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The Healthy Seas Podcast

Science Podcasts

Come dive in and meet the people doing all they can for healthier seas and oceans- from above and below the waves! We talk to divers, fishers, experts, and more about what they are doing to protect our source of life and how we can help from wherever we are. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. Hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Location:

Netherlands

Description:

Come dive in and meet the people doing all they can for healthier seas and oceans- from above and below the waves! We talk to divers, fishers, experts, and more about what they are doing to protect our source of life and how we can help from wherever we are. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. Hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Reclaiming Waters: An Interview with Veronika Mikos on Ghost Farms, Ep.17

5/1/2024
We're diving into the murky waters of ghost farms with Veronika Mikos, the director of Healthy Seas. Ghost farms, a relatively unknown, but significant, threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, are the focus of this insightful conversation. Veronika guides us through the intricacies of what ghost farms are, where they are typically found, and their impact on communities, marine life, and ocean pollution. What Are Ghost Farms? Ghost farms refer to abandoned aquaculture or fish farming sites, often left to deteriorate in coastal waters. These sites become environmental hazards, polluting the ocean with debris, and affecting marine ecosystems. The presence of decaying structures, abandoned nets, and other industrial waste can harm wildlife and disrupt local communities' livelihoods. The Impact on Marine Life and Ocean Pollution Veronika discusses the numerous ways in which ghost farms impact marine life. Abandoned nets and other structures can entangle sea creatures, causing injury or death. Moreover, the decaying materials from these sites contribute to ocean pollution, affecting the broader marine ecosystem and leading to cascading effects on the food chain. Organizing a Cleanup Veronika shares how Healthy Seas organizes cleanups of ghost farms. The process involves complex logistics, including securing funding, gathering a skilled team, and obtaining legal information. The cleanups aim to remove debris and restore the natural environment, ensuring that the sea can begin to heal from the damage caused by these abandoned sites. A Growing Problem with Limited Knowledge The episode also highlights the limited knowledge about ghost farms' full impact. Veronika notes that, despite being a growing problem, there's a lack of comprehensive studies and data on the extent of the issue. This lack of information poses challenges for those working to address the problem, emphasizing the need for more research and awareness. New Operation: Ghost Farms - Reclaiming Waters One of the exciting announcements in this episode is the upcoming "Ghost Farms - Reclaiming Waters" operation. Starting in May, this initiative will focus on cleaning up ghost farms in Western Greece and educational activities with universities and schools. The operation is set to continue throughout the year, aiming to make a significant impact on the affected areas. Tune in to learn more about ghost farms, the work being done to reclaim our waters, and how you can get involved in supporting these efforts. Don't forget to subscribe to the Healthy Seas podcast to stay updated on the latest news and episodes! If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:30:55

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Untangling Seals: Inside Ocean Conservation Namibia's Fight Against Ghost Gear with Naude Dreyer, Ep.16

4/3/2024
Naude Dreyer is the co-founder of Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN), a non-profit organization established in 2020 with a mission to rescue marine life, especially seals, entangled in plastic pollution and raise awareness about the devastating impact of this waste on our oceans. Through Naude's firsthand accounts, listeners gain insight into the heartbreaking reality of seals becoming ensnared in abandoned fishing gear, posing a grave threat to their survival and the health of our oceans. Despite facing challenges ranging from safety concerns to bureaucratic hurdles, OCN has rescued over 3,500 seals from entanglement, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to marine conservation. From innovative rescue techniques to advocacy efforts aimed at policy change and community engagement, OCN embodies grassroots activism at its finest. Initiatives like their intern program and collaborations with local communities and authorities are not only saving individual animals but also fostering a culture of ocean stewardship for generations to come. As advocates for cleaner, healthier seas, we salute the tireless work of Ocean Conservation Namibia and urge everyone to join the fight against ghost gear and plastic pollution. Together, we can protect our oceans and the precious life they sustain. Resources Link to the rescue of the seal, JuliusOCN websiteIf you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:26:26

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Scaling Up and Enforcing Marine Protected Areas: Insights from Earthshot Prize Winner Wild Aid with Emily Owen, Ep. 15

3/12/2024
Emily Owen is the Marine Program Director at WildAid, an organization at the forefront of marine protection efforts. With their recent Earthshot Prize win, WildAid is setting the bar high for global conservation initiatives. In this conversation, Emily delves into one of WildAid’s specialties- the enforcement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Highlighting the varied types of MPAs, from offshore sanctuaries to coastal reserves, Emily emphasizes their essential contribution to sustainable fisheries and climate change mitigation. Despite the challenges in enforcing MPAs, such as staffing shortages and limited resources, WildAid has pioneered an approach that empowers local leaders to strengthen monitoring and surveillance, meet conservation goals, and provide lasting benefits for endangered wildlife, marine ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal communities. WildAid's commitment to marine conservation, validated by their Earthshot Prize achievement, resonates with Healthy Seas’ mission to tackle marine debris and foster healthier aquatic ecosystems. Let's join forces to protect our oceans and ensure their sustainability for future generations. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:32:04

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Unveiling the Hidden: Advancements in Marine Litter Detection with Manuel Arias, Ep 14

2/13/2024
Dive into the depths of marine litter detection with Manuel Arias, an earth observation scientist at the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar in Spain in this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast. As specialists in cleaning the seas and combating marine pollution, the Healthy Seas Foundation brings you an insightful conversation with Arias, who delves into the innovative technologies driving the detection and categorization of marine debris. From optical sensors on satellites to drones, explore the pros and cons of different remote sensing technologies and their crucial role in identifying and measuring marine litter. Arias discusses the significance of detecting and quantifying marine litter, particularly amidst evolving policy changes and legislation aimed at mitigating its impact. Gain insight into the challenges of detecting floating litter versus sunken debris, including the persistent threat of ghost gear and ghost nets. Discover the environmental ramifications of plastics in the ocean, from their ability to absorb toxic substances to the formation and detection of microplastics and nanoplastics. This episode also addresses the spill of microbeads in Spain, recycling options, consumption reduction strategies, and collaboration with the fishing industry. Join us as we unravel the complexities of marine pollution and emphasize the importance of legislative measures in safeguarding our oceans! Tune in to this enlightening discussion, packed with topics essential to the Healthy Seas Foundation's ocean conservation and awareness mission. Don't miss out on this opportunity to uncover what lies beneath the surface and join us in our efforts to protect and clean the seas. Some interesting links on the topics Manuel Arias discusses. - IOOCCG Taskforce - GEO BLUE Planet e IMDOS - IMDOS - Ocean Decade Conference - Enzymes to degrade plastics - IEO Drones - The problem with the idea of biodegradable plastic - One of their collaborative works in the field - Plastic pellet spill in Spain If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:51:39

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Celebrating a Decade of Healthy Seas: 2023 Highlights and 10 Years of Marine Protection, Ep.13

1/25/2024
In this special episode of the "Healthy Seas Podcast," we celebrate a decade of the organization's impactful work in marine conservation. Featuring guests Veronica Mikos, Director of Healthy Seas, and Maria Giovanna Sandrini from Aquafil, the episode delves into the unique partnership between a marine conservation group and a synthetic fiber producer. They reflect on the organization's growth, its role in promoting sustainability and a circular economy, and discuss future plans for marine conservation. The episode is a testament to how businesses and nonprofits can work together for a sustainable future for our oceans. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:21:03

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Octopuses Revealed: Exploring Their Intelligence, Sentience, and the Controversy of Octopus Farming with Dr. Elena Lara

11/14/2023
The world's first octopus farm is on the cusp of being greenlighted, however, not without a global outcry. Today's guest, Dr. Elena Lara, is with the organization, Compassion in World Farming. She talks about what makes these animals so incredible- from their ability to solve problems to their uncanny talent for camouflage despite being colorblind! We explore the ethical and environmental considerations that come into play as the world seeks to supply the growing demand for seafood with the welfare of these intelligent, sentient creatures. If you would like to sign a petition against octopus farming, click HERE. Compassion in World Farming Reports on octopus farming: Octopus factory farming a recipe for disasterUncovering the horrific reality of octopus farming If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:26:13

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Racing for KGs: From Flawed Metrics to Impact Measurements with Pascal Van Erp & Kelsey Richardson

9/21/2023
When it comes to supporting ocean clean-up efforts, oftentimes organizations are asked to report on the weight of everything they pulled out of the water. Seemingly, the higher the number, the more valuable the effort was. However, this is a flawed, and potentially dangerous, practice. For example, an almost weightless gill net could entangle and kill countless more animals than a heavy trawler net. It's also more likely to get wrapped up in boat propellers, posing a hazard and liability for people out at sea. Today's guests, Kelsey Richardson, a marine consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization, and Pascal Van Erp of Healthy Seas and GhostDiving, help to clear up why we need to move away from the "race for kgs" and, instead, toward more meaningful metrics. Further Reading/ Resources: Global Ghost Gear Initiative Best Practice Framework for the Management of Fishing GearChallenges and misperceptions around global fishing gear loss estimatesGlobal estimates of fishing gear lost to the ocean each yearHighest risk abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gearIf you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:25:13

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Unveiling History's Secrets: Conservation and Discovery in the Mediterranean Sea with Mario Arena & Pascal Van Erp

7/28/2023
What do you get when you combine environmental and historical conservation? The latest Healthy Seas project! In this episode, Pascal Van Erp from Healthy Seas and Ghost Diving, and Mario Arena from the Society for the Documentation of Submerged Sites (SDSS), share about their recent, exciting, eight-day expedition off Italy's Lampedusa Island. The area was the site of World War II's Battle of the Convoys which saw hundreds of ships, submarines, and planes brought down over a three-year period. With the help of volunteer divers who removed large fishing nets that covered one particular shipwreck, they were able to identify and document the ill-fated vessel. They discuss the unique conditions they experienced, the advanced equipment they used, and the historical discoveries that will be shared in an upcoming museum exhibition. This collaborative effort was generously funded by Hyundai. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:27:13

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Changing the Perception About Sharks with Cristina Zenato

5/1/2023
Sharks have survived five global mass extinctions yet, now, many of their species are endangered due to human activities and myths. Cristina Zenato works to reverse this. She is an ocean and cave explorer, shark behaviorist and expert, dive instructor, speaker, writer, and conservationist. She has helped to change the perception of sharks through the close encounters she has with these animals. They often allow her to pet them and even remove hooks from their mouths! Cristina was a vital player in helping to declare the Bahamas as a shark sanctuary when external fisheries were looking to come in and take them from Bahamian waters. She also works all over the world advocating for these often maligned creatures and for the conservation of the waters they live in. We talk about what it's like to, literally, have a shark in your lap, how it's crucial that we know that not all sharks are the same, the dangers sharks are facing, and what would happen to us if they are removed from the ecosystem. Resources website People of the Water If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:35:44

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D(r)iving the Change for Oceans with Alana Alvarez & Manuel Bustelo

3/15/2023
The Divers Alert Network Europe, otherwise known as DAN Europe, was created 40 years ago to protect divers. However, it started to realize that the divers' playground, the ocean, also needed protection. To that end, they created the Sustainability Tour, led by Alana Alvarez and Manuel Bustelo. The two of them are traveling across Europe and its surrounding areas in an electric Hyundai Kona, creating awareness as they go about the perils that the ocean is facing. This year's focus is on climate change's evil twin, ocean acidification. This threat acts like an osteoporosis of the sea and Alana and Manuel are, quite literally, driving for a change. We talk about how easy it is to drive across Europe on only renewable energy, what carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has to do with the acidity of the ocean, and what are the effects of this acidification that we need to be aware of. Resources Sustainable Tour Website Instagram Facebook Twitter Youtube Alana's IG Manuel's IG If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:28:30

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Making Packaging Disappear: A chat with Earthshot winner, Notpla

1/30/2023
Touted as the "Nobel Prize for environmentalism", the Earthshot Prize aims to find new solutions to the world’s biggest environmental problems by 2030. It is divided into five categories, one being "Build a Waste-Free World." Last year, Notpla had the honor of winning the prize in this category. Their mission is to replace single-use plastic packaging through their innovative invention based on seaweed. Samara Croci is the Senior Brand Partnership Manager with Notpla and she tells us about how this naturally biodegradable product works, how it is different than bioplastics, and the impact they are looking to achieve with the prize money. Also, with the growth potential of this product, we talk about how they are working on avoiding the potential negative consequences that come with scaled-up seaweed farming. Healthy Seas is proud to be an Official Nominator of the Earthshot Prize. If you have a solution to help repair our planet that is inspiring, inclusive, and impactful, please get in touch with us for further discussion. Resources Notpla Website Twitter Instagram FacebookEarthshot PrizeIf you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:28:15

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“Mediterranean Life Under Siege” An inspirational talk with director Frederic Fougea

12/16/2022
In this episode, Crystal speaks with Frederic Fougea as he gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of his newest documentary, Mediterranean Life Under Siege. The film and series take viewers on the journeys of some of the Mediterranean’s most precious species as they navigate survival around an increasingly human-dominated landscape. Some of the stories Frederic talks about are the unpredictability of working with animals, how he got some of those seemingly impossible shots, and which storyline stood out to him the most. You'll also be hearing from Anni Mitropoulou, the Executive Director of the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF). She goes even deeper behind the scenes by offering some insight into the conservation work taking place for some of the species featured in the movie as well as the impact that the movie is having on people. If you ever wanted to know how nature films are made, you can't miss this one! BONUSES! here medSign up hereIf you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:30:13

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How to Make Black Friday Planet Friendly with Laura in Waterland & Curra Rotondo

11/21/2022
The biggest shopping day of the year is fast approaching and the rampant overconsumption that has been known to accompany Black Friday has devastating effects on the planet. Rather than a complete boycott of the day, Healthy Seas has a better concept- Blue Friday! This is the idea of shopping sustainably and ethically. Today's guests are Laura in Waterland, an oceans and sustainability advocate, and Curra Rotondo, the co-founder and CEO of the brand, Lefrik. We talk about why having a Blue Friday is the way to go and how we all can support Healthy Seas this weekend through a campaign that Lefrik has organized. Highlights Ten Tips to Have a Blue Friday (to go deeper with these, be sure to check out Laura's blog post here on Healthy Seas): Bonus Tip! Buy yourself or a loved one a bag from Lefrik during the Blue Friday weekend and 15% of the proceeds from your purchase will be donated to Healthy Seas! Resources Lefrikhttps://slowfactory.earth/open-edu If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:25:36

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Lobster Pot Recovery After Storm Arwen with Duncan Simpson & Andrew Jack

8/30/2022
In the winter of 2021, an unusually powerful cyclone called Storm Arwen wreaked havoc on the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France. In Scotland alone, on land, it was estimated that over 8 million trees were damaged or affected by the storm. The damage was no less under the water. Andrew Jack, a fisherman that works in the Moray Firth of the North Sea, lost almost 600 lobster traps in the angry sea. After contacting Duncan Simpson of UK Ghost Diving, the two collaborated (with their teams) on the retrieval of this lost gear that, at first, seemed like it couldn't be done. Highlights Resources Ghost Diving UKArticle How YOU Can Help Donate Click here for a transcript of this episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:24:36

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Searching for a Sea Change at the UN Ocean Conference with Gelareh Darabi

7/19/2022
Healthy Seas ambassador, Gelareh Darabi, attended the UN Ocean Conference this past June and fills us in on the topics discussed and the progress made in protecting the world's oceans. We talk about new technology and inventions, economically prosperous opportunities in ocean conservation, and the advancement of marine pollution on the global agenda. But, perhaps the most important questions she addresses regarding this gathering of over 6000 participants are, "Who was missing" and "Was it worth it?" If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:20:35

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Nets, Divers, Action! Marine Conservation in Los Angeles with Norbert Lee & Eric Nelson

5/17/2022
In this episode, we hear from both Norbert Lee of Ghostdiving USA and Eric Nelson of Aquafil about their new U.S. partnership with Healthy Seas that recently kicked off in Los Angeles. They removed entangled fishing nets from the ship, the USS Moody, that was sunk for the Hollywood movie, Hell Below. Norbert talks about the near-impossible conditions they overcame that day and Eric tells us all about what Aquafil does with the nets after they are retrieved. This new partnership expands Healthy Seas' presence and impact to 13 countries! Highlights Resources InstagramwebsitewebsiteBracenetHow YOU Can Help DonateIf you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:29:21

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The Who, What, and Why Behind the Healthy Seas Organization with Veronika Mikos

5/14/2022
Veronika Mikos is the Director of Healthy Seas, a marine conservation organization established to tackle marine pollution caused by lost or abandoned fishing gear, otherwise known as ghost gear. As these materials drift aimlessly through the water, they get entangled on reefs and wrecks while continuing with their original purpose- to trap anything that comes within their path. Healthy Seas not only tackles this issue through clean-up, prevention, and awareness-raising, they contribute to the circular economy by working with partners who then recycle and repurpose this material. Highlights Resources Underwater Live Stream with Pierre Yves Cousteau WebsiteFacebookTwitterYoutubeInstagramLinkedInHow YOU Can Help DonateVolunteerPartner.If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Duration:00:23:13