Planet People (Natalie Cibel)

Welcome to Episode #7 of Planet People! In this episode, we continue our conversation from Ep. 6 with Amber Becerra, founder of Sol Sanctuary, Wildlife Protection Alliance, and former CEO of Marine Mammal Care Center. In this episode, we learn more about Amber’s eco-lodge and what it means to operate one through a sustainable approach to living among nature. 

By defining an eco-lodge and coexisting amongst nature, you will understand how to differentiate between real and fake greenwashing tactics. Through this conversation, you will discover that greenwashing is rooted in colonialist methods that promote unsustainable development, which erases indigenous communities and local wildlife. By incorporating local knowledge in her best practices, Amber is an exemplary model of how one can learn to live the way the locals have for generations.  

Beyond sustainable and communal living, Amber embodies the spirit of a planet person as she seeks to protect different Costa Rican wildlife, like Howler Monkeys, as she builds with the trees at Sol Sanctuary rather than clear-cutting them, thereby creating habitat connectivity. We get an inside look at how Amber works with local indigenous groups to protect these animals by building natural bridges for the Howler Monkeys to safely cross their tree canopy without being electrocuted by power lines. With so much clear-cutting happening regionally in Playa Grande, this conversation is more pressing than ever to understand solutions to best practices for protecting nature. 

Amber is also the dedicated leader of the Wildlife Protection Alliance, with the slogan #RespectTheWildlife, which is at the heart of what we stand for at Planet People. 

From best living practices at Sol Sanctuary to uncovering greenwashing tactics and protecting wildlife through her rehab center, Amber’s story is one you won’t want to miss! Her experience starting an eco-lodge and protecting Costa Rican wildlife is what this planet needs now more than ever. 

Featured Guests:

Amber Becerra, founder of Wildlife Protection Alliance and former CEO of Marine Mammal Care Center

Organization Handles and Information: 

To learn more about Wildlife Protection Alliance and Amber's retreat center, Sol Sanctuary, you can check out their websites & social media. Wildlife Protection Alliance (@respectthewildlife) at  https://www.respectthewildlife.org/ and Sol Sanctuary (@sol_sanctuary) https://www.solsanctuary.org/

Amber’s book, Coastal California: The Wild Life. The organizations highlighted in this book are: 

San Diego Humane Society-Project Wildlife @sdhumansociety

Marine Mammal Care Center @marinemammalcarecenter  

Cougar Conservancy @couagarconservancy 

Santa Monica Mountains Fund (SAMO @samofund)

International Bird Rescue @intbirdrescue

Point Blue @pointblue_conservationscience 

Project Blue @go.projectblue

Shark Allies @sharkallies 

Sea Otter Savvy @seaottersavvy

Thank you for tuning into Planet People! 

In this episode, we interview Dr. Chris Lowe, a Professor of Marine Biology at California State University Long Beach. Dr. Lowe’s goal is to help expand our knowledge of marine organisms so that we can better manage and protect their ecosystems. He enjoys developing and using new technology and techniques to answer questions about shark and game fish behavior. He applies his knowledge to help train the next generation of biologists on how to use these tools to move the field forward. 

The California State University Long Beach Shark Lab has a long and rich history in elasmobranch (a subclass of rays, sharks, skates, and sawfish) research. The Shark Lab was established in 1966 when Dr. Donald Nelson joined the faculty at CSULB as part of the Marine Biology program. Dr. Nelson’s commitment to the study of sensory biology and the behavior of sharks was instrumental in furthering our understanding of these animals. In 1998, Dr. Chris Lowe, a former Master's student under Dr. Nelson, was hired as his replacement after his passing. Dr. Lowe took over the CSULB Shark Lab and continues to maintain its legacy.

Throughout this conversation, Dr. Lowe shares the types of tools that he and his students deploy to monitor white shark populations along our Southern California coastlines. The CSU lab uses different types of transmitters to tag great white sharks to monitor their movement patterns and physiological processes to better understand their behavior and migration in response to threats and warming ocean temperatures. We learn about current threats like climate change that impact prey availability and also about bycatch as a cause for concern in shark populations. 

Additionally, we dive into learning about the Shark Lab's benefit in working collaboratively with local groups, like lifeguards and fishermen, to ensure that community-based conservation provides valuable solutions for people and the planet. Dr. Lowe informs us about the positive effects of social ecology when humans value the environment for their own benefit. This is important because when we balance stakeholder interests, like fisheries management and lifeguard duties, we can create a sustainable and safe beach environment for sharks and people. 

Shark Facts:

Females are larger than males. 

Sharks use their gills to filter oxygen from the water.

Sharks do not have bones but rather cartilaginous skeletons, which are much lighter than true bone. Their large livers are full of low-density oils, both of which help them to be buoyant. 

Based on fossil scales found in Australia and the United States, scientists hypothesize sharks first appeared in the ocean around 455 million years ago.

Sharks are older than trees. 

Great Whites have self-healing properties. 

Episode Resources: 

The CSU Shark Lab needs your help! Due to a smaller state budget this year, the Shark Lab is under threat of losing this funding. State grants have supported all the research efforts we discussed in this episode, which include, tagging and monitoring white sharks, providing educational safety measures to beachgoers, and employing several employees and students. The lack of funding needed to maintain the research and studies would cut conservation efforts and staff employees in half. If you can or know of anyone that would be willing to help support the CSU Shark Lab during this time please help by donating at the link provided below.

As the late September deadline is fast approaching, Dr. Lowe is optimistic that a donor will provide the $500,000 needed to keep the lab operating for another year.

Smaller donations are also welcomed as they will help his students conduct research projects to better understand shark behavior.

To donate, visit the CSULB Shark Lab website.

To contact the shark lab for questions regarding charitable gifts or for further assistance, please contact Mary Ann Messing (p: (562) 985-8491 e: MaryAnn.Messing@csulb.edu).

Learn more about the Shark Lab 

CSU Shark Lab: 

https://www.csulb.edu/shark-lab/about-the-shark-lab

Contact your local legislator: Email them to advocate for the CSU Shark Lab to receive more funding in the 2024-2025 budget. Find your legislator here. 

LA County Legislators: 

State Assembly (District 69) Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal. Contact here. 

State Senate (District 34) Senator Thomas J. Umberg. Contact here. 

Welcome to Episode #5 of Planet People! In this episode, we take you behind the scenes with the Sierra Club Seal Society to learn more about their advocacy work and the challenges they faced in safeguarding marine life in beautiful La Jolla, California. Robyn Davidoff and Carol Toye, the dedicated leaders of the Seal Society, share their experience raising awareness for marine mammals in La Jolla. From advocating for the welfare of the California harbor seal and sea lion to pushing for stronger protections for these animals, their journey has been both inspiring and enlightening. 

Featured Guests:

Robyn Davidoff, Chairperson, Sierra Club Seal Society Chapter 

Carol Toye, Chairperson, Sierra Club Seal Society Chapter 

Organizations mentioned in this episode:

Sierra Club Seal Society Chapter: @sdsealsociety 

To preserve the La Jolla Harbor Seal and Sea Lion Rookeries for ecological, educational, scientific, historic, and scenic opportunities.

To create and administer a volunteer docent program that provides environmental education for the public and promotes safe viewing of our local harbor seal and sea lion colonies.

Wildlife Protection Alliance: @respectthewildlife 

The mission of Respect Wildlife is to reduce disruptive human encounters with coastal marine wildlife.

Wildlife Need Their Space

Respect Means…If an animal starts to stare, fidget, or flee, calmly back away and give them more space.

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration): @NOAA  

NOAA’s mission to better understand our natural world and help protect its precious resources extends beyond national borders to monitor global weather and climate and work with partners worldwide. 

Viewing Guidelines: NOAA Viewing Guidelines

Hey everyone, and welcome back! In this episode of Planet People, we dive into the world of whales with conservation photographer and videographer Daina Buchner. Join us on this exciting and ocean-filled episode as Daina shares her inspiring journey from childhood memories by the ocean, to becoming a leading figure in the field of marine conservation photography and videography. In our effort to bring nature to you in this episode, we encourage you to welcome in all the sounds of the natural recording studio we’re in by the beach in La Jolla, California!

Daina’s Story:

In this episode, we also discover how Daina's ethos transformed, shifting away from travel photography to a more ocean-centric focus. Through the power of social media, she found a platform to educate people about the ocean and express her dedication to protecting whales and other marine species. Learn how this pivotal shift in perspective laid the foundation for becoming a conservation photographer.

Daina has photographed all kinds of marine life, focusing primarily on gray whales, humpback whales, and sea turtles. She shared her personal, up-close encounters with these aquatic animals as she came face to face with all three species in different ways! She takes us down memory lane and on a tour of the Pacific as she dives deep with whales, photographing them in the sea and from land with her drone as a certified FAA pilot. 

Learn how her high-quality photographs contribute valuable information to scientific studies and conservation efforts. Explore the intersection of art and science as Daina shares how her work contributes to a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and supports conservation initiatives.

Gray Whales: 

After years of intensive whaling, gray whales bounced back when strict controls were introduced to protect them. One such strict law was the enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972, which ended whaling.  

Gray whales are famous for their migration, which is one of the longest of any mammal. This well-studied migration is a 12,000-mile round trip from their feeding grounds in the cold Arctic waters to the warmer climes of Baja, California, where they breed and calve. 

In the summer months, the whales spend their time in the icy, nutrient-rich waters of the Arctic, feeding on the small amphipods abundant in the ocean floor sediments. In September, they leave these feeding grounds and head south along the coastline to the breeding grounds in the far warmer waters of Baja, California, covering as much as 75 miles a day. In December, adult males and females arrive in California, and the females give birth in the sheltered warm waters.

Blue Whales: 

The most significant historical threat to blue whales was the whaling industry, which reached unsustainable levels thanks to the industrialization of whaling fleets with gas-powered harpoons. They began to be hunted in significant numbers in 1868 in the North Atlantic, and their numbers were thought to have depleted to the low hundreds in 1966 when the International Whaling Commission banned their hunting.

Ship strikes are one of the most significant mortality factors, with most deaths occurring in the waters off the US West Coast and Sri Lanka, where their preferred routes cross some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. 

Blue whales are migratory, moving to feeding grounds at the Poles in the summer and then to their breeding grounds in the Tropics during the winter. Ten years of satellite tracking have revealed that blue whales exhibit long-term memory, with their movements following the spring phytoplankton blooms to feed off the krill that eat them.

Humpback Whales:

The humpback whale is one of the most iconic whale species alive today. Famed for its mournful underwater songs and incredible acrobatics, it is at the top of the bucket list for many whale-watching expeditions. Growing anywhere from 14 to 17 meters in length and weighing up to 40 metric tonnes, these giants can be found in all major ocean basins and migrate long distances between mating and calving grounds in warm tropical waters. 

North Pacific Migration:

Humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii, traveling up to 3,000 miles in as little as 28 days. In the summer, they feed on krill and small fish in Alaska, and then in the winter, they travel to Hawaii's warm, shallow waters to give birth, mate, and raise their calves. 

Sea Turtles:

There are 7 species of sea turtles. The largest is the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and the only species with a softer, or leathery shell. The leatherback is the largest of all sea turtles at almost 6 feet long and up to 1100 lbs. Conversely, the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is the smallest at almost 2 feet long and only 100 lbs.

Sea turtles can be found almost everywhere, branching out from the equator. They do not inhabit the polar or subpolar regions. These animals have evolved over the last 200 million years and survived mass extinction events, but they are in trouble and may not survive this sixth Mass Extinction.

Conservation Tips:

Avoid using plastic straws. Use the hashtag #saveaseaturtle!

 

Episode Resources: 

Daina Buchner: 

Website - https://headedanywhere.com/

Instagram - https://headedanywhere.com/

YouTube-https://youtube.com/@headedanywhere?si=3OnFLkWW7wtsLlsv

Happy Whale: 

Have you identified a whale and want to contribute to citizen science research? Look no further and add your contribution to this website here: https://happywhale.com/hom

CSU Shark Lab: 

The California State University Long Beach Shark Lab has had a long and rich history in elasmobranch research.

Dr. Christopher Lowe, a former Master's student, was hired as Don's replacement in 1998. Chris took over the CSULB Shark Lab and continues to maintain the legacy.

https://www.csulb.edu/shark-lab/about-the-shark-lab

FAA Website: 

Are you curious about flying drones with a certification? Check this out: https://www.faa.gov/uas

Kingdom of Tonga 

Learn about this Pacific island country by checking out their website: https://thekingdomoftonga.com/about/

References:

Abrahms, B. Hazen, E.L. Aikens, E.O. Savoca, M.S. Goldbogen, J.A. Bograd, S.J. Jacox, M.G. Irvine, L.M. Palacios, D.M. and Mate, B.R. (2019) ‘Memory and resource tracking drive blue whale migrations.’ Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Iiangakoon, A.D. (2012) ‘Exploring anthropogenic activities that threaten endangered blue whales off Sri Lanka.’ Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology

Join us on this exciting episode as we dive into the incredible world of shark expert Randy Thomas. Randy, the founder of the non-profit organization "The Adventures of 5k," is a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and an exceptional wildlife photographer. Through his captivating imagery and educational outreach efforts, Randy uses his platform to shed light on the importance of protecting marine life and its fragile ecosystem.

But it doesn't end there! Randy's mission extends beyond awareness. He actively encourages action and invites listeners to join him in the fight to protect marine life. Randy inspires and educates a global community through his social media platform and engaging YouTube channel, showing us how we can all play a role in preserving our oceans.

Tune in to this episode of "Safe Guarding the Seas" to be inspired by Randy's remarkable work, learn about the endangered sharks he champions, and discover how you can make a difference in the world of marine conservation. Get ready to be captivated by Randy's passion for wildlife and embark on an adventure that will leave you motivated to take action!

Featured Guest: 

Randy Thomas @theadventuresof5k

https://www.instagram.com/theadventuresof5k/

As mentioned in the episode, here are a few organizations to donate to and spread awareness:

Shark Savers (https://www.sharksavers.org/) 
Shark Trust (https://www.sharktrust.org/)
Save Our Seas Foundation (https://saveourseas.com/)
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (https://seashepherd.org/)
Sharkwater Extinction (https://www.sharkwater.com/)

Documentaries:

"Sharkwater" (2006)
"Racing Extinction" (2015)

Shows:

- "Shark Academy" (Discovery +)

Welcome to Episode #6 of Planet People! In this episode, we introduce Amber Becerra, founder of Wildlife Protection Alliance and former CEO of Marine Mammal Care Center. We take you behind the scenes with Amber to learn more about her advocacy work and the challenges she faces as a conservationist. From rebuilding the Marine Mammal Care Center and raising millions of dollars to aid marine mammals’ welfare to pushing for stronger protections for these animals worldwide, her journey has been both inspiring and enlightening. Amber, the dedicated leader of the Wildlife Protection Alliance, with the slogan #RespectTheWildlife, is at the heart of what we stand for at Planet People. Her experience raising awareness for coastal wildlife in California, and now globally, is what this planet needs now more than ever. 

Featured Guests:

Amber Becerra, founder of Wildlife Protection Alliance and former CEO of Marine Mammal Care Center

Organization Handles and Information: 

To learn more about Wildlife Protection Alliance and Amber's retreat center, Sol Sanctuary, you can check out their websites & social media. Wildlife Protection Alliance (@respectthewildlife) at  https://www.respectthewildlife.org/ and Sol Sanctuary (@sol_sanctuary) https://www.solsanctuary.org/ 

To learn more about AZA-Accredited zoos & aquariums (@zoos_aquariums), you can check out details on their website. https://www.aza.org

To learn more about and support the Marine Mammal Care Center (@marinemammalcarecenter) in LA. https://marinemammalcare.org

Amber’s book, Coastal California: The Wild Life. The organizations highlighted in this book are San Diego Humane Society-Project Wildlife (@sdhumansociety), Marine Mammal Care Center (@marinemammalcarecenter), Cougar Conservancy (@couagarconservancy), Santa Monica Mountains Fund (SAMO @samofund), International Bird Rescue (@intbirdrescue), Point Blue (@pointblue_conservationscience), Project Blue (@go.projectblue), Shark Allies (@sharkallies), Sea Otter Savvy (@seaottersavvy)

Thank you for tuning into Planet People! Be sure to check back in for Pt. 2 of our interview with Amber Becerra. 

Welcome to Episode #8 of Planet People! In this episode, we interview killer whale expert Nicole Schriber, who studies these amazing whales as a marine biology student at UC San Diego. She also works as a naturalist specializing in orca research and educating wildlife enthusiasts who join the “Gone Whale Watching” boat tours in San Diego. The recent sightings of orcas off of Southern California prompted a personal investigation for Nicole. As she observed this specific pod of whales, known as the Eastern Tropical Pacific Killer Whales (ETP), she was able to collect data for her photo identification book while leading these tours. Her research contributes to an overall understanding of ETPs and beyond the data collection, her experience provided amazing stories for our audience to learn from. This interview is immensely exciting as she is at the forefront of research due to the orcas’ elusiveness in Southern California waters! 

In addition to her marine biology experience in California, Nicole also spends time in Alaska during the summer leading glacier tours out of Hubbard Bay. While aboard these tours she sometimes observes orcas, further fueling her passion for whale watching and educating the world around her! She captured many of these sightings from Alaska to SoCal with her camera gear, which she provides details on during this episode. 

Nicole shares her passion for these amazing animals through close-up encounters. She has had several encounters with individual orcas in the ETP pod and learned about their different personalities—she even had the chance to name a female orca! Along with stories, she provides us with fun facts about these fascinating sea creatures and what it takes to survive in a matriarchal animal world. From fun facts to truly riveting stories, Nicole’s episode won’t be one you want to miss!

Featured Guests:

Nicole Schriber @nicole.orcinologist

https://www.instagram.com/nicole.orcinologist?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Organization Handles and Information:

Nicole’s ETP Photo Guide: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ebcMKY7y_qk7nJ6kwbkgtWnkLIGTEsvpRNq01cWBD7M/mobilepresent?slide=id.g2a93adb05a9_0_34

Gone Whale Watching Tours 

https://www.gonewhalewatching.com/

The North Gulf Oceanic Society

https://www.whalesalaska.org/

Happy Whale

https://happywhale.com/home

IG: @happywhale_official

Allen Marine Tours

https://allenmarinetours.com/

Intertidal Kendy @intertidalkendy

https://www.instagram.com/intertidalkendy?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Thank you for tuning into Planet People!

Welcome to Episode #4 of Planet People! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of rays, shedding light on their importance in marine ecosystems and their challenges in today's changing environment. Additionally, we explore the concept of queer ecology and its significance in the broader context of environmentalism and conservation. We touch on how queer ecology can inspire humans not to limit or put themselves into boxes. Our guests for today are Nicole and Angel Morris, a remarkable power couple passionate about environmental conservation and nature exploration. Nicole is an esteemed environmental educator, while Angel is a talented documentary filmmaker and nature enthusiast. Together, they bring a unique perspective to our discussion.

In the second half of the episode, we discuss the fantastic documentary, “Diving For Rays,” produced and edited by Angel Morris and their Co-Director/Producer Nova West. You can find it on the WaterBear Network.

Featured Guests:

Nicole Morris: Environmental Educator @coliejean 

Angel Morris: Documentary Filmmaker and Nature Enthusiast @angelmorris.edit

In this episode, we also highlight organizations that advocate for ray protection and offer opportunities for listeners to get involved in supporting these efforts:

Manta Trust: focuses on research and conservation efforts to understand manta rays better and safeguard their habitats. Their work includes education, research, and advocacy to ensure these gentle giants continue to grace our oceans for future generations.

Ray of Hope Expeditions: partners with researchers, conservationists, and local communities to conduct field research and support conservation initiatives for rays and other vulnerable marine species. 

Defenders of Wildlife: an important organization that provides avenues for advocacy and policy work to protect marine species, including rays. 

Two resources mentioned to get involved in research and filmmaking:

Field School: an organization that focuses on in-person field work for scientists in the making. 

Jackson Wild Summit: an organization that focuses on developing young filmmakers and storytellers in nature, science and climate. 

By supporting these organizations, whether through donations, volunteer work, or spreading awareness, we can all play a part in ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures.

Thank you for joining us on this insightful episode of Planet People! We hope you enjoy the discussion and feel inspired to take action to protect our natural world.

Join us as we dive into the world of coastal conservation with Cristina Santa Maria! Cristina is the conservation manager with the San Diego Audubon Chapter and she works to protect the endangered California least tern. Tune in to learn more about this conservation problem and how Cristina is working to create a solution.

Join us in this episode as we learn about the holistic approach of community-based conservation in La Jolla Cove to protect natural resources. We address the social ecology that makes this such a complicated human wildlife co-existence issue. The marine mammals, seabirds, and living shoreline are all impacted by human disturbance and we want to learn how to address is to create a harmonious solution rooted in community-based conservation!