Ghost Farms Don’t Appear Overnight

🌊 Ghost Farms Don’t Appear OvernightThey don’t start as pollution—they start as decisions. 🛠️In this episode, we explore how abandoned fish farms become marine litter—and why the real issue begins long before cleanup. From governance gaps to ESG, it’s a story about responsibility across the full lifecycle of aquaculture. ♻️🎧 Listen to learn: • When a “ghost farm” really begins • Why planning and decommissioning matter • How better decisions today can prevent pollution tomorrow#OceanConservation #Aquaculture #ESG #MarinePollution #PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

When we think about cleaning the ocean, we often imagine divers removing ghost nets or volunteers collecting plastic from the shore. But beneath the surface, nature has its own recycling systems.In this episode of our Ocean’s Natural Cleaning Crew series, we turn to one of the most overlooked and most underestimated marine animals: the sea cucumber.Joining us is Prof Annie Mercier, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University (Canada), who has spent decades studying these remarkable creatures and co-edited the comprehensive scientific volume The World of Sea Cucumbers.The “earthworms” of the oceanSea cucumbers play a vital but often overlooked role in marine ecosystems. Like earthworms on land, they process seabed sediments, recycle nutrients, and help keep ocean floors oxygenated. On coral reefs, they may even support coral health by reducing harmful bacteria.Despite their simple appearance, sea cucumbers are incredibly diverse, ranging from tiny species to over a meter long, and living in environments from shallow reefs to deep-sea trenches. Their biology is equally remarkable — some can regenerate organs, split in two, and live for decades, making them valuable for scientific research on aging and regeneration.However, rising global demand has led to overfishing, putting many populations at risk. Losing them doesn’t just remove a species — it disrupts essential ecological processes that keep marine ecosystems balanced.Sea cucumbers may not be iconic ocean animals, but they are quiet engineers of resilience — and far more important than we often realize.🎧 Listen to the full episode to discover why these humble creatures matter so much. Further links to the topic:IUCN SSC Sea Cucumber specialist Group: https://iucn.org/our-union/commissions/group/iucn-ssc-sea-cucumber-specialist-groupProf. Annie Mercier lab's website: https://www.mercier-lab.ca/The open-access conservation paper:  https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-marine-032123-025441Book https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/edited-volume/9780323953771/the-world-of-sea-cucumbersIf you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

In this episode of our “Ocean’s Natural Cleaning Crew” series, marine scientist Erik Wurz reveals how sponges filter water, recycle nutrients, and quietly sustain marine lifeMost of us think of ocean protection in terms of visible action: removing nets, collecting waste, monitoring habitats. But beneath the surface, nature has its own clean-up teams: organisms that filter water, recycle nutrients, and make marine ecosystems possible.In this episode of our series on marine life that helps keep the ocean clean, we meet one of its most overlooked workers: the sponge.Marine biologist Erik Wurz (University of Helsinki) takes us into a world most people never notice: animals that can look like paper sheets, chimneys, or giant vases, quietly pumping water through their bodies day and night.A football-sized sponge, he explains, could filter up to 30,000 liters of seawater per day, removing bacteria, particles, and dissolved matter and releasing ultra-clean water back into the ocean. But their role goes far beyond filtration.By transforming microscopic organic material into edible particles, sponges effectively kick-start marine food webs, making energy available to fish, invertebrates, and entire ecosystems. Without them, many marine habitats would struggle to sustain life.  In some parts of the deep sea, they even form vast “animal forests,” structures that provide shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding platforms for countless species.And yet, despite their importance, sponges remain largely invisible in public imagination  overshadowed by more charismatic marine animals. That’s something Erik hopes to change: “I hope this podcast helps make sponges cool.”The conversation also explores how climate change, sediment disturbance, and bottom trawling can disrupt sponge ecosystems with long-term consequences for fisheries, ocean health, and even potential biomedical discoveries hidden within sponge microbiomes.If Healthy Seas teams remove debris in marine habitats, sponges do something incredibly remarkable too — continuously and silently — by filtering, recycling, and sustaining the ocean from within.This episode invites us to look again at the seabed and many other places and notice the quiet workers already keeping it alive.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

When Nature Has a Number on the Balance SheetHow the financial world is starting to recognize the value of ecosystems servicesIn this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ralph Chami — financial economist, former Assistant Director at the International Monetary Fund, and Co-Founder of Blue Green Future — to explore one of the most powerful shifts underway: integrating the value of nature’s services into economic and financial systems.From whales and seagrass to elephants and bison, Ralph’s work centers around measuring the economic contributions of living ecosystems and designing financial tools that recognize their role in climate regulation, biodiversity support, and human wellbeing. The goal? To accelerate funding for restoration and protection by making nature visible on the balance sheet.A Whale, a Shift, a New VisionThe conversation begins with a deeply personal story: a moment in the Sea of Cortez that transformed Ralph’s life and career. From that encounter with a blue whale came a new path, one that brought together climate science, conservation, and high-level economics. Since then, Ralph has helped governments and organizations understand how to value nature’s services — not to commodify ecosystems, but to make the case for investing in their preservation and restoration.In the episode, you’ll hear about:Why whales can be worth millions over their lifetime through carbon storageHow forward contracts are being used to fund environmental restorationWhat makes a nature-based project “investable”Why markets are slow to respond — and what could unlock faster changeThe role of communities in managing and benefiting from ecosystem servicesThe risks of leaving nature outside the financial system, and how to avoid themWhen Oceans Meet EconomicsFor companies, investors, and governments trying to build credible climate and biodiversity strategies, this episode offers a new lens. As Ralph puts it, valuing nature’s services isn’t about replacing conservation with markets — it’s about finally recognizing the systems we depend on, and funding their protection before it’s too late.It’s a bold reframe of where value lies, and how finance can be part of the solution.If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

How sustainability reporting, biodiversity, and NGO partnerships can shape the next wave of corporate responsibility.In this new episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we explore what lies beyond ESG compliance — and how companies can turn sustainability reporting into real environmental impact.Our guests Elena Cicoria and Giuseppe Cais from Diligea, a Benefit Corporation specializing in ESG consulting, share what they’ve learned working with businesses of all sizes, from banks to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).They explain why sustainability can no longer be treated as a side project, what’s missing in most corporate strategies, and how new reporting regulations in Europe are reshaping the way companies integrate environmental and social performance into daily operations.Together, we talk about:The hidden opportunities behind ESG reportingWhy biodiversity — not just carbon — should be part of every business strategyThe growing role of transparency and accountability in fighting greenwashingHow oceans connect to every industry, even those far from the coastAnd how NGOs like Healthy Seas can help companies move from reporting to real impact — through tangible restoration, circular economy, and education projects.Whether you’re a sustainability manager looking to strengthen your company’s ESG strategy or a business curious about meaningful partnerships, this episode offers both clarity and inspiration.If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Two marine scientists, one shipwreck, and a mission to uncover the hidden impacts of ghost nets.Beyond Cleanups: A New Kind of MissionIn this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we take you inside a groundbreaking project that combines our cleanup work with long-term scientific research. Together with our partner DWS, Healthy Seas is investigating how ghost nets affect biodiversity on shipwrecks—and what happens when they’re removed with the help of Ghost Diving volunteers.Our guests are Isadora Abuter and Ramona Reichert, two Healthy Seas marine scientists who joined the expedition in Greece. With host Crystal DiMiceli, they share what it was like to dive on the wreck, how they collected data underwater, and why science and storytelling must go hand in hand to protect the ocean.What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why the Ionian Sea shipwreck was chosen as the study site First impressions of the wreck—and the surprising life found on the ghost nets themselves How the team measured biodiversity and microplastic pollution underwater The importance of illustration and communication in bringing science to life What comes next in phase two of this long-term projectWhy It MattersFor Healthy Seas, every cleanup is more than removing waste—it’s an opportunity to learn, restore, and inspire. This project shows how science strengthens conservation, and how partnerships like the one with DWS open new possibilities for impact.As Isadora puts it: “Even the most important research has no impact if people cannot understand it. That’s why communication is key.”Learn more about the "Wrecks of Life: Tracking Biodiversity After the Nets" and our mission with DWS: https://www.healthyseas.org/blog/unseen-damage-how-ghost-nets-disrupt-marine-life-coral-growth-and-ocean-health/If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

One Stroke at a Time: A Journey of Purpose and ResilienceIn our first episode after a long pause, the Healthy Seas Podcast dives back in with a guest who embodies everything we stand for—passion, action, and deep connection to the sea. Andy Donaldson is not just the first person to complete the Ocean’s Seven in a single year—he’s a man on a mission.In this honest and inspiring conversation, Andy reflects on his transformation from elite swimmer to accountant and back again—this time driven by a renewed sense of purpose. He opens up about burnout, mental health, and the healing power of water, sharing tools that can help not only athletes but anyone navigating tough times or long-term goals.His message? Whether you’re swimming across oceans or facing challenges on land, the key is knowing your “why”—and taking one brave stroke at a time.Endurance Meets Advocacy: Lessons for Athletes and ActivistsThis episode isn’t only for swimmers. Andy shares insights that resonate with anyone tackling long journeys—especially changemakers and environmental advocates who may be facing burnout or self-doubt.He speaks candidly about building mental and physical resilience, preparing for setbacks, and using sport as a platform to protect what you love. From ultra-cold training swims to mindset tricks that helped him through 15-hour ocean crossings, Andy’s story is packed with actionable takeaways.For young athletes, this is a masterclass in grit. For activists, it’s a reminder that the same tools of endurance apply to advocacy.Sharing What You Love Means Protecting ItAndy joined Healthy Seas and our partner Arena on a ghost net cleanup in Croatia, witnessing first-hand the damage left behind by abandoned fishing gear. His experience turned into a powerful call to action: “We need clean oceans not just to swim—but to live, to breathe, to thrive.”He’s now dreaming big—imagining a global network of athletes advocating for the sea through sport, visibility, and action. As he says in the episode: “Share what you love—and protect it too.”If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Join us as we dive into the depths to explore the challenges and solutions shaping the future of our seas. Hosted by Crystal DiMiceli, each episode features conversations with the people making waves in marine protection: divers, scientists, educators, business partners, and local communities.Healthy Seas is a unique alliance of NGOs and businesses working together to tackle marine litter, especially ghost fishing gear, and transform waste into opportunity through circular economy solutions. Active across 20+ countries, we operate with a global mission and a local heartbeat.Through cleanups, education, innovation, and partnerships, we’re restoring the ocean and inspiring action—one net at a time.Backed by over a decade of impact and part of the UN Ocean Decade movement, this podcast invites listeners and companies alike to dive into a world where environmental restoration meets meaningful collaboration.If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

In this latest episode of the Healthy Seas podcast, we dive into the revolutionary world of eDNA with Nicole Yeomans, the Offshore Industrials Lead and marine ecology expert at NatureMetrics. With a powerful commitment to making biodiversity measurable, NatureMetrics uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to reveal previously unseen insights into marine ecosystems. Now a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, NatureMetrics is showing how this cutting-edge technology has become an essential tool not only for scientists but also for corporations and NGOs dedicated to conservation. Throughout this episode, Nicole introduces eDNA and explains how it captures the unique traces left by every organism. She shares examples of how NatureMetrics has partnered with companies like MSC Cruises to track species across cruise routes, from bacteria to blue whales, creating data that directly supports efforts to protect and measure biodiversity. We also discuss the critical role of eDNA in helping companies integrate nature-positive practices into their operations, aligning with conservation goals and regulatory needs. Listeners will learn about the limitations and unique advantages of eDNA, how it has transformed traditional research, and why it’s critical for businesses and NGOs to monitor and protect biodiversity. For anyone interested in understanding how technology is advancing marine conservation, this episode is a must-listen.  Catch the episode to learn: What eDNA is and how it works to reveal the "hidden" biodiversity of our oceans Real-world applications in corporate and environmental conservation Why businesses are turning to eDNA to align with nature-positive targets and regulations How eDNA offers a non-invasive and powerful way to monitor ecosystems  Don't miss this deep dive into a technology shaping the future of ocean and nature conservation. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Ioakeim Diamantidis is the General Manager of Diopas, a family-run business based in Greece. For generations, Diopas has been a leader in producing fishing, aquaculture, and sport nets. Now, under the leadership of Ioakeim, the company is pushing the boundaries of innovation in the fishing industry.One of the standout achievements discussed in the episode is Diopas' pioneering development of the world's first recycled and recyclable fish farming nets. This breakthrough, in collaboration with Aquafil, utilizes ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon, to create a fully circular system. Beyond just the netting, Diopas has also developed ropes and sewing threads made from the same sustainable material. This innovation ensures that, when the nets reach the end of their lifecycle, they can be entirely recycled without the need to separate components—a first in the industry.But Diopas' commitment to innovation doesn’t stop there. The company is also experimenting with artificial reefs made from netting and working on ecological coatings for nets to reduce the environmental impact of fouling. They’ve even developed nets designed to reduce diesel consumption for fishing boats, offering both environmental and economic benefits.These forward-thinking projects reflect Diopas' ongoing collaboration with Healthy Seas to recover discarded fishing nets for recycling. Their work with universities and research centers highlights the power of partnerships in driving industry-wide change. Ioakeim’s approach to continuous improvement and risk-taking is inspiring and points the way forward for the future of sustainable fishing and aquaculture.Tune in to hear more about Diopas' journey, their innovations, and the exciting future of net production and recycling.If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.