digs into the split incentive problem in shipping: the owners who pay to install wind systems often aren't the ones paying for fuel, and the charterers who control fuel costs aren't the ones footing the bill for new equipment. That mismatch, more than any engineering hurdle, is what's slowing wind propulsion from scaling across the global fleet.

    Takeaways:

    • Global shipping carries 80 to 90% of world trade and produces roughly 2% of global CO2 emissions
    • The Pyxis Ocean was retrofitted with two 37.5-meter WindWing sails and helped kick off the current wave of wind-assisted shipping
    • More than 100 large cargo ships now have wind propulsion installed, saving an estimated 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent a year combined
    • Wind can cut fuel use anywhere from 1% to 47%, and purpose-built wind-assisted ships could average a 50% reduction
    • The biggest barrier to scaling wind propulsion is commercial, not technical: owners and charterers have mismatched incentives
    • The IMO has set decarbonization targets for shipping, and EU-funded projects are running sea trials in the North Sea to prove the technology out

    Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

    Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube


    Can Hollywood Go Green? Inside the Sustainable Production Movement Jul 31, 2026
    Show notes

    Hollywood might not be the first industry you think of when it comes to protecting the planet, but film and TV production has been quietly transforming how it operates behind the scenes. In this episode, Andrew sits down with Zena Harris, founder and president of Green Spark Group and co-host of The Tie-In podcast, to unpack what sustainability actually looks like on a working film set.

    Zena walks through the surprising ways major productions are cutting fuel consumption, swapping diesel generators for solar power and battery stations, and building a circular economy for set materials instead of sending them to the landfill. She traces the industry's evolution from early recycling programs to today's focus on electrification, and explains why sustainability still gets treated as a "luxury" that's often the first line item cut when budgets tighten.

    Whether or not you follow the entertainment industry, this conversation offers a blueprint any organization, including conservation groups, can use to look inward at its own operations and lead by example.

    Takeaways:

    • Green Spark Group has helped productions like the CBC build sustainability into operations from leadership on down.
    • Fuel consumption from vehicles and generators is the single biggest driver of a film production's carbon footprint.
    • Sustainability consultants now aim to join productions four to eight weeks before filming starts, rather than days before.
    • Cost savings and industry reputation, more than regulation, are what convince studios and producers to change.
    • The next frontier for the industry is measuring the embodied carbon in materials like set-building lumber, not just fuel and waste.
    • Sustainability is still widely treated as an optional add-on, which means it's often the first thing cut when budgets get tight.

    Links for Zena: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zenaharris Website: greensparkgroup.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/greensparkgroup Instagram: instagram.com/greensparkgroup Facebook: facebook.com/greensparkgroup

    Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon

    Need help with your ocean non-profit, company, or project? Get the help you need with Pisces Oceans Inc.: https://www.piscesoceans.ca Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube


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