Polyps for Purpose Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dominic Bryant
Listen to the Polyps for Purpose podcast to learn about stories of endurance and resilience from coral reef ecosystems, and the people striving to protect them. Anyone is welcome to the "Stoa Scleractinia". Visit www.p4pcoral.com for more info.
Bridget Hedderman is a biologist, conservationist and educator who co-founded Ecofieldtrips (http://www.ecofieldtrips.com.sg/). Ecofieldtrips provides high quality ecology experiences in a variety of locations and ecosystems; from tropical rain-forests and reefs in Malaysia to mountains in Nepal.
Bridgette and her co-founder Helen Newman started Ecofieldtips in Singapore in 1997 with the aim to provided opportunities for kids to get out of the classroom and be immersed in nature.They provided these services for schools all around the world and have inspired many ecologists in doing so.
Ecofieldtrips also provide young career ecologists with opportunities to work in the field of ecology and gain valuable experiences in education and fieldwork. In this podcast Bridget talks about the inspirations to start Ecofieldtrips and the importance of outdoor education when studying Ecology. Anyone interested in pursuing a career in biological sciences should be sure to watch and listen to Bridget's experiences.
"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." - Sir David Attenborough
| Ecofieldtrips |
► Website | http://www.ecofieldtrips.com.sg/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ecofieldtrips.sg
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/EcofieldtripsPteLtd
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ecofieldtrips_sg/
*There is no partnership between Polyps for Purpose and Ecofieldtrips.
| Polyps for Purpose |
► Website | https://www.p4pcoral.com/podcast
► Ko-Fi | https://ko-fi.com/p4pcoral
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p4pcoral/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/p4pcoral
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72pgRTvZFD9gR_LDkAWX-Q
► Spreaker | https://www.spreaker.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
► Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Recorded using zoom
Here, Tom Bowling explains how he went from managing a clam farm in the Marshall Islands to setting up BIOTA in Palau.
One of the tools Tom has started to use for his fish collections is the closed circuit rebreather (CCR). Compared to conventional open circuit SCUBA diving systems, the CCR allows for much longer bottom time and optimum Nitrgen levels in the gas being breathed. They also allow the diver to get much closer to marine life as the bubbles are no longer a factor, and therefore the diver is further immersed into nature.
Although, CCR's were once considered a dangerous tool, there have been significant improvements in the technology and safety for using them for all kinds of diving activities. Tom's choice of CCR is the JJ-CCR (www.jj-ccr.com) , which he uses with Shearwater Research diving computers (https://www.shearwater.com/) to get the most out of his occupational dives.
*Always seek appropriate training and certification from recognized facilities when considering using any type of diving equipment that is new to you (including CCR).
"Nature seemed to me full of wonders, and I wanted to steep myself in them. Every stone, every plant, every single thing seemed alive and indescribably marvelous. I immersed myself in nature, crawled, as it were, into the very essence of nature and away from the whole human world." - Carl Jung
| BIOTA |
► Website | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/
► BIOTA Aquarium | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/biota-aquarium/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/biotaaquariums
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN5tjEWy_QiweHHy92IY
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/biotaaquariums/
*There is no partnership between Polyps for Purpose and BIOTA, JJ-CCR, or Shearwater Research.
| Polyps for Purpose |
► Website | https://www.p4pcoral.com/podcast
► Ko-Fi | https://ko-fi.com/p4pcoral
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p4pcoral/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/p4pcoral
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72pgRTvZFD9gR_LDkAWX-Q
► Spreaker | https://www.spreaker.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
► Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Pictures and video courtesy of Tom Bowling/BIOTA
Recorded using zoom
BIOTA has made innovations in Aquaculture and the ornamental fish trade that are being recognized at an International level. In 2019 Tom Bowling won the Marine Aquarium Societies of North America (MACNA) Aquarist of the year award.
They have perfected the art of breeding wild caught fish and raising their offspring in captivity. The Captive bred fish they sell, have a higher survival throughout the entire process of the ornamental fish trade. From packing and exporting to maintaining in in aquariums, the fish BITOA are an excellent example of how far the Aquaculture industry has come.
One of the most known ornamental species BIOTA sell is the Mandarin Fish (Synchiropus splendidus), which are notoriously difficult to keep alive in tanks. The Mandarin Fish raised in BITOA tanks are weaned onto pellets and even come to the surface to feed, which is something that would never happen with a wild caught fish of this species.
BITOA created the BIOTA aquarium, which is a product designed to help people learn how to keep ornamental fish in a step-by-step process. This gives confidence in both the buyer and the seller that these precious fish will survive in the best conditions possible.
"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein
| BIOTA |
► Website | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/
► BIOTA Aquarium | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/biota-aquarium/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/biotaaquariums
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN5tjEWy_QiweHHy92IY
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/biotaaquariums/
*There is no partnership between Polyps for Purpose and BIOTA
| Polyps for Purpose |
► Website | https://www.p4pcoral.com/podcast
► Ko-Fi | https://ko-fi.com/p4pcoral
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p4pcoral/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/p4pcoral
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72pgRTvZFD9gR_LDkAWX-Q
► Spreaker | https://www.spreaker.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
► Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Pictures and video courtesy of Tom Bowling/BIOTA
Recorded using zoom
COVID-19 has caused disruptions across the globe. Palau does not have any cases of COVID-19, but they have stopped tourism until it is safe for people to return as visitors to the island nation. As Palau is well known for its scenic islands and SCUBA diving spots, the shutdown of tourism has affected the local economy. Throughout the COVID-19 situation BIOTA has been educating local kids about their natural environment. Tom and his team do this by getting them involved with restocking a highly sort after food fish in Palau, called the Rabbit Fish (Singanidae lineatus & S. fuscecens).
Rabbit fish are an important herbivore within coral reef ecosystems and this outreach activity provides the youth with an important connection to nature.
"The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature." Joeseph Campbell.
| BIOTA |
► Website | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/
► BIOTA Aquarium | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/biota-aquarium/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/biotaaquariums
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN5tjEWy_QiweHHy92IY
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/biotaaquariums/
*There is no partnership between Polyps for Purpose and BIOTA
| Polyps for Purpose |
► Website | https://www.p4pcoral.com/podcast
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p4pcoral/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/p4pcoral
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72pgRTvZFD9gR_LDkAWX-Q
► Spreaker | https://www.spreaker.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
► Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Pictures and video courtesy of Tom Bowling/BIOTA
Recorded using zoom
Corals polyps can reproduce sexually via spawning and a-sexually by making individual clones of each polyps. Another form of a-sexual reproduction can happen in the form of fragmentation. When pieces of corals break of a colony a new colony will form and grow into a new colony that can also go onto spawn. It is important to relies the broken colony needs the right conditions to survive and grow. Any attempts to make coral fragments to grow out new colonies should be done by trained professional who have specific goals when it comes to the desired species.
Impacts from human-induced climate change, overfishing, and localised human developments has caused significant habitat degradation of ecosystems worldwide. One method to help ecosystems recover is to restore ecosystems with important species that are genetically more resilient to environmental stress. It is an important part of the BIOTA ethos that any biomass exported from Palau is produced onsite and not taken from then Ocean. Here, Tom talks about doing this on localised scales by growing out a high diversity of marine organisms from reef fish to corals and clams. It is an important part of the BIOTA ethos that any biomass exported from Palau is produced onsite and not taken from then Ocean.
*Please note, any attempts to make coral fragments to grow out new colonies should be done by trained professionals who have specific goals when it comes to the desired species.
"We must plant the sea and herd its animals … using the sea as farmers instead of hunters. That is what civilization is all about—farming replacing hunting." — Jacques Cousteau
| BIOTA |
► Website | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/
► BIOTA Aquarium | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/biota-aquarium/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/biotaaquariums
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN5tjEWy_QiweHHy92IY
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/biotaaquariums/
*There is no partnership between Polyps for Purpose and BIOTA
| Polyps for Purpose |
► Website | https://www.p4pcoral.com/podcast
► Ko-Fi | https://ko-fi.com/p4pcoral
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p4pcoral/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/p4pcoral
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72pgRTvZFD9gR_LDkAWX-Q
► Spreaker | https://www.spreaker.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
► Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Pictures and video courtesy of Tom Bowling/BIOTA
Recorded using zoom
One of the biggest innovations that has happened at BIOTA is the domestication of Bumphead Parrot fish (Bolbometopon muricatum) so they can be reared and raised in tanks.
The Bumphead Parrottfish are an important species for maintaining ecological diversity and sand production on coral reefs . They occur in high numbers and are one of the most valuable food fish species available. They are a gentle an inquisitive species, which unfortunately makes them easy to catch, therefore leading to the decline of its numbers in some areas. In Aquaculture, one drawback has been the fact the fish reared in tanks or cages need to be fed wild caught fish. Tom was already growing coral in The Marshall Islands when he saw the potential to grow the Bumphead parrot fish, which eats coral. By putting these two farming practices together BIOTA can grow the Bumphead parrot fish born in captivity and feed them the coral grown and harvested at their facilities. It is a totally sustainable product that not only has the potential to be a valuable industry for island and nearshore communities, but can potentially restock reefs that have been depleted in this species through over-exploitation.
"Innovations that are guided by smallholder farmers, adapted to local circumstances, and sustainable for the economy and environment will be necessary to ensure food security in the future." - Bill Gates
| BIOTA |
► Website | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/biotaaquariums
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN5tjEWy_QiweHHy92IY
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/biotaaquariums/
*There is no partnership between Polyps for Purpose and BIOTA
| Polyps for Purpose |
► Website | https://www.p4pcoral.com/podcast
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p4pcoral/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/p4pcoral
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72pgRTvZFD9gR_LDkAWX-Q
► Spreaker | https://www.spreaker.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
► Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Pictures and video courtesy of Tom Bowling/BIOTA
Recorded using zoom
Tom Bowling is a marine conservationist and aquarist. Growing up in South America, Tom had a fascination with understanding how small animals he found transformed in tanks. He bought his first car from selling fish he cultivated in his tanks, and expanded his scientific knowledge by undertaking a Marine Biology and Aquaculture degree at James Cook University, Australia. He used this knowledge to develop innovative techniques for rearing fish in the Aquaculture industry and has experience in Australia and the Pacific Ocean. In 2012, he moved to Palau and started BIOTA.
BIOTA is an aquaculture company with a goal to protect and enhance the marine environment. They have developed innovative ways to raise captive coral reef organisms, ensuring nothing sold comes from the wild. Furthermore, BIOTA have come up with multiple innovations in the industry, which include the first to close the life Cycle of the Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) and the captive breeding the Mandarin Fish (Synchiropus splendidus). BIOTA not only educate people and communities about the importance of the coral reefs through the creation of the world's easiest salt water aquarium , but they also use the company as an opportunity to restock overfished reef fish populations in Palau.
If you're interested in learning how to start a coral reef ecosystem you can check out the BIOTA aquarium at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuTW7F2tzzU. It's a great product that educates the buyer with a step by step process on how to start and maintain a saltwater aquarium*.
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul." - Robert Wyland
| BIOTA |
► Website | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/
► BIOTA Aquarium | https://www.thebiotagroup.com/biota-aquarium/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/biotaaquariums
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN5tjEWy_QiweHHy92IY
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/biotaaquariums/
*There is no partnership between Polyps for Purpose and BIOTA
| Polyps for Purpose |
► Website | https://www.p4pcoral.com/podcast
► Ko-Fi | https://ko-fi.com/p4pcoral
► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p4pcoral/
► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/p4pcoral
► YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72pgRTvZFD9gR_LDkAWX-Q
► Spreaker | https://www.spreaker.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
► Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
Aquarist #OrnamentalFish #BIOTA #MarineBiology #Conservation #Oceans #podcast #p4pcoral
Aquaculture #StoaScleractinia
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Pictures and video courtesy of Tom Bowling/BIOTA
Recorded using zoom
Debates surrounding how various diets affect human health and the environment are ongoing. One thing is for sure, many of the pesticides and herbicides used in the production of our food is not good for either human or ecosystem health.
Jason shares his experience working on bushland regeneration projects where they were combatting the blackberry weeds on river banks in Australia. Instead of using a herbicide called metsulfuron (which is unselective in the plants it kills), Jason and his friend used a different approach, including a whipper snipper (aka brushcutter) and small amounts of glyphosate to get rid of the blackberries. This method helped keep the bushland intact whilst removing the blackberry for a lot less money. Be sure to look into Jason's methods if you want to get rid of weeds, but do not want to kill everything else in the process.
“The nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself” - Franklin D. Roosevelt
| Support Jason Neptune |
►Bandcamp | https://lostthylacines.bandcamp.com/
►Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lostthylacines/
►Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/lostthylacines
►YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNbCz
►Music Streaming | https://ditto.fm/latitude-34?fbclid=IwAR3Su1ZRKboLQqTD3UyzusrGnPVjHP7nGtiU8SF5a89wmnBMeghSrqdTeaY
| Polyps for Purpose |
►Website | https://www.p4pcoral.com/podcast
►Ko-Fi | https://ko-fi.com/p4pcoral
►Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p4pcoral/
►Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/p4pcoral
►YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72pgRTvZFD9gR_LDkAWX-Q
►Spreaker | https://www.spreaker.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
►Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Intro image: Zak Hylerstedt Stomberg
Subscribe for updates on more videos and go to www.p4pcoral.com for more info.
Apart from being a marine conservationist and musician, Jason Neptune works as a chef. He fully understands the importance of making consumer conscience decisions with sourcing food he is going to cook for other people. The key principle that he relies on is to find food that has been as locally sourced as possible.
Jason spearfishes as an activity to catch the food he is going to eat. When done responsibly, spearfishing is without a doubt the most sustainable form of seafood there is. The freediver can be selective with their catch and pick fish and other marine organisms that have had the chance to go through at least one reproductive cycle. In Western Australia, where Jason lives, there are strict rules against taking undersize or restricted animals. The punishment involves a fine, jail time, and authorities will seize all possessions involved with an illegal catch. That includes your boat, trailer, and car! It’s really not worth acting in a manner not in accord with nature!
Being consumer conscious about what foods you buy can be both beneficial for your health and the planet. In most cases, what’s better for the planet is better for your mind and body, especially if it does not come wrapped in plastic and smothered in toxic chemicals.
“Everything that exceeds the bounds of moderation has an unstable foundation.” - Seneca
| Support Jason Neptune |
►Bandcamp | https://lostthylacines.bandcamp.com/
►Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lostthylacines/
►Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/lostthylacines
►YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNbCz
►Music Streaming | https://ditto.fm/latitude-34?fbclid=IwAR3Su1ZRKboLQqTD3UyzusrGnPVjHP7nGtiU8SF5a89wmnBMeghSrqdTeaY
| Polyps for Purpose |
►Website | https://www.p4pcoral.com/podcast
►Ko-Fi | https://ko-fi.com/p4pcoral
►Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p4pcoral/
►Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/p4pcoral
►YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72pgRTvZFD9gR_LDkAWX-Q
►Spreaker | https://www.spreaker.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
►Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Intro image: Zak Hylerstedt Stomberg
Subscribe for updates on more videos and go to www.p4pcoral.com for more info.
The damage done from plastic pollution to global ecosystems in the relatively short time it has been around is frightening. The good news is there are already countless solutions that have been created to combat this problem. Unfortunately, successful solutions are often drowned out by fear mongering headlines in the media.
There are any ways you can eliminate or repurposed plastic in your everyday life. It just takes a simple search on a search on your favourite search provider.
One initiative Jason talks about here is “Precious Plastic”(https://preciousplastic.com/). Precious Plastic is a movement created to help people recycle and re-purpose plastics, and turn it in to things like construction material, furniture, or jewellery. The website has an incredible amount of information that should in school curriculum and dominating the new headlines.
“Humanity must seek what is not simple and obvious using the simple and obvious.” ― Gaius Musonius Rufus, Musonius Rufus on How to live.
| Support Jason Neptune |
►Bandcamp | https://lostthylacines.bandcamp.com/
►Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lostthylacines/
►Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/lostthylacines
►YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNbCz
►Music Streaming | https://ditto.fm/latitude-34?fbclid=IwAR3Su1ZRKboLQqTD3UyzusrGnPVjHP7nGtiU8SF5a89wmnBMeghSrqdTeaY
| Polyps for Purpose |
►Website | https://www.p4pcoral.com/podcast
►Ko-Fi | https://ko-fi.com/p4pcoral
►Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p4pcoral/
►Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/p4pcoral
►YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72pgRTvZFD9gR_LDkAWX-Q
►Spreaker | https://www.spreaker.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
►Stitcher |https://www.stitcher.com/show/polyps-for-purpose-podcast
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Intro image: Zak Hylerstedt Stomberg
Subscribe for updates on more videos and go to www.p4pcoral.com for more info.
Being fully aware of his climate impacts through touring and life in general; Jason calculates his carbon footprint by looking in depth at his tax returns. He then figures out how many trees he would need to plant in order to offset his emissions and multiplies that value by 100. Jason then goes the extra mile to ask land owners is they would like native trees planted in their gardens for free . This is seen as a win/win by both parties. Jason gets to take part in bush land restoration (something he is passionate about) and the landowner gets a bunch of free trees. No ego’s, feelings, or daily commutes are harmed in the process.
This is an excellent example of how to combat and raise awareness about climate change. Being alive today means we are all affected by the impacts of human-induced climate change. Climate changes will affect future generations, but we are the ones that can mitigate those impacts and we have to start now. It serves no purpose pointing the finger at people on their daily commutes and trying to disrupt their daily lives purely to grab headlines and attention. There are many ways to educate people and raise awareness about climate change. Alienating people is not one of them.
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” — Charles Dickens.
You can listen to and support Jason Neptunes band, The Lost Thylacines at the following link https://lostthylacines.bandcamp.com/
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Intro image: Zak Hylerstedt Stomberg
Subscribe for updates on more videos and go to www.p4pcoral.com for more info.
In a world more connected than ever, the ability to raise awareness for environmental issues should be easier than ever before. However, we get led astray by political debate and the cult of celebrity trying to dictate how we should to live our lives. If you are unaware of environmental issues that threatened marine and terrestrial ecosystems, you will never have a conscious reason to change. We need behavioural change on a mass scale to mitigate impacts from human-induced climate change, marine plastic pollution, overfishing, habitat degradation, etc. That change has to come from the individual. We can no longer rely on politicians who have multiple agendas that conflict with environmental preservation. We must lead by example when attempting to help others understand what’s at stake in their everyday decisions. Therefore, it is important to approach others who may be unaware of the damage their individual actions can have on the environment with empathy and forgiveness.
“Every soul, the philosopher says, is involuntarily deprived of truth. Consequently, in the same way it is deprived of justice and temperance and benevolence and everything of the kind. It is most necessary to bear this constantly in mind, for thus you it will be more gentle towards all” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.63 (George Long translation).
You can listen to and support Jason Neptunes band, The Lost Thylacines at the following link https://lostthylacines.bandcamp.com/
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Thumbnail Image: Joost Boerman
Intro image: Zak Hylerstedt Stomberg
Subscribe for updates on more videos and go to www.p4pcoral.com for more info.
Challenges facing the Earth’s environment often seem too large and complicated to manage. We are now at a time in human history where the time for talking about the problem is over, and we have to take action as individuals that can collectively make a tremendous difference. It is important that we don’t let headlines of doom, gloom, and fear make us think it’s not worth attempting to help ecosystems recover around the world.
The problem of marine plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to life in the Ocean. There are two things that need to happen in order to fix this problem.
1) We need to put an end to plastic production by stopping the demand and supporting sustainable alternatives in our consumer decisions.
2) We need solutions to rid our ecosystems of plastic pollution and support industries that repurpose and recycle plastic waste.
As Jason explains, cost and a lack of infrastructure are the biggest hurdles in overcoming the problem associated with plastic pollution. This can often be the case in more remote locations that have high tourism value. Therefore, it is especially important to be conscious about your plastic use in these areas and take steps not to leave your waste on others’ doorstep.
“The future is a concept—it doesn’t exist There is no such thing as tomorrow There never will be because time is always now. That’s one of the things we discover when we stop talking to ourselves and stop thinking. We find there is only present, only an eternal now.” - Alan Watts
You can listen to and support Jason Neptunes band, The Lost Thylacines at the following link https://lostthylacines.bandcamp.com
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Intro image: Zak Hylerstedt Stomberg
Subscribe for updates on more videos and go to www.p4pcoral.com for more info.
For Jason, the last five years of The Crystal Land Tours has been a learning process in figuring out what does and doesn’t work. Dominic and Jason discuss how the learning process is riddled with failures before we find success. But it is in those failures that genuine progress is made. As long as you can figure out why something did not workout, and “keep having a crack” you will find your way through some of the most difficult situations.
“Motion makes you feel like you’re getting things done. But really, you’re just preparing to get something done. When preparation becomes a form of procrastination, you need to change something. You don’t merely want to be planning. You want to be practicing.” - James Clear, Atomic Habits.
You can listen to and support The Lost Thylacines at the following link https://lostthylacines.bandcamp.com/
#MarineConservation #Learning #Atomic Habits
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Intro image: Zak Hylerstedt Stomberg
Subscribe for updates on more videos and go to www.p4pcoral.com for more info.
The memories Jason took away from surfing trips to Indonesia gave him the desire to giveback and create the Crystal Land Tours with his bandmates. Their goal is to educate communities about the problems associated with of marine plastic debris and actively help in the cleanup process of beaches that have been overwhelmed with plastic debris. Jason gets communities together by putting on free music concerts and providing educational seminars. On one occasion The Lost Thylacines were the first international music act to play on Bawean Island in the Java Sea, getting an audience of approximately five thousand people. Through this act of generosity, Jason is able to inspire hundreds if not thousands of people to get involved in marine conservation and the issues facing the Ocean due to marine plastics.
The Crystal Land Tours is tackling the global problem of marine plastic debris at a local level. Jason has inspired countless young people by providing an important perspective on marine plastics, and showing that any individual can make a difference by contributing to solving this massive global problem.
"Consider that a good disposition is invincible if it is genuine, and not an affected smile and acting a part" - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 11.18 (9)
Quote source: Meditations - The Philosophy Classic by Marcus Aurelius (George Long Translation) with an Introduction from Donald Robertston. (2020).
You can listen to and support The Lost Thylacines at the following link https://lostthylacines.bandcamp.com/
#MarineConservation #Education #Community
Editing by www.secondsun.online
Intro image: Zak Hylerstedt Stomberg
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Jason Neptune is a dedicated marine conservationist, musician, and surfer. After finishing his studies at the Australian Maritime College, he wanted to give back to Indonesia. A country he had taken many fond memories of surfing and sharing space with local communities away from. Jason and his band “The Lost Thylacines”, created The Crystal Land Tours, with the mission to help tackle the problem of marine plastic debris through education and physical action. From leading by example, Jason and his friends can mobilise hundreds in to cleaning up beaches, whilst simultaneously educating communities on how they can manage this global problem. Since starting the Crystal Land Tours, Jason has expanded his reach from Indonesia to countries such as Sri Lanka, and El Salvador. All of this is done with the motivation to give back and do good for others.
"Love manifests its reality in deeds, not only in words - these alone are without effect." - `Abdu'l-Bahá
You can support Jason and the Crystal Land Tours though the music of The Lost Thylacines" at this link https://lostthylacines.bandcamp.com/
MarinePlastics #Conservation #Indonesia
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Dr Owen O’Shea’s community education centre hosted by The Centre for Ocean Research and Education (CORE) is a learning space for everyone, including himself that readily admits he is learning everyday. Using this approach, CORE has been successful at removing the wall of a classroom by providing a holistic environment for everyone to be immersed and involved with the marine environment. When it comes to protecting our environment, we have a common objective. Even the most basic steps as participating in activities such as local beach cleanups or planting trees, are a wonderful and holistic way to be immersed in nature that will always benefit conservation priority.
"Associate with those will improve you. Welcome those whom yourself can improve. The process is mutual; for people learn whilst they teach" - Seneca, Epistles 7.8
Go to https://www.coresciences.org/oshea-bio to learn more about Dr. Owen O'Shea.
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Plastic pollution is among one of the greatest threats to marine biodiversity. Despite contemporary efforts to curb this incursion, it remains one of the most impervious conservation issues for generations to come. Here, Owen describes his attempts to mitigate the modern sources of pollutants, where he investigated the impact of weather balloons within The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. At the time of his 2014 publication, he and his co-authors predicted 70% of these balloons released within 50km of the coast were modelled to impact the marine environment. While meteorological data is valuable, Owen argues that such archaic methods are consistently proving fatal to a range of marine organisms. This research was part of the Australian marine debris initiative managed by the Tangaroa Blue foundation, led by their director Heidi Taylor. This is a prime of example of citizen science in action to address environmental problem.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
Links: Tangaroa Blue Foundation (https://www.tangaroablue.org/), The Centre for Ocean Research and Education (https://www.coresciences.org/)
Predictable pollution research paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X13007959
ScienceCommunication #MarinePlastics #NatureConservation
Go to https://www.coresciences.org/oshea-bio to learn more about Dr. Owen O'Shea.
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Being active in research is essential for The Centre for Ocean Research and Education (CORE). Despite Owen’s main research niche being in sharks and rays, his contemporary research activities are based on the assessment of coastal and nearshore ecosystems and their ecological processes. These research activities include the ecology of a stingray species previously unknown to The Bahamas called the Atlantic Chupare (Styracura schmardae), the resilience of seagrass ecosystems to climate change, the impacts of human activities on turtle behaviour, and the divergent ecological evolution of marine communities based in an inland saltwater lake. As Owen explains, sharks, rays, turtles and other charismatic animals are all constituents of marine ecosystems in The Bahamas. The demonstration of connectivity within the mosaic of ecosystems that characterise The Bahama Archipelago is an integral part of conservation approaches towards a more holistic understanding of marine ecosystems; both in The Bahamas, and a regional and global scale.
"All things are parts of one single system, which is called Nature; the individual life is good when it is in harmony with Nature. In one sense, every life is in harmony with Nature, since it is such as Nature’s laws have caused it to be; but in another sense a human life is only in harmony with Nature when the individual will is directed to ends which are among those of Nature. Virtue consists in a will which is in agreement with Nature." Zeno of Citium, Founder of Stoic Philosophy.
Research #MarineScience #Conservation
Go to https://www.coresciences.org/oshea-bio to learn more about Dr. Owen O'Shea.
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Through a chance encounter in Indonesia, Dr Owen O’Shea overcame his fears of diving, and during his first dive came face to face with a cuttlefish. In that moment, Owen’s perception of his environment changed, and he became driven by curiosity to know more about the organisms he shares this planet with. Owen uses this experience as a catalyst to help young people in The Bahamas overcome their fears of the ocean and the animals in it. By doing so, students that visit CORE leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for nature. As Owen says, “everything is in balance and everything works for a very specific reason that maintains the health of this planet”. Understanding the balance between nature’s ecological systems and the organisms that occupy it is a crucial step in protecting them.
"The direction in which education starts a human will determine their future in life" - Plato
Education #MarineScience #Bahamas
Go to https://www.coresciences.org/oshea-bio to learn more about Dr. Owen O'Shea.
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Dr Owen O’Shea explains the importance of capacity building for coastal and nearshore communities when it comes to protecting their local resources. The Centre for Ocean Research and Education in Gregory Town is a place for local Bahamian communities to learn about their “Saltwater Backyard”. By involving local communities in the data collection of high-end research activities, Owen immerses his students into the marine environment and provides opportunities for them to work with world class researchers. Owen has created an environment where young Bahamians can gain the skills and confidence to manage their marine environment for generations to come.
"For the mind does not require filling like a bottle, but rather, like wood, it only requires kindling to create in it an impulse to think independently and an ardent desire for the truth" - Plutarch, Moralia, On Listening to Lectures (Loeb Classical Library, 1927 translation).
CapacityBuilding #CoralReefs #Bahamas
Go to https://www.coresciences.org/oshea-bio to learn more about Dr. Owen O'Shea.
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Dr Owen O’Shea explains the reality behind publishing work in journals. There is often a misconception that scientists get paid from publishing their work, when in fact, the reality is quite the opposite. Scientists’ will typically sign over the copyright to their research in order to have it published, leaving the publisher with the freedom to charge for journal subscriptions as well as individual papers. Additionally, publishers can offer an ‘open access’ option, whereby researchers will pay the journal, retaining copyright and therefore allowing ‘free access’ to their work. Fees for open access will vary among journals, but can be as high as 10,000 euros. We are at a time in human history where everyone should have free access to the science behind climate change, marine ecosystem health, and environmental conservation, and currently, economics is exacerbating this counter intuitive process in scientific publishing. As Owen points out, “If you’re not communicating your science, then what’s the point in doing it?”.
“Part of my joy in learning is that it puts me in a position to teach; nothing, however outstanding and however helpful, will ever give me any pleasure if the knowledge is to be for my own benefit alone. If wisdom were offered me on the one condition that I should keep it shut away and not divulge it to anyone, I should reject it. There is no enjoying the possession of anything valuable unless one has someone to share it with” — Seneca, Letters from a Stoic, Letter VI
ScienceCommunication #MarineBiology #StoaScleractinia
Go to https://www.coresciences.org/oshea-bio to learn more about Dr. Owen O'Shea.
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In Part 2, Dr. Owen O’Shea talks about the transition from his undergraduate with honors, to starting a PhD. After successfully completing his honours research investigating the ecology of cleaner fish and their clients (i.e. sharks, rays, and other reef fish) on the Great Barrier Reef, Owen took up a research position at the University of Western Australia. He was subsequently awarded a PhD scholarship to study the ecology and biology of stingrays at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia through Murdoch University, funded by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Here, Owen expresses the feeling of humility and intensity involved with starting the learning process all over again during his PhD research.
“There is nothing that stubborn effort and close, persistent attention will not overcome. Oak can be straightened, however much it is bent. Heat unfolds curved beams; those that grew in other shapes are fashioned into whatever our uses require. How much more easily may the mind be shaped, pliable as it is, and more yielding than any liquid!” - Seneca, On Anger, 2.13. (1-2).
Go to https://www.coresciences.org/oshea-bio to learn more about Dr. Owen O’Shea.
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Dr. Owen O'Shea is marine biologist and the founder of the Centre for Ocean Research and Education (CORE) situated in Gregory Town, Eleuthera, Bahamas. On this podcast, Owen shares his journey from learning financial regulations in London to studying Marine Biology in Tropical North Queensland at James Cook University. Owen explains the challenges and frustrations he faced when first starting his undergraduate degree in Marine Biology. He embraced fate and made the most out of the obstacles in his path."The impediment to action becomes part of the action; the obstacle in our way becomes the way forward" - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 5.20. Go to https://www.coresciences.org/oshea-bio to learn more about Dr. Owen O'Shea.
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