Today is blog action day!!! And what does that mean? This is what the website says: What would happen if every blog published posts discussing the same issue, on the same day? One issue. One day. Thousands of voices. My cause was chosen by a great blog: A Readable Feast Let's all find a way to make a difference. It can be something as simple as recycling to donating money to joining Greenpeace. Whatever you can do, will make a huge difference today, tomorrow and forever!
10/16/2007
10/11/2007
3r Living
Hi everyone. I had been given the honor of Mark Caserta writing about my book and me on his super fun blog: 3r Living.
Mark and his wife own two eco-friendly home and lifestyle stores Known as 3r Living. One is based in Park Slope, Brooklyn and the other one, just opened, is in Maplewood, NJ.
Come and see what they've got in store for you!
3R Living sells the worlds highest quality eco-friendly, organic products and gifts. Visit our online retail store at www.3rliving.com or in person at 276L 5th Ave. in Brooklyn, New York. The posts on this site are writen by the owners of 3r Living and their staff and focus on the economic, social and political issues that effect our environment.
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10/08/2007
Costa Rica Crazy
Here's a crazy lady who is full of adventure and excitement living in Costa Rica with her family. Check out her fun blog
COSTA RICA CRAZY
and find out what life in this country is all about!
She's also done me the honor of interviewing me about my book, so come and check it out here!
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10/05/2007
Shannon Greenland
Hey today I'm blog touring with Shannon Greenland. She's a fab teen author who's coming out with a new book in her series THE SPECIALISTS.
Check out her latest book: http://www.shannongreenland.com/teen.php
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10/03/2007
KAREN STEELE
One of the most influential and active campaigners for the Sea Turtle Restoration Project, Karen Steele is also her passion for animals comes through with each project she tackles. Her biggest achievement with STRP is helping to keep the Leatherback Conservation Area off the US west coast closed to drift gill net fishing during the 2006 migrating season, which directly saved the lives of sea turtles and other endangered marine creatures.
An environmental educator for both kids and adults, Karen Steele has some wonderful, easy and fun ideas on how we can start to make a difference today.
"The leatherback, as with all species of sea turtles is faced with many human-caused impacts that threaten their survival throughout their life cycle. It has taken just over two decades for this species that has been around for over 100 million years to decline over 95% by the rise of these human-caused impacts."
1. Tell me about your work with Sea Turtle Restoration Project? You have had a lot of success lately working with the West Coast Leatherback Conservation Area?
My work over the last couple of years with the Sea Turtle Restoration Project has been focused on maintaining protections for the Pacific leatherback off the U.S. west coast where it comes to forage for jellyfish each year after an over 6,000 mile migration from the nesting beaches of Indonesia. This year has been a very successful year for maintaining protections for these amazing creatures. Despite significant effort by members of the commercial fishing industry to role back these protections the Leatherback Conservation Area remains in place which prevents drift gill net fishing into an important foraging area for the leatherback along the California and Oregon coast while they are feeding here. Together with this an attempt to begin longline fishing, which captures and kills leatherbacks, along the U.S. west coast was unsuccessful. Therefore impacts to the Pacific leatherback in this important foraging area by fishing remains virtually eliminated. This is quite a success and remains a role-model for the international community on how we can effectively protect this species.
2. What exactly is a Pacific Leatherback Biological Corridor? What is its purpose and goals?
The idea of a Pacific Leatherback Biological Corridor is to implement an international integrated network of Marine Protected Areas along important migratory corridors for the leatherback in the Pacific. The primary purpose is to provide a safe pathway for this critically endangered species while they undertake their migrations throughout the Pacific. Essentially this would involve prohibiting fishing vessels such as longlines, known to have a significant impact on these species into this migratory corridor when the leatherbacks are undergoing their migrations. The goal would be to reduce the mortality of the Pacific leatherback as close to zero as possible which is what is needed if we are to reverse the current path towards extinction.
3. Working in conservation of nature must be really frustrating. I mean, you are constantly surrounded by bad news. What gives you the energy to push forth, to continue with what you believe in even when so many obstacles stand in the way?
There are certainly a lot of challenges that face our environment today. It is directly experiencing the victories that we do achieve, and seeing people working so hard in other areas also achieve such victories, that inspires to see that change is possible and that we can make a difference. Continuing to push forward even in the face of obstacles is an essential and integral part of any great change, and you can never give up hope if you are to make the world a better place for all species to live.
4. The leatherback is one of the most endangered marine animals in the world today, yet it is one of the most prehistoric animals on earth, what’s going on? Why is this harmless creature in jeopardy of complete extinction?
The leatherback, as with all species of sea turtles is faced with many human-caused impacts that threaten their survival throughout their lifecycle. This includes the poaching of sea turtle eggs, degradation of their nesting beaches through development, climate change, marine debris such as plastics and fishery impacts. In particular the Pacific leatherback has been very vulnerable to hooking and entanglement by longline fishing that pervades the Pacific. This involves an up to 60 mile line from which thousands of hooks can be deployed, and catches thousands of sea turtles each year. It has taken just over two decades for this species that has been around for over 100 million years to decline over 95% by the rise of these human-caused impacts.
5. I’m curious what you think of the problems that are facing the park and the turtles these days due to the over development and apathy from the developers who stand to make a bundle of cash from their ocean front communities that are situated on one of the last and most important leatherback turtle nesting sites in the world?
As humans we have to see there is a time when a line must be drawn on the impacts we are having on this world – and this is clearly a time when the consequences of our actions – the potential extinction of an over 100 million year old species – should outweigh economic interests. And as you said we are talking about one of the last most important nesting sites left for the Pacific leatherback – after all the impacts that have suffered over the last 20 or more years we have to allow them to at least to keep this one small portion of the world for themselves!
6. What fun ways can teens and kids help out the turtle?
I have spent many years educating both kids and adults on environmental issues and trying to encourage them to become active in trying to make a difference. The one thing I have overwhelmingly found is that making it fun and interactive for not just kids but for adults too, to help out the environment, including sea turtles, is essential if we are to encourage them to be future advocates for the environment and animals. Having fun I think is the number one way to keep people involved in any issue. Some ways teens and kids can do this are:
• If they have a birthday party think of creative ways they can decorate without using balloons which oftentimes can end up in the ocean and be accidently eaten by sea turtles
• Do a fun and creative school project on sea turtles and educate their peers on how they can help sea turtles
• Organize an interactive sea turtle display or game at their school or local community events
• Get their class or art class to build a model of leatherback sea turtle that they can display to educate others about this species
• Organize a sea turtle art contest at their school
• Declare sea turtle day at their school and plan a day of activities focused on this animal
• Ask their friends to donate to their favorite sea turtle protection group as an alternative to buying them a birthday gift
• Have fun with their friends in trying to choose seafood that is the most sustainable – see who can eat the less impact
7. Sometimes I feel that kids are getting too much pressure these days to be advocates to save the earth before it’s too late. And quite frankly, I feel bad for them. Here they are, wanting to help, but when they are shown the whole picture they get frightened, overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. As the famous proverb says, ‘a thousand mile journey starts with the first step’. What are some of the first steps that we can take?
I think by far the most important step we should take is to get educated about how our choices are impacting the environment and start making changes in our own lives to begin the process of helping the earth. This way we can provide a role model to others and have the knowledge to be able to spread the word to tell others what they can do to help. Also I think a first step is to truly believe that any small change you can make WILL make a difference.
8. I know the reality for our oceans can seem grim, but I want to hear something positive, that it is possible to regain what we are losing! Kids need to hear encouragement and to know that if they help it will not be in vain and they can make a difference!!!
Certainly it is possible to reverse the current trends of our oceans which is why so many people have and continue to dedicate their lives to this goal. There have already been examples of where such protections as Marine Protected Areas have shown a fairly quick and significant improvement to amount of biodiversity and recovery of species in the area it is implemented. Any effort to make positive change in this world is never in vain and the more people that do so the quicker we will see the change. Everyone has the power to make a difference!
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WALLACE 'J' NICHOLS
For Dr. Wallace ‘J’ Nichols hiking, kayaking and enjoying the great ocean surf with his daughters is as natural as heading some of the top ocean and marine life conservation organizations, working on Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest project ‘11th HOUR’, traveling to exotic spots to save endangered sea creatures, starting Ocean Revolution for kids, and campaigning for sea turtles. He is an extremely energetic, friendly and down to earth guy who knows that saving our oceans is all about having a good time.
INTERVIEW:
MARINA KUPERMAN: People are always under the misconception of what scientists and conservationists do. Before moving to Costa Rica and coming in contact with many biologists and conservationists, I always thought that scientists don’t ever leave their cubicles and are complete recluses, as well as my distorted image of conservationists, the guys that are out there hugging trees for weeks at a time or throwing themselves under harpoons to be speared rather than the whales. Now, I see how silly my perception is, however, I have to say that I’m not the only one. After doing tons of research on you, I must say I’m envious. You have cultivated such an interesting career that takes you to amazing places all over the world, while doing good to help preserve your true love—THE OCEAN. Can you tell us what your most memorable experience was?
WALLACE ‘J’ NICHOLS: First, thanks for the nice words. They are much appreciated and encouraging. I’m fortunate to have melded what I love with my “work” resulting in my lifestyle. I know that’s a gift.
So many memorable experiences. From utterly mindblowingly beautiful experiences with wild ocean animals to heartbreaking destruction to simple moments with people that have been very moving. But to bring it down to the basics: just tonight sitting on the roof of my car (an ol’ 1985 Mercedes biodiesel!) watching the fireworks from the cliffs in Davenport and thinking that we have such a beautiful coastline at the edge of a marine sanctuary and I get to LIVE here with my family. We need to stop or slow down and see the beauty in nature around us. It’s not all lost, it’s not hopeless. There’s beauty all around us worth fighting for. And there are certainly some pretty big messes to fix.
M.K.: Can you give us a run down of your average day?
’J’: There’s no average day, they’re all a bit different. And there’s really no “balance” either. I call it "creative disequilibrium". Being able to create and innovate as the crazy wild ride of life happens. Pushing back and trying to impose “balance” on it all is silly. If I were to describe an average day, I’d be leaving out too much good stuff. Let’s just say that it ranges from changing my daughter's diaper to working on an eco-documentary with Leo DiCaprio to editing scientific papers and grant proposals to clearing a fallen tree across our dirt road.
M.K.: Where do you mainly work? Is it from home, an office, or are you always on the road?
‘J’: I work from my office at the end of the Santa Cruz municipal wharf. It looks out on the bay and at Steamer Lane. I also work from the road, from the field, from my home in the redwoods, from cafes in town...wherever and whenever. I like to have flexibility and I love my work. I'm not really an "office guy".
M.K.: Which eco-documentary are you working on with Leo?
‘J’: I worked on the eco-film "11th Hour". It premiered at Cannes and rolls out on screens in theaters around the world this August (2007). The writers, producers and director and Leo himself worked hard on it and found a way to weave together so many voices and images, present a sobering summary of the state of the environment and humanity, yet also have you feel empowered to DO SOMETHING. When I saw the final cut, I was watching for that feeling. I asked myself, "How will people feel when they walk out of the theater?" Like jumping off a bridge or like saving the world? People will feel shaken, but will want to go out and charge, to connect to the movement, to save the world.
M.K.: On many occasions you have said that the ocean is the true breath of life and she gives us daily gifts, most of which we take for granted. I totally agree, without even thinking about it we must use more than 100 different things from the ocean on an average day. What are some of the best ways we can give back to the ocean and show her our gratitude?
’J’: It’s good to stop and remember the ocean for what it gives us. But I know that modern people can’t be appreciative all the time. BUT I MEAN THIS IN THE MOST DOWN TO EARTH REAL WAY I CAN SAY IT: OUR LIFE DEPENDS ON THE OCEAN. NOT IN SOME METAPHORICAL OR SYMBOLIC WAY. BUT LITERALLY. STRAIGHT UP. So it’s in all of our best interest to do our part to be sure life continues. A few simple things we can all do: 1) don’t eat a bite of seafood unless you know it’s local and sustainable (if you don’t know what that means, don’t eat it until you do—especially shrimp), 2) rethink all the plastic that passes through your life during the week and come up with a few solutions--- make it a game for yourself or your family, see if you can get through a day or a week without creating a single piece of plastic waste, 3) support people or organizations that work to protect the coast and ocean, non-profits, clubs, politicians who “get it”—pick one and do something to boost their effort, 4) and then tell the people you know about 1, 2 and 3…in a nice way so they don’t tune you out…maybe even in a creative way using art or music…but get the word out AND have FUN!
M.K.: Can you be more specific about why we need to know about sustainable seafood and especially shrimp?
‘J’: Shrimp is the number one seafood in the US. It is also the most destructive. Whether shrimp is caught by dragging nets on the sea floor and catching EVERYTHING there or by farming along the coast in places where mangroves once grew. It's bad news! Most of the shrimp sold in the US is flown to us from half way around the world. None of this is sustainable. It wrecks the ocean, it wrecks other fisheries, it wrecks the coast and it burns fossil fuel. Some small operators have figured out how to grow sustainable, organic shrimp in their farms. Ocean Boy Farms is one example. Ecofish sells sustainable, organic shrimp from Ecuador. So if you MUST eat shrimp, make sure you know what you are getting.
My two simple rules of seafood are: 1) don't eat shrimp and 2) eat local seafood--pass on the fish that's been on an airplane ride. By the way, I love fresh, local sustainable seafood.
M.K.: When you say using art and music can you give some examples?
‘J’: One example is the DiCaprio film. LIVE EARTH is another example. Those are big, large scale efforts. But we can all express our love for the ocean in some way. Photographs, little films we make on our laptops, putting together a concert for the ocean with a local band. In Santa Cruz, we hold an annual Ocean Revolution concert. Musicians who love the ocean like Lane Murchison, The Mother Hips, Ted Lennon, and the Mermen have all played for us. Between songs they chat with the crowd about the ocean. It's a lot of fun and not a heavy scene at all. We need to celebrate sometimes...it can't always be about the bad news.
M.K.: Working in conservation of nature must be really frustrating. I mean, you are constantly surrounded by bad news. What gives you the energy to push forth, to continue with what you believe in even when so many obstacles stand in the way?
’J’: Recently “oceanographer” was rated the second worst job in science to
have due to all the bad news about the state of our ocean. So, yes, it can be tough sometimes. But, as is the case for many of the people I’m fortunate to work with, stopping isn’t an option. It’s not even discussed. My father taught me that you just give your best and your most until you die, whatever your thing is…whether it’s for the ocean or for curing a disease or building a business. I picked the scientist/marine biologist/ocean advocate route. I guess the energy to get through the low spots just comes from deep inside…and strong organic coffee, especially since my daughters were born! You know what I mean!
Also, I think I'm just "tuned" a certain way, by nature, genetically. I'm a mellow guy but I have a ton of energy. Like a turtle on a long migration. The turtle just seems to be calmly doing it's thing...for a LONG time...
M.K.: I know about coffee—the beautiful caffeine god, I don’t know what I’d do without it. I cannot believe that oceanographer is considered one of the worst jobs ever. That is devastating news! However, I think with that info, you can screen out the true believers and the people who remain, will offer that much more!
‘J’: I agree. On both points!
M.K.: Have you ever been to Costa Rica and the Leatherback Turtle National Marine Park?
’J’: Yes, my first sea turtle job was as a research assistant in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. I’ve traveled both coasts of Costa Rica and for two decades have admired the natural beauty and the people who are fighting for the turtles and the ocean.
M.K: The leatherback is one of the most endangered marine animals in the world today, yet it is one of the most prehistoric animals on earth, what’s going on? Why is this harmless creature in jeopardy of complete extinction?
’J’: Wherever sea turtles and people have overlapped, turtles have gotten the short end of the stick over the past few hundred years—mostly because people have eaten too many turtles and turtle eggs. Lately the combination of industrial fishing, coastal development and plastic has taken its toll on some sea turtle populations and pushed their populations down even further. Along with Pacific leatherbacks, Pacific hawksbills are in big trouble, especially in the eastern Pacific. I think it’s worth saying, though, that some sea turtle populations have come up. Green turtles in Hawaii, thanks to some turtle heroes and strong laws, are doing well. Olive Ridleys in Costa Rica and Mexico
are an emerging success story. We need to learn from what’s worked.
M.K: You are an extremely positive guy, so I’m curious what you think of the problems that are facing the park and the turtles these days due to the over-development and apathy from the developers who stand to make a bundle of cash from their oceanfront communities that are situated on one of the last and most important leatherback turtle nesting sites in the world?
’J’: Once development starts, it’s very hard to stop. Look at the beaches of Florida. The hotels and condos and homes on turtle beaches there are not going away, and will likely only increase. So, we have to work with the people in the buildings and find a way to make the impact on the coast and the turtles smaller. We also need to decide which undeveloped beaches are worth protecting, and do it while we can. The problem is that turtles and tourists like a lot of the same places. It takes either big funding, strong political will or a solid grassroots movement to create the kinds of protection we need. The facts and the data are not going to solve problems alone, as compelling as they may seem to us.
M.K.: That is actually the problem the national park is facing right now, apparently there is a law that states that a certain amount of meters from the sea are to be protected. But no one paid any attention to it until these past few years because the numbers have fallen almost 90% from less than 10 years ago. I feel it’s an uphill battle for the turtles. Ironically enough, the most help people can do for this particular nesting site is donate. Because it’s all about who can purchase the land!
‘J’: Yes, and it's good to have people living nearby who care and can afford to give. I have to tell you that if you can hold of the urge to put in sea walls, the ocean will take back the coast for the turtles in time. Trouble is, as we've seen from Florida to Japan, people will fight to build big walls to protect their coastal property as the sea comes up. And the beaches will disappear as a result.
M.K: What was your most memorable leatherback turtle experience?
’J’: With my colleagues at NMFS and Moss Landing Marine Lab, we caught an adult male leatherback at sea, literally in my back yard in the Monterey Bay. Most of my neighbors didn’t even know we had leatherbacks here. That turtle was put right back into the ocean with a satellite transmitter. The project taught us that our local turtles come all the way from Indonesia to feed on the jellies here in the fall. That was one big, fat, strong, happy leatherback.
M.K.: That’s a great story, because, normally people think that leatherbacks only reside in exotic areas, rather than in northern US.
‘J’: Yes, I have colleagues who study leatherbacks and work closely with fishermen to protect them all the way up in Canada!
M.K: What fun ways can teens and kids help out the turtle?
’J’: Personally, I think it’s fun to shake things up at restaurants by asking tough questions about the seafood. If someone has the audacity to serve shrimp at a party that’s not sustainable caught (e.g. is associated with tons of bycatch), it can be fun to take a few shrimp and hide them in the punch or the crème brûlée. Makes for a good conversation starter and an opportunity to tell people why shrimp “suck”.
M.K.: I love that! Tell me how did Ocean Revolution come alive? What gave you the
inspiration to get this wonderful, interactive program off the ground and build it up to an internationally known organization connecting young people with marine conservation?
’J’: A number of years ago I realized that there were many many great ocean science camps and programs for young people, but not really any that were focused on ocean activism. Working with kids a lot I knew that lots of kids weren’t interested in becoming scientists, but could become ocean activists or advocates for their whole lives, no matter what career path they chose. Young people who wanted to express their interest in the ocean and their love and concern for it through music, art, film, writing, maybe through public speaking or politics…or by running an ocean-friendly business. And I thought that somehow connecting those kids, wherever they may be on the planet, could be pretty powerful. Then we had the breakthrough that all these young people know what to do, have great ideas…they just need to be heard and given a bit of support. So basically, what we do is keep on the lookout for young ocean leaders, listen to their concerns and creative ideas, and help them push through any of the barriers in front of them. It’s inspiring to watch!
M.K.: So basically Ocean Revolution is a platform for these kids to speak their minds and work together?
‘J’: That's the idea. We try not to act like a non-profit organization and we have basically no bureaucracy or red tape. No one at OR is paid, no paid staff. We have a bit of money for interns and to do the things kids decide they want to do. And we get a lot done with very little. We listen and observe and try to help young people to be heard. Kids are so amazing...they are clued in and when they see the place to focus their energy, it's fun to watch. There's a mutual respect and we remind them that even-though adults have been doing this stuff for decades in some cases, we don't have all the answers and we're always learning.
M.K.: I have to admit, your complete devotion and non-stop campaigning is a true inspiration to me and many people who see the problems our oceans and marine life are up against on a daily basis. Although, not all of us have that kind of time to commit, yet we very much want to. What do you recommend we do to start?
’J’: Start at home, with a couple of simple things. And figure out how to make it fun. No one wants to follow a curmudgeon. Seriously, we’re talking about the ocean! This should be the world’s easiest environmental issue to get support for. We need to make the ocean conservation movement the thing people want to do because it’s both right to do AND fun to do. I’ll go out to Main Beach in Santa Cruz in the morning with my five year old daughter to pick up all the trash people left around last night. And she’ll think picking up strangers’ trash at 7 am is a blast! Because we make it fun…and we talk about the animals that won’t have to deal with all the crap we’ve just picked up. Then we’ll go have lunch somewhere with some friends and have more fun! Another idea is to get rid of your TV. You’d be amazed at home much time that creates : )
M.K.: Kids are great that way. They think everything is a blast. And, when working with young people, it’s always a good idea to do it in teams for social interaction, and then follow it up with a treat and you got yourself an awesome day!
‘J’: It's true. I remember taking a group of 8th graders from Ohio to Baja to work on our sea turtle project for 2 weeks. Before we left the US I asked the teachers if I could have an hour alone with them. We just had this very intense talk about what we were about to do, how to take care of each other, and how to take care of the turtles. And they came up with this simple signal that we could use if we ever needed immediate, complete attention and quiet. That was about as solid a field team as I've ever worked with...and they were eighth graders who had never seen a turtle. I still hear from that group...and that was more than 10 years ago.
M.K.: Sometimes I feel that kids are getting too much pressure these days to be advocates to save the earth before it’s too late. And quite frankly, I feel bad for them. Here they are, wanting to help, but when they are shown the whole picture they get frightened, overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. As the famous proverb says, ‘a thousand mile journey starts with the first step’. What are some of the first steps that we can take?
’J’: Did I mention “make it fun” ? It’s true, this is heavy stuff. And kids will watch, as I have, as some of the places and animals they love are destroyed. It will happen. But we can’t do nothing! No one has the complete solution to these problems and some of the answers are waiting to be discovered. Here’s what I do know: if you start by doing something, as small as it may be, it will lead to the next thing…and on and on and some amazing discoveries will be made and change will happen.
M.K.: You have started and founded a lot of incredible organizations from Grupo Tortuguero to WiLDCOAST to Ocean Revolution. In all of your years of working to protect and save the ocean what changes have you seen—positive and negative?
’J’: I’m proud to be affiliated with the groups I’ve worked with and the people who work for them over the years. We all stay in touch and continue to work together formally and informally---even as some folks have moved along to new kinds of work. Collectively they are changing the world for the better. I shudder when I think about what the world would be like if none of these organizations ever existed. Life on earth would be different. Some laws and policies wouldn’t have passed. Some parks and reserves wouldn’t exist. And it’s safe to say, some species would be extinct, or close to it. But as we run to keep up, new problems that no one has ever heard of come up and add to the pile of environmental issues. We have a lot of work to do.
M.K.: "J", you have said many times that this generation is all about networking, the internet, an ipod generation. How can we use this way of thinking to join forces and work together in saving the ocean and the wildlife that is rapidly deteriorating from it. What can we do to save our blue waters yet have a totally rad time doing it?
’J’: We are always needing to learn how to use new tools, speak new “languages”…in this case it’s a matter of communicating with young people in a way that will be heard. Sending a fax to teens isn’t going to work. Advertising your cause in the Wall Street Journal won’t reach young surfers. Aligning with the right outlets will help. But it’s not all about iPhones and iPods, that’s just a part. It’s also about “unplugging” and experiencing nature. But then when you plug back in, telling the story through the internet in a way that gets us to the next “unplugged” moment. I hope that the work that we are doing inspires people to go SEE turtles, then join the movement, and then tell everyone they know about it.
M.K.: I think the hardest part is getting the kids out there to SEE things! We’ve got to reel them in with some totally cool stuff on the screen or their computers for them to make an effort to actually get out there.
‘J’: Yes, we have to use everything we have available. Take some lessons from those who have learned how to sell kids stuff they don't really want or need. Except in this case, it's what we all truly, desperately need—a re-connection with nature.
M.K.: There are thousands of camps for kids, even more volunteer programs, a ton of biological stations and aquariums to educate the world about our oceans, sea life, and marine animals. Yet, there are still so many problems facing the ocean on a day-to-day basis. Why is that? Why is it so difficult for us to take a moment and say hang on, if we don’t change some of our habits we’ll end up losing our precious oceans?
’J’: It’s difficult, but the change is happening. The question isn’t whether we can change (we can) or whether we need to (we do), but whether we can do it in time to not lose a lot more biodiversity and cause a lot of pain to a lot of people. We must start to LIVE BLUE: live in a way that’s in line with what we say we really care about most, the health of the ocean, the health of ourselves and the health of those we love.
M.K.: Judging from your book "Chelonia: Return of the Sea Turtle," you are a great advocate and inspiration for young people these days. Your enthusiasm and motivation is contagious and exciting. What words of encouragement can you give to my readers!
’J’: I know a young man named Zander who has been really stoked about sea turtles since he was a little kid. He took that energy and just started do everything he could think of to help sea turtles in Florida. No one could stop him…so they started helping him. There’s nothing more inspiring than a passionate young person doing what they believe in. So, pick your thing and dig in. You’ll hear some “friendly advice” telling you that you should stop or get real. Be polite, say thanks for the advice, but just keep on doing your thing. Before you know it, you’ll be able to look over your shoulder and see the changes you’ve created. Just ask Zander.
M.K.: Tuning out that advice, I personally feel, will always be the greatest obstacles. That’s where communities of like minded kids are crucial. When you hear too much of this ‘friendly advice’ you start to take it, but when you are backed up by others it’s easier to say thanks and keep going!
‘J’: Absolutely, building these networks of people who feel connected to each other. Even if it's just an occasional meeting or email, it's good to be part of a community.
M.K.: I have a son who is three years old, and I remember you saying that your daughter, Grayce, had this weird understanding and connection with nature at that age. I see it in my son, it’s as though we are born with all the knowledge on how to care for our world, yet we lose it. In your opinion, how come we lose one of the most important elements and how can we get it back?
’J’: I think we just bury it under a lot of stuff that seems more important like: jobs, schedules, mortgages, sitcoms, sales meetings, new stuff. But that childlike understanding isn’t gone from most people. It’s hard to strip away all the noise. Sometimes it happens to people when they confront death or some extreme trauma. But we need to tap into it, talk about it, and make that conversation the dominant one…not just the fringe enviro-weirdo thing. I think that’s happening. Our most famous politicians, musicians, actors, business people are talking about the environment, about the nature as their #1 issue. Those who aren’t look out of touch or worse, bought off. The change is happening, we just need to sustain it so that we can get some deep evolution going, changes to our systems that won’t easily slip back to old ways. I think the old days are coming to a quick end. I, too, feel the winds of change are finally here!
There's a lot of work ahead, but it's starting to feel like a different kind of work. Less convincing people that our environment is in trouble and more solving real problems—getting it done!
M.K.: I know the reality for our oceans can seem grim, but I want to hear something positive, that it is possible to regain what we are losing! Kids need to hear encouragement and to know that if they help it will not be in vain and they can make a difference!!!
’J’: The best way to hear something truly positive and credible is to get out there and make the change happen locally, even a small change. It feels good and leads to the next thing. We need to become addicted to that feeling we get when we clean up the ocean, solve a problem, make a change for the earth, tell people about it and ask them to help. I’ve met people and animals who give me hope. It’s contagious. And make it FUN : )
M.K.: RIGHT ON!!!
‘J’: Right on is right!
Now chose your passion and go for it!
CHECK OUT SOME OF 'J's sites and join him on his quest to save our oceans today!
Posted at 03:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
WALLACE 'J' NICHOLS
For Dr. Wallace ‘J’ Nichols hiking, kayaking and enjoying the great ocean surf with his daughters is as natural as heading some of the top ocean and marine life conservation organizations, working on Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest project ‘11th HOUR’, traveling to exotic spots to save endangered sea creatures, starting Ocean Revolution for kids, and campaigning for sea turtles. He is an extremely energetic, friendly and down to earth guy who knows that saving our oceans is all about having a good time.
INTERVIEW:
MARINA KUPERMAN: People are always under the misconception of what scientists and conservationists do. Before moving to Costa Rica and coming in contact with many biologists and conservationists, I always thought that scientists don’t ever leave their cubicles and are complete recluses, as well as my distorted image of conservationists, the guys that are out there hugging trees for weeks at a time or throwing themselves under harpoons to be speared rather than the whales. Now, I see how silly my perception is, however, I have to say that I’m not the only one. After doing tons of research on you, I must say I’m envious. You have cultivated such an interesting career that takes you to amazing places all over the world, while doing good to help preserve your true love—THE OCEAN. Can you tell us what your most memorable experience was?
WALLACE ‘J’ NICHOLS: First, thanks for the nice words. They are much appreciated and encouraging. I’m fortunate to have melded what I love with my “work” resulting in my lifestyle. I know that’s a gift.
So many memorable experiences. From utterly mindblowingly beautiful experiences with wild ocean animals to heartbreaking destruction to simple moments with people that have been very moving. But to bring it down to the basics: just tonight sitting on the roof of my car (an ol’ 1985 Mercedes biodiesel!) watching the fireworks from the cliffs in Davenport and thinking that we have such a beautiful coastline at the edge of a marine sanctuary and I get to LIVE here with my family. We need to stop or slow down and see the beauty in nature around us. It’s not all lost, it’s not hopeless. There’s beauty all around us worth fighting for. And there are certainly some pretty big messes to fix.
M.K.: Can you give us a run down of your average day?
’J’: There’s no average day, they’re all a bit different. And there’s really no “balance” either. I call it "creative disequilibrium". Being able to create and innovate as the crazy wild ride of life happens. Pushing back and trying to impose “balance” on it all is silly. If I were to describe an average day, I’d be leaving out too much good stuff. Let’s just say that it ranges from changing my daughter's diaper to working on an eco-documentary with Leo DiCaprio to editing scientific papers and grant proposals to clearing a fallen tree across our dirt road.
M.K.: Where do you mainly work? Is it from home, an office, or are you always on the road?
‘J’: I work from my office at the end of the Santa Cruz municipal wharf. It looks out on the bay and at Steamer Lane. I also work from the road, from the field, from my home in the redwoods, from cafes in town...wherever and whenever. I like to have flexibility and I love my work. I'm not really an "office guy".
M.K.: Which eco-documentary are you working on with Leo?
‘J’: I worked on the eco-film "11th Hour". It premiered at Cannes and rolls out on screens in theaters around the world this August (2007). The writers, producers and director and Leo himself worked hard on it and found a way to weave together so many voices and images, present a sobering summary of the state of the environment and humanity, yet also have you feel empowered to DO SOMETHING. When I saw the final cut, I was watching for that feeling. I asked myself, "How will people feel when they walk out of the theater?" Like jumping off a bridge or like saving the world? People will feel shaken, but will want to go out and charge, to connect to the movement, to save the world.
M.K.: On many occasions you have said that the ocean is the true breath of life and she gives us daily gifts, most of which we take for granted. I totally agree, without even thinking about it we must use more than 100 different things from the ocean on an average day. What are some of the best ways we can give back to the ocean and show her our gratitude?
’J’: It’s good to stop and remember the ocean for what it gives us. But I know that modern people can’t be appreciative all the time. BUT I MEAN THIS IN THE MOST DOWN TO EARTH REAL WAY I CAN SAY IT: OUR LIFE DEPENDS ON THE OCEAN. NOT IN SOME METAPHORICAL OR SYMBOLIC WAY. BUT LITERALLY. STRAIGHT UP. So it’s in all of our best interest to do our part to be sure life continues. A few simple things we can all do: 1) don’t eat a bite of seafood unless you know it’s local and sustainable (if you don’t know what that means, don’t eat it until you do—especially shrimp), 2) rethink all the plastic that passes through your life during the week and come up with a few solutions--- make it a game for yourself or your family, see if you can get through a day or a week without creating a single piece of plastic waste, 3) support people or organizations that work to protect the coast and ocean, non-profits, clubs, politicians who “get it”—pick one and do something to boost their effort, 4) and then tell the people you know about 1, 2 and 3…in a nice way so they don’t tune you out…maybe even in a creative way using art or music…but get the word out AND have FUN!
M.K.: Can you be more specific about why we need to know about sustainable seafood and especially shrimp?
‘J’: Shrimp is the number one seafood in the US. It is also the most destructive. Whether shrimp is caught by dragging nets on the sea floor and catching EVERYTHING there or by farming along the coast in places where mangroves once grew. It's bad news! Most of the shrimp sold in the US is flown to us from half way around the world. None of this is sustainable. It wrecks the ocean, it wrecks other fisheries, it wrecks the coast and it burns fossil fuel. Some small operators have figured out how to grow sustainable, organic shrimp in their farms. Ocean Boy Farms is one example. Ecofish sells sustainable, organic shrimp from Ecuador. So if you MUST eat shrimp, make sure you know what you are getting.
My two simple rules of seafood are: 1) don't eat shrimp and 2) eat local seafood--pass on the fish that's been on an airplane ride. By the way, I love fresh, local sustainable seafood.
M.K.: When you say using art and music can you give some examples?
‘J’: One example is the DiCaprio film. LIVE EARTH is another example. Those are big, large scale efforts. But we can all express our love for the ocean in some way. Photographs, little films we make on our laptops, putting together a concert for the ocean with a local band. In Santa Cruz, we hold an annual Ocean Revolution concert. Musicians who love the ocean like Lane Murchison, The Mother Hips, Ted Lennon, and the Mermen have all played for us. Between songs they chat with the crowd about the ocean. It's a lot of fun and not a heavy scene at all. We need to celebrate sometimes...it can't always be about the bad news.
M.K.: Working in conservation of nature must be really frustrating. I mean, you are constantly surrounded by bad news. What gives you the energy to push forth, to continue with what you believe in even when so many obstacles stand in the way?
’J’: Recently “oceanographer” was rated the second worst job in science to
have due to all the bad news about the state of our ocean. So, yes, it can be tough sometimes. But, as is the case for many of the people I’m fortunate to work with, stopping isn’t an option. It’s not even discussed. My father taught me that you just give your best and your most until you die, whatever your thing is…whether it’s for the ocean or for curing a disease or building a business. I picked the scientist/marine biologist/ocean advocate route. I guess the energy to get through the low spots just comes from deep inside…and strong organic coffee, especially since my daughters were born! You know what I mean!
Also, I think I'm just "tuned" a certain way, by nature, genetically. I'm a mellow guy but I have a ton of energy. Like a turtle on a long migration. The turtle just seems to be calmly doing it's thing...for a LONG time...
M.K.: I know about coffee—the beautiful caffeine god, I don’t know what I’d do without it. I cannot believe that oceanographer is considered one of the worst jobs ever. That is devastating news! However, I think with that info, you can screen out the true believers and the people who remain, will offer that much more!
‘J’: I agree. On both points!
M.K.: Have you ever been to Costa Rica and the Leatherback Turtle National Marine Park?
’J’: Yes, my first sea turtle job was as a research assistant in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. I’ve traveled both coasts of Costa Rica and for two decades have admired the natural beauty and the people who are fighting for the turtles and the ocean.
M.K: The leatherback is one of the most endangered marine animals in the world today, yet it is one of the most prehistoric animals on earth, what’s going on? Why is this harmless creature in jeopardy of complete extinction?
’J’: Wherever sea turtles and people have overlapped, turtles have gotten the short end of the stick over the past few hundred years—mostly because people have eaten too many turtles and turtle eggs. Lately the combination of industrial fishing, coastal development and plastic has taken its toll on some sea turtle populations and pushed their populations down even further. Along with Pacific leatherbacks, Pacific hawksbills are in big trouble, especially in the eastern Pacific. I think it’s worth saying, though, that some sea turtle populations have come up. Green turtles in Hawaii, thanks to some turtle heroes and strong laws, are doing well. Olive Ridleys in Costa Rica and Mexico
are an emerging success story. We need to learn from what’s worked.
M.K: You are an extremely positive guy, so I’m curious what you think of the problems that are facing the park and the turtles these days due to the over-development and apathy from the developers who stand to make a bundle of cash from their oceanfront communities that are situated on one of the last and most important leatherback turtle nesting sites in the world?
’J’: Once development starts, it’s very hard to stop. Look at the beaches of Florida. The hotels and condos and homes on turtle beaches there are not going away, and will likely only increase. So, we have to work with the people in the buildings and find a way to make the impact on the coast and the turtles smaller. We also need to decide which undeveloped beaches are worth protecting, and do it while we can. The problem is that turtles and tourists like a lot of the same places. It takes either big funding, strong political will or a solid grassroots movement to create the kinds of protection we need. The facts and the data are not going to solve problems alone, as compelling as they may seem to us.
M.K.: That is actually the problem the national park is facing right now, apparently there is a law that states that a certain amount of meters from the sea are to be protected. But no one paid any attention to it until these past few years because the numbers have fallen almost 90% from less than 10 years ago. I feel it’s an uphill battle for the turtles. Ironically enough, the most help people can do for this particular nesting site is donate. Because it’s all about who can purchase the land!
‘J’: Yes, and it's good to have people living nearby who care and can afford to give. I have to tell you that if you can hold of the urge to put in sea walls, the ocean will take back the coast for the turtles in time. Trouble is, as we've seen from Florida to Japan, people will fight to build big walls to protect their coastal property as the sea comes up. And the beaches will disappear as a result.
M.K: What was your most memorable leatherback turtle experience?
’J’: With my colleagues at NMFS and Moss Landing Marine Lab, we caught an adult male leatherback at sea, literally in my back yard in the Monterey Bay. Most of my neighbors didn’t even know we had leatherbacks here. That turtle was put right back into the ocean with a satellite transmitter. The project taught us that our local turtles come all the way from Indonesia to feed on the jellies here in the fall. That was one big, fat, strong, happy leatherback.
M.K.: That’s a great story, because, normally people think that leatherbacks only reside in exotic areas, rather than in northern US.
‘J’: Yes, I have colleagues who study leatherbacks and work closely with fishermen to protect them all the way up in Canada!
M.K: What fun ways can teens and kids help out the turtle?
’J’: Personally, I think it’s fun to shake things up at restaurants by asking tough questions about the seafood. If someone has the audacity to serve shrimp at a party that’s not sustainable caught (e.g. is associated with tons of bycatch), it can be fun to take a few shrimp and hide them in the punch or the crème brûlée. Makes for a good conversation starter and an opportunity to tell people why shrimp “suck”.
M.K.: I love that! Tell me how did Ocean Revolution come alive? What gave you the
inspiration to get this wonderful, interactive program off the ground and build it up to an internationally known organization connecting young people with marine conservation?
’J’: A number of years ago I realized that there were many many great ocean science camps and programs for young people, but not really any that were focused on ocean activism. Working with kids a lot I knew that lots of kids weren’t interested in becoming scientists, but could become ocean activists or advocates for their whole lives, no matter what career path they chose. Young people who wanted to express their interest in the ocean and their love and concern for it through music, art, film, writing, maybe through public speaking or politics…or by running an ocean-friendly business. And I thought that somehow connecting those kids, wherever they may be on the planet, could be pretty powerful. Then we had the breakthrough that all these young people know what to do, have great ideas…they just need to be heard and given a bit of support. So basically, what we do is keep on the lookout for young ocean leaders, listen to their concerns and creative ideas, and help them push through any of the barriers in front of them. It’s inspiring to watch!
M.K.: So basically Ocean Revolution is a platform for these kids to speak their minds and work together?
‘J’: That's the idea. We try not to act like a non-profit organization and we have basically no bureaucracy or red tape. No one at OR is paid, no paid staff. We have a bit of money for interns and to do the things kids decide they want to do. And we get a lot done with very little. We listen and observe and try to help young people to be heard. Kids are so amazing...they are clued in and when they see the place to focus their energy, it's fun to watch. There's a mutual respect and we remind them that even-though adults have been doing this stuff for decades in some cases, we don't have all the answers and we're always learning.
M.K.: I have to admit, your complete devotion and non-stop campaigning is a true inspiration to me and many people who see the problems our oceans and marine life are up against on a daily basis. Although, not all of us have that kind of time to commit, yet we very much want to. What do you recommend we do to start?
’J’: Start at home, with a couple of simple things. And figure out how to make it fun. No one wants to follow a curmudgeon. Seriously, we’re talking about the ocean! This should be the world’s easiest environmental issue to get support for. We need to make the ocean conservation movement the thing people want to do because it’s both right to do AND fun to do. I’ll go out to Main Beach in Santa Cruz in the morning with my five year old daughter to pick up all the trash people left around last night. And she’ll think picking up strangers’ trash at 7 am is a blast! Because we make it fun…and we talk about the animals that won’t have to deal with all the crap we’ve just picked up. Then we’ll go have lunch somewhere with some friends and have more fun! Another idea is to get rid of your TV. You’d be amazed at home much time that creates : )
M.K.: Kids are great that way. They think everything is a blast. And, when working with young people, it’s always a good idea to do it in teams for social interaction, and then follow it up with a treat and you got yourself an awesome day!
‘J’: It's true. I remember taking a group of 8th graders from Ohio to Baja to work on our sea turtle project for 2 weeks. Before we left the US I asked the teachers if I could have an hour alone with them. We just had this very intense talk about what we were about to do, how to take care of each other, and how to take care of the turtles. And they came up with this simple signal that we could use if we ever needed immediate, complete attention and quiet. That was about as solid a field team as I've ever worked with...and they were eighth graders who had never seen a turtle. I still hear from that group...and that was more than 10 years ago.
M.K.: Sometimes I feel that kids are getting too much pressure these days to be advocates to save the earth before it’s too late. And quite frankly, I feel bad for them. Here they are, wanting to help, but when they are shown the whole picture they get frightened, overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. As the famous proverb says, ‘a thousand mile journey starts with the first step’. What are some of the first steps that we can take?
’J’: Did I mention “make it fun” ? It’s true, this is heavy stuff. And kids will watch, as I have, as some of the places and animals they love are destroyed. It will happen. But we can’t do nothing! No one has the complete solution to these problems and some of the answers are waiting to be discovered. Here’s what I do know: if you start by doing something, as small as it may be, it will lead to the next thing…and on and on and some amazing discoveries will be made and change will happen.
M.K.: You have started and founded a lot of incredible organizations from Grupo Tortuguero to WiLDCOAST to Ocean Revolution. In all of your years of working to protect and save the ocean what changes have you seen—positive and negative?
’J’: I’m proud to be affiliated with the groups I’ve worked with and the people who work for them over the years. We all stay in touch and continue to work together formally and informally---even as some folks have moved along to new kinds of work. Collectively they are changing the world for the better. I shudder when I think about what the world would be like if none of these organizations ever existed. Life on earth would be different. Some laws and policies wouldn’t have passed. Some parks and reserves wouldn’t exist. And it’s safe to say, some species would be extinct, or close to it. But as we run to keep up, new problems that no one has ever heard of come up and add to the pile of environmental issues. We have a lot of work to do.
M.K.: "J", you have said many times that this generation is all about networking, the internet, an ipod generation. How can we use this way of thinking to join forces and work together in saving the ocean and the wildlife that is rapidly deteriorating from it. What can we do to save our blue waters yet have a totally rad time doing it?
’J’: We are always needing to learn how to use new tools, speak new “languages”…in this case it’s a matter of communicating with young people in a way that will be heard. Sending a fax to teens isn’t going to work. Advertising your cause in the Wall Street Journal won’t reach young surfers. Aligning with the right outlets will help. But it’s not all about iPhones and iPods, that’s just a part. It’s also about “unplugging” and experiencing nature. But then when you plug back in, telling the story through the internet in a way that gets us to the next “unplugged” moment. I hope that the work that we are doing inspires people to go SEE turtles, then join the movement, and then tell everyone they know about it.
M.K.: I think the hardest part is getting the kids out there to SEE things! We’ve got to reel them in with some totally cool stuff on the screen or their computers for them to make an effort to actually get out there.
‘J’: Yes, we have to use everything we have available. Take some lessons from those who have learned how to sell kids stuff they don't really want or need. Except in this case, it's what we all truly, desperately need—a re-connection with nature.
M.K.: There are thousands of camps for kids, even more volunteer programs, a ton of biological stations and aquariums to educate the world about our oceans, sea life, and marine animals. Yet, there are still so many problems facing the ocean on a day-to-day basis. Why is that? Why is it so difficult for us to take a moment and say hang on, if we don’t change some of our habits we’ll end up losing our precious oceans?
’J’: It’s difficult, but the change is happening. The question isn’t whether we can change (we can) or whether we need to (we do), but whether we can do it in time to not lose a lot more biodiversity and cause a lot of pain to a lot of people. We must start to LIVE BLUE: live in a way that’s in line with what we say we really care about most, the health of the ocean, the health of ourselves and the health of those we love.
M.K.: Judging from your book "Chelonia: Return of the Sea Turtle," you are a great advocate and inspiration for young people these days. Your enthusiasm and motivation is contagious and exciting. What words of encouragement can you give to my readers!
’J’: I know a young man named Zander who has been really stoked about sea turtles since he was a little kid. He took that energy and just started do everything he could think of to help sea turtles in Florida. No one could stop him…so they started helping him. There’s nothing more inspiring than a passionate young person doing what they believe in. So, pick your thing and dig in. You’ll hear some “friendly advice” telling you that you should stop or get real. Be polite, say thanks for the advice, but just keep on doing your thing. Before you know it, you’ll be able to look over your shoulder and see the changes you’ve created. Just ask Zander.
M.K.: Tuning out that advice, I personally feel, will always be the greatest obstacles. That’s where communities of like minded kids are crucial. When you hear too much of this ‘friendly advice’ you start to take it, but when you are backed up by others it’s easier to say thanks and keep going!
‘J’: Absolutely, building these networks of people who feel connected to each other. Even if it's just an occasional meeting or email, it's good to be part of a community.
M.K.: I have a son who is three years old, and I remember you saying that your daughter, Grayce, had this weird understanding and connection with nature at that age. I see it in my son, it’s as though we are born with all the knowledge on how to care for our world, yet we lose it. In your opinion, how come we lose one of the most important elements and how can we get it back?
’J’: I think we just bury it under a lot of stuff that seems more important like: jobs, schedules, mortgages, sitcoms, sales meetings, new stuff. But that childlike understanding isn’t gone from most people. It’s hard to strip away all the noise. Sometimes it happens to people when they confront death or some extreme trauma. But we need to tap into it, talk about it, and make that conversation the dominant one…not just the fringe enviro-weirdo thing. I think that’s happening. Our most famous politicians, musicians, actors, business people are talking about the environment, about the nature as their #1 issue. Those who aren’t look out of touch or worse, bought off. The change is happening, we just need to sustain it so that we can get some deep evolution going, changes to our systems that won’t easily slip back to old ways. I think the old days are coming to a quick end. I, too, feel the winds of change are finally here!
There's a lot of work ahead, but it's starting to feel like a different kind of work. Less convincing people that our environment is in trouble and more solving real problems—getting it done!
M.K.: I know the reality for our oceans can seem grim, but I want to hear something positive, that it is possible to regain what we are losing! Kids need to hear encouragement and to know that if they help it will not be in vain and they can make a difference!!!
’J’: The best way to hear something truly positive and credible is to get out there and make the change happen locally, even a small change. It feels good and leads to the next thing. We need to become addicted to that feeling we get when we clean up the ocean, solve a problem, make a change for the earth, tell people about it and ask them to help. I’ve met people and animals who give me hope. It’s contagious. And make it FUN : )
M.K.: RIGHT ON!!!
‘J’: Right on is right!
Now chose your passion and go for it!
CHECK OUT SOME OF 'J's sites and join him on his quest to save our oceans today!
Posted at 03:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Author Pamela Kinney
Today I have the special honor of having Pamela Kinney do a blog tour with me. This is one devoted author of published fiction and poetry. She writes horror, fantasy and science fiction and has the nonfiction ghost book, Haunted Richmond, Virginia published by Schiffer Books as Pamela K. Kinney, and erotic and sweet paranormal/fantasy/SF romance by the pen name, Sapphire Phelan. She lives in Chesterfield, Virginia with her husband, Bill and their cat, Ripley.
You can find out more about her and what she has or will be coming out at her website: Fantastic Dreams, also her blog at http://PamelaKKinney.blogspot.com.
Richmond, Virginia is chock-full of ghosts and haunted places. This city names Edgar Allan Poe as its native son, and it is rich in ghostly lore, legends, and tales. Join this tour to:
• Learn why Virginia's governor shares his mansion with ghosts;
• Dine with ghosts at Ruth's Chris Steak House and Crab Louie's Seafood Tavern;
• Discover that the Byrd Theatre has more than movies to offer customers;
• Visit the prison in Powhatan (it might not be safe, even for those working there);
• Call on the Lady in Red who roams the corridors at Wrexham Hall.
These and other interesting and scary stories will transport you beyond, to a Richmond that most mortals never see!
She admits she can always be found
at her desk and on her computer, writing. And yes, the house and husband
sometimes suffers for it! Contact her here for more info her books.
Posted at 03:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
10/02/2007
CARL SAFINA
Carl Safina is one of the true ocean conservationists of today. Profiled in the New York Times and on Nightline, and named among "100 Notable Conservationists of the 20th Century" by Audubon magazine.
He founded the Living Oceans Program at the National Audubon Society, and served ten years as their vice president for ocean conservation.
Now he is president of Blue Ocean Institute, which he co-founded in 2003. The Blue Ocean Institute uses science, art, and literature to inspire a closer relationship with the sea.
"Go and see the Leatherback turtle in person. Tell everyone how awesome they are! Find pen-pals in places where they live and do a class project writing about the importance of protecting local wildlife. Learn about seafood that comes from fishing that does not hurt turtles. Come up with your own ideas."
INTERVIEW
1. People are always under the misconception of what scientists and conservationists do. Before moving to Costa Rica and coming in contact with many biologists and conservationists, I always thought that scientists don’t ever leave their cubicles and are complete recluses, as well as my distorted image of conservationists, the guys that are out there hugging trees for weeks at a time or throwing themselves under harpoons to be speared rather than the whales. Now, I see how silly my perception is, however, I have to say that I’m not the only one. After doing tons of research on you, Dr. Safina, I must say I’m envious. You have cultivated such an interesting career that takes you to amazing places all over the world, while doing good to help preserve your true love—THE OCEAN. Can you tell us what your most memorable experience was?
It’s not really a contest. Rather than pick one, I’d say I’ve had so many dream-come-true experiences, with seabirds right on Long Island, NY where I studied them and still love seeing them, in Greenland with falcons, Antarctica with penguins, New Zealand with albatrosses, Palau with corals, Oregon’s remaining ancient salmon forests, Galapagos’ whale sharks, giant tuna off North Carolina, and mako sharks off of California, where I’m just returning from.
2. Can you give us a run down of your average day?
Most days I wake up, eat, and go to sleep. Other than that, nothing is average because I travel a lot some years and less other years, write books sometimes and articles other times, give lots of talks some months and not others.
3. You have said on many occasions that working in conservation of nature is constantly hearing and dealing with bad news. What gives you the energy to push forth, to continue with what you believe in even when so many obstacles stand in the way?
If someone you love deeply, who you can’t imagine life without, is ill or hurt, do you abandon them and go party? Or do you find meaning devoting your life to trying to bring them and their beauty back to health? Plus, many places and many creatures, while in trouble, are still out there, and being near them, especially trying to help do something positive, gives my life meaning.
4. The leatherback is one of the most endangered marine animals in the world today, yet it is one of the most prehistoric animals whose survived the rise and fall of the dinosaur, what’s going on? Why is this harmless creature in jeopardy of complete extinction?
First, this animal is in jeopardy in the Pacific. In the Atlantic it is increasing very significantly. Why? People kill them and take their eggs all over the Pacific. In the Atlantic, people have mainly learned to leave them in peace and help protect their nests and eggs, so they are recovering there. People in the Pacific are starting to learn what they need to do is to start protecting the turtles.
3. Have you ever been to Costa Rica and the Leatherback Turtle National Marine Park?
Yes I have. It’s a very, very important place, and we must save it for the turtles.
4. Now I know that hopelessness is not an option for you, so I’m curious what you think of the problems that are facing the park and the turtles these days due to the overdevelopment and apathy from the developers who stand to make a bundle of cash from their ocean front communities that are situated on one of the last and most important leatherback turtle nesting sites in the world?
The problems are serious, and the effort to save the park are serious. What do I think? I think the park is more important than the houses because houses can be built virtually everywhere and the turtles utterly rely on that one small beach.
5. What was your most memorable leatherback turtle experience?
Seeing how many there are in Atlantic concentration areas like Nova Scotia, and their breeding areas in places like Trinidad.
6. What fun ways can teens and kids help out the turtle?
Go and see them. Tell everyone how awesome they are. Find pen-pals in places where they live and do a class project writing about the importance of protecting local wildlife. Learn about seafood that comes from fishing that does not hurt turtle . Come up with your own ideas.
7. What inspired you to start the Blue Ocean Institute and what do you hope or plan to accomplish with it?
Inspired is the right word. I want to help people get inspired to get involved, and stay involved, in keeping this planet alive, keeping animals in our lives, and working for truth and for beauty.
8. Tell me a little bit more about the different programs you have started. For instance, your most famous one: Living Oceans Program at the National Audubon Society. Over the years, what kind of impact have you seen from it and the other programs you have founded and directed?
I started it to help improve public understanding of fisheries problems and improve fishing laws. We have been successful in bring oceans, fish, and problems of ocean animals to people’s attention. And we’ve really helped improve some of the laws and regulations governing fisheries.
9. I have to admit, your complete devotion and non-stop campaigning is a true inspiration to me and many people who see the problems our oceans and marine life are up against on a daily basis. Although, not all of us have that kind of time to commit, yet we very much want to. What do you recommend we do to start?
Read and become knowledgeable. Write your thoughts and feelings. Communicate that with as many people as you can. Experience nature. Then: repeat! That’s my whole life in a nutshell.
10. Sometimes I feel that kids are getting too much pressure these days to be advocates to save the earth before it’s too late. And quite frankly, I feel bad for them. Here they are, wanting to help, but when they are shown the whole picture they get frightened, overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. As the famous proverb says, ‘a thousand mile journey starts with the first step’. What are some of the first steps that we can take?
Look for ways to get informed or help a little. Visit nature centers. Try to volunteer, Do little projects. And don’t be frightened by the bad news; be inspired by the good news and learn from it what we need to do in more places. Don’t think one person can do it all or needs to save the world alone. We all need to do what we can. But nature needs all of us who care to help.
11. With all your experience with waters from around the world and many ocean miles under your belt, what inspired you to focus on the sea turtle in your latest book ‘Voyage of the Turtle’?
When I was working on my book Eye of the Albatross, I saw Green Turtles laying eggs. I was so impressed and so moved by their beauty, and by the failures and successes in sea turtle conservation, I wanted to get deeper into them and tell more people about them.
12. I know the reality for our oceans can seem grim, but like you say—being hopeless is not an option—I want to hear something positive, that it is possible to regain what we are losing! Kids need to hear encouragement and to know that if they help it will not be in vain and they can make a difference!!!
Every success we have, like major recoveries of sea turtles in the Caribbean, Florida, and Hawaii, is because a few people cared more about helping change the situation and making it better than just giving up and walking away. And it worked. If enough people care, it always works.
-CS
Posted at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
06/08/2007
LETS NOT LIE TO ANOTHER
Let’s face it, it didn’t take you one day to get into the condition you are in today. The fact that some part of your life is not where you want it to be didn’t happen overnight, right. I mean, you’ve either neglected it, or have gone in a wrong direction away from the main goal, or simply convinced yourself that you don’t deserve it and can’t achieve it. Like I said earlier, I cultivated my own unhappiness to the point that I worked quite hard at attaining it. I knew everyday what needed to be done, yet for some strange reason, like a masochist, I did the exact opposite—I sunk myself deeper into what I DID NOT WANT. So please understand this: BIG CHANGES WILL NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, NOR WILL THEY HAPPEN IN A BIG WAY IN THE BEGINNING. IT’S THE SMALL STEPS, THE SMALL CHANGES THAT WILL BRING THE BIG CHANGE ON!!!
Another truth, as I started this program for myself, I can’t even tell you how scared I was. I mean, terrified. I’m going to have to take responsibility for my actions, or inactions. I’m going to have to explain why I didn’t finish reading what I said I would, why I didn’t make that phone call, why I didn’t read that book to my son, why I didn’t go for that run, why I ate crap for lunch when salad was on the menu. Yes, I was terrified, because you’re working out of your comfort zone. you’re reaching into a new area. And it’s hard, boy, is it ever. But it’s all for you. And when you’re doing good for you, you’re doing good for everyone around you: your family, friends, collegues, everyone.
So what’s stopping you?
Posted at 01:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
