In this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean Podcast, David Helvarg presents a compilation of the most impactful ocean voices of 2024. The episode features commercial fisherman turned journalist Nick Raheim discussing sperm whales in Alaska, artist Rachel sharing her fish-inspired art, Dr. Sarah Frees Torres on her marine biology journey, author Shelby Van Pelt on her book's influence, Nancy Rabley on the Gulf’s dead zone, Rear Admiral Andy Sugimoto on Coast Guard missions, Sherry Goodman on clean energy's military advantages, Craig Foster on tracking underwater life, and Wendy Benchley on the revival of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards. The episode highlights inspiring stories and calls for donations to support ocean conservation efforts.

Sometimes you save the world 413 acres at a time.  In our latest Rising Tide Ocean Podcast Vicki asks some probing questions of David and former guest Andres Soto, a longtime Richmond California activist, musician and radio host recently relocated to Portugal.  They talk about their years of work helping to establish Point Molate Park which will soon be dedicated as the next green Jewel and public headland on San Francisco Bay. 

They recount two decades of grassroots bottom-up organizing that helped save this unique habitat.  In explaining how the Point Molate Alliance led a successful campaign to stop developer schemes for a mega-casino and luxury housing estate they discuss how other low-income waterfront communities can win similar climate justice battles while protecting biologically rich lands and waters. 

Join David Helvarg and Natasha Benjamin on this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean Podcast as they discuss environmental changes and community impacts on St. Paul Island, the largest of the Pribilof Islands, with residents Destiny Bristol Kushin, a 20-year-old college student, and Zinaida Melovidov, her grandmother and lifelong island inhabitant. The conversation delves into the shifting climate patterns, the decline in local wildlife, the community's adaptation strategies, and the significant cultural heritage surrounding traditional fishing and hunting practices. With personal anecdotes and reflections, this episode paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced and the resilience shown by the residents of St. Paul.

 In this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean podcast, hosts David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein discuss the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards revival with co-founder Wendy Benchley. After a hiatus since 2017, the awards are set to return on May 8, 2025, at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, backed by the National Aquarium Conservation Partnership.

Their conversation covers the origins of the awards, their impact on the ocean conservation community, and the excitement surrounding their return. Wendy Benchley shares memorable moments from past awards and highlights the importance of recognizing leaders in various sectors including policy, science, grassroots activism, and sustainable business. 

David, Vicky, & Wendy also delve into Peter Benchley's legacy and his contribution to marine conservation.

In our latest episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast David heads to Alaska to interview Dune Lankard, a member of the Eagle Clan of the Eyak tribal nation based in Cordova Alaska, on Prince Williams Sound. Dune talks about his life as a commercial fisherman and his response to the 1989 Exxon-Valdez oil spill, the largest U.S. environmental disaster till that time.

He talks about his founding of the Native Conservancy and its work with 32 tribes across Alaska, including protecting over a million acres of land.  They also talk about his kelp farming to restore the ocean, traditional food sources and provide indigenous people and fishermen a chance to be part of a new regenerative food industry in a time of climate disruption. Check out Dune’s spiritual, practical and innovative ideas on the new Rising Tide Ocean podcast.

On this episode of Rising Tide Vicki and David speak with Sherri Goodman of the International Military Council on Climate and Security.  The former Pentagon Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security is out with a new book, ‘Threat Multiplier – Climate, Military Leadership and the fight for global security.’  We’ll talk about the changing Arctic, the role of the Pentagon in preparing for disasters, the role of climate change in global wars and more.  It’s a fascinating topic so join us with Sherri Goodman. 

In this episode of Rising Tide David and Natasha Benjamin delve into the fascinating resilience of Pacific salmon, creatures that have thrived in dynamic landscapes shaped by natural forces like volcanoes, earthquakes, and landslides with the University of Alaska’s Dr. Peter Westley. As the environment changes at unprecedented rates, including the rise of hatchery-supported fisheries, we discuss how these shifts impact salmon populations in places like Alaska and California. From dam removals and urbanization to climate change, salmon continue to adapt. Join us as we explore the complex web of factors shaping the future of these remarkable fish.

On the latest episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast, David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein talk with Mark Spalding, President of the Ocean Foundation and an expert on international law and policy about the Ocean and the Elections. They discuss how starkly different the two 2024 presidential candidates are when it comes to marine conservation and climate issues.  Also why, after the hottest summer in human history, there’s been so little talk about climate and the environment.     

Vicki and David also look at the record of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and pull some recent quotes from each of them about coastal resiliency, living reefs, windmills and whales and fear of sharks.  So, with just weeks to go to November 5th remember, dolphins can’t vote for the ocean so you’ll have to.

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.  

On this Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast episode, David Helvarg & 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.” So, join us for this fascinating episode.

Nick Rahaim is an award-winning writer, researcher, and former commercial fisherman. He's currently a Public Affairs Officer for NOAA Fisheries and is the Programs Director for volunteer-led Jiquilisco Bay Alliance, an organization that runs sustainable fishing, mangrove reforestation, and community empowerment projects in El Salvador. Nick's work in El Salvador began in 2022 when he moved to the country for a Fulbright fellowship, following his graduation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies with a masters in International Environmental Policy. Nick was also a member of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning team at the Press Democrat in Santa Rosa for their coverage of the devastating North Bay wildfires. As a commercial fisherman has worked in more than a dozen fisheries from Southern California to the Bering Sea, logging nearly 1,500 days at sea. Check out his blog at outside-in.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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Join us on this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean Podcast as 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.

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 from 1996 till his retirement 3 years ago Bob 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.

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.

To celebrate Earth Day (which is 71% ocean) we’re speaking with Margaret Spring, Chief conservation and science officer for the world -famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, in California.  Before coming to the aquarium Margaret was an environmental attorney and a leader at NOAA. Today she oversees the aquarium’s science policy work including on plastic pollution, its Seafood Watch sustainable seafood program and much of the deep ocean research conducted at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in Moss Landing. So, let’s take a deep dive into what Margaret is up to.