Exploring the World of Manta Rays: Sustainable Ocean Tourism w/Martina Wing

Angie talks with Martina Wing, co-founder of Hawaii Ocean Watch and operator of Manta Ray Advocates. They discuss Martina's journey from Germany to Hawaii, her dedication to ocean advocacy, and her work educating the public about manta rays. Martina shares insights on manta ray biology, the challenges and joys of running an eco-friendly tourism business, and the importance of sustainable practices. She also offers advice on how tourists can make more responsible decisions when engaging in ocean activities. Highlights include her unforgettable experience rescue filming a dolphin and the upcoming launch of her podcast, designed to further ocean conservation efforts. Dolphin Rescue YouTube Video HERE Manta Ray Advocates Website HERE Podcast Timeline 02:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:13 Meet Martina Wing: Ocean Advocate 03:35 Martina's Journey to Hawaii 05:00 The Manta Ray Experience 13:35 Understanding Manta Rays 27:13 Challenges in Ocean Tourism 31:46 Sustainable Tourism Practices 40:30 Conservation Efforts in Tourism 45:16 Challenges in the Manta Ray Tour Industry 47:41 The Need for Regulation and Safety 48:16 Mission and Goals of Hawaii Ocean Watch 50:31 Sustainable Practices and Personal Experiences 58:54 The Viral Dolphin Rescue 01:09:54 The Importance of Common Sense in Ocean Tourism 01:10:07 Advice for Aspiring Conservationists 01:11:37 The Role of Community and Policy in Conservation 01:13:13 How to Get Involved and Help 01:17:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is one of our first 50 episodes where we talk about Manta Rays! Chris and Angie dive deep into the world of manta rays, those gentle giants with wingspans that can rival a small car. We explore their evolutionary history, uncover the secrets of their unique physiology, and discuss the threats they face in the modern ocean, from fishing pressures to habitat loss. Join us as we celebrate what makes manta rays not only fascinating creatures but also vital ambassadors for marine conservation. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie dive into the world of the iconic squirrel monkey. They discuss their personal experiences and observations with these lively creatures, touching on their behavior, vocalizations, and the surprising fact that many species of squirrel monkeys are endangered or threatened. They explain the origins of the squirrel monkey's name and delve into the shockingly critical situation of the Central American squirrel monkey, highlighting the IUCN's Primate in Peril Top 25 list. Topics also cover the devastating impact of rainforest destruction, driven by agriculture and urbanization, and its implications for biodiversity. The podcast wraps up with actionable ways listeners can contribute to conservation efforts, such as choosing shade-grown coffee and certifying wood products, and highlights the work of conservation organizations like the Titi Conservation Alliance. 02:00 Introduction to the Podcast 02:11 Personal Experiences with Squirrel Monkeys 03:31 Squirrel Monkeys in Zoos and Their Behavior 04:09 Conservation Status and Threats 07:06 Physical Characteristics of Squirrel Monkeys 12:41 Habitat and Distribution 14:57 Role in the Ecosystem 20:31 Impact of Deforestation on the Amazon 24:24 Conservation Efforts and Challenges 40:07 Evolution and Classification 45:38 The Aftermath of the Extinction Event 47:03 The Evolutionary Journey of Squirrel Monkeys 49:27 Squirrel Monkeys' Lifespan and Pet Trade Issues 51:24 Speed, Agility, and Intelligence of Squirrel Monkeys 54:35 Social Structure and Behavior of Squirrel Monkeys 01:07:39 Reproduction and Courtship Rituals 01:11:40 Conservation Efforts and How You Can Help 01:20:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this throwback Monday, we bring back the critically endangered Kākāpō, This flightless parrot is native to Aotearoa New Zealand and was nearly extinct in the late 20th century. It is only through the commitment of the New Zealand Government and her people that the Kākāpō is still in existence. Today there are over 200 of these birds that are being cared for and guarded off Aotearoa New Zealand's coasts. This is just an amazing bird that surprised us at every turn. They truly deserves your love and another species you cant miss.  =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Chris features Danae Wolfe to discuss practical ways individuals can make a difference in environmental conservation starting from their own homes. Together, they delve into Danae's book, 'The Grass Isn't Greener: The Everyday Conservationist Guide to Bringing Nature to Your Yard,' which provides step-by-step guidance on creating eco-friendly yards. Danae shares insights from her journey from photographer to conservationist, emphasizing the importance of seeing our backyards as part of the ecosystem. The discussion covers the significance of native plants, strategies to get rid of invasive species, methods like lasagna gardening, and the broader environmental context. They also highlight the critical role of insects in the ecosystem and offer tips on becoming backyard scientists and starting nature journals. You can learn more about Danae Wolfe HERE You can learn more about iNaturalist HERE Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 04:28 Dene Wolfe's Journey into Conservation 08:21 The Importance of Insects 11:56 Challenges Facing Insects 17:06 Supporting Wildlife Through Gardening 22:16 Understanding Your Land 29:03 Classism, Racism, and Gardening Challenges 32:35 Navigating HOA Restrictions 34:20 Introduction to Lasagna Gardening 36:21 Benefits of Lasagna Gardening 37:38 Plants with Purpose 39:56 Understanding Invasive Plants 43:23 Using Technology for Plant Identification 47:15 Leave the Leaves: Benefits of Natural Mulch 49:35 Becoming a Backyard Scientist 51:55 Starting a Nature Journal 54:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this throwback episode, Chris and Angie dive deep into the mysterious world of the electric eel. Despite its name, this incredible creature is actually a type of knifefish, not a true eel. Join us as we explore what makes the electric eel so unique—from its powerful electric shocks used for hunting and navigation, to its bizarre physiology that allows it to generate up to 860 volts of electricity! We also cover the evolutionary history of these freshwater predators, how they’ve adapted to life in the murky waters of South America, and the surprising ways they communicate using electricity. Plus, learn about their current conservation status and why protecting their habitat is essential to maintaining freshwater biodiversity. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In celebration of World Ocean Day, June 8th, we are releasing our special interview with Director Toby Nowlan of Ocean with David Attenborough. Our message is you must see this film! Chris and Toby discuss the film’s powerful message, 'If we save the sea, we save our world,' and emphasize the importance of protecting marine life. Toby shares insights from his career, including his work on other wildlife documentaries, and brings attention to critical issues like bottom trawling and krill harvesting. The episode highlights the film's blend of awe-inspiring ocean wonder and hard-hitting environmental realities, ultimately conveying a message of hope and the potential for ocean recovery. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction and Special Episode Announcement 03:34 Interview with Director Toby Nowlan 05:12 Toby's Background in Wildlife Filmmaking 06:53 The Power of Filmmaking in Conservation 09:04 Challenges and Highlights of Filming 13:20 David Attenborough's Influence and Legacy 19:03 The Making of 'Ocean' and Its Impact 23:31 Navigating Drone Challenges in Albatross Colonies 25:06 Authentic Voices and Hope in Ocean Stories 26:42 The Impact of Bottom Trawling and Krill Harvesting 27:22 The Importance of Marine Reserves 28:54 The Critical Role of Krill in the Southern Ocean 30:10 Fishing Practices and Ocean Conservation 32:10 The Power of Marine Protected Areas 34:53 The Urgency of Ocean Conservation Efforts 35:54 Balancing Ocean Wonders with Conservation Challenges 38:28 Memorable Moments and Future Endeavors 40:48 Final Thoughts and Gratitude =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie dive deep into the fascinating world of the beluga sturgeon, a prehistoric fish species that faces critical endangerment. They discuss the startling fact that 17 of the 27 sturgeon species are critically endangered and highlight the efforts being made to save these ancient creatures. They explore the beluga sturgeon's intriguing biology, including their capability to live for over a hundred years, their unique reproductive challenges, and their complicated relationship with the caviar industry. The episode also touches on conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs and artificial reproduction techniques. Through education and awareness, Chris and Angie aim to inspire listeners to take action in preserving these remarkable 'living fossils' and their habitats. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Welcome to the Creatures Podcast 00:11 Introduction to Sturgeon: A Harrowing Story 01:52 The Beluga Sturgeon: Physiology and Conservation 02:56 The Value and Threat of Caviar 05:10 Sturgeon's Unique Reproductive Challenges 07:59 Sturgeon's Ancient Lineage and Physical Characteristics 13:53 Global Distribution and Migration Patterns 22:42 Conservation Efforts and Success Stories 28:36 The Ethics of Farmed Caviar 38:46 Funding Challenges in Conservation 38:58 Types of Caviar and Their Sources 39:49 Understanding Fish Roe and Caviar Labeling 40:27 The Importance of Farmed Caviar 40:44 Introduction to Bony Fishes 41:00 Sturgeon and Paddlefish Characteristics 43:35 Evolutionary History of Sturgeon 46:32 Genetic Complexity of Sturgeon 52:54 Sturgeon's Longevity and Resilience 58:27 Reproduction and Migration Patterns 01:09:13 Conservation Efforts and Challenges 01:14:24 Organizations Supporting Sturgeon Conservation =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie discuss the fascinating Bilby, Australia's unique and adorable 'Easter' species. They cover various topics, including the bilby's biology, its role as an ecosystem engineer, and the devastating impact of invasive species like feral cats and European rabbits. The podcast also highlights ongoing conservation efforts in Australia aimed at protecting and increasing the bilby population. Additionally, the hosts delve into the bilby's reproductive behavior, diet, and adaptations for surviving in harsh desert environments. They emphasize the importance of initiatives by organizations like Save the Bilby Fund and other Australian conservation groups working tirelessly to ensure the bilby’s survival. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:04 Meet the Bilby: Australia's Easter Animal 01:21 Bilby Conservation Status 02:46 Physical Characteristics of the Bilby 07:24 Bilby Habitat and Range 12:24 The Impact of Invasive Species 26:23 Conservation Efforts and Success Stories 33:02 Ancient Origins of the Bilby 33:58 Bilby Adaptations and Survival 34:47 Bilby Behavior and Physiology 36:47 Desert Adaptations and Comparisons 51:40 Bilby Reproduction and Lifecycle 01:00:33 Conservation Efforts and Future =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this throwback episode, we dive deep into the world of the majestic bluefin tuna, one of the ocean’s most powerful and endangered fish. These apex predators can reach incredible sizes and speeds, crossing entire oceans in search of food and spawning grounds. But with high demand for their meat—especially in the sushi industry—bluefin tuna have been pushed to the brink. We explore the incredible physiology and migration of bluefin tuna, why they’re so valuable and the consequences of overfishing, conservation efforts and international policies and what you can do to help protect our oceans’ giants. Website Link HERE =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices