Episodios

  • Join hosts David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein as they dive into the decades-long grassroots effort to transform 413 acres of the San Francisco Bay headland in Richmond, California, into the new Point Molate Park. Featured guest André Soto, a musician and activist, recounts the struggle against plans for a massive casino and high-end housing development. Discover the rich history of the land, from its origins as Ohlone land to its time as a naval fuel depot, and learn about the importance of community activism, environmental preservation, and political engagement in making this vision a reality. This episode of Rising Tide, the Ocean Podcast, celebrates a victorious moment for public education and conservation.

    ** Links & Resources **


    Support the Rising Tide and donate to Blue Frontier: bluefront.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation
    Your gift of any size will help bring communities together to protect our coasts and ocean.

    Blue Frontier: bluefront.org
    Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.

    Inland Ocean Coalition: inlandoceancoalition.org
    Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection

    Fluid Studios: fluidstudios.org
    Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

  • Destiny Bristol Kushin and Zinaida Melovidov, her grandmother, live in the Unangan community of St. Paul Island, Alaska. Destiny is a 20-year-old college student working towards her associates degree in environmental sciences. Zinaida is an elder who has lived on the island almost all her life. They talked with David and Natasha Benjamin about the environmental changes they've seen in their lifetimes and their impacts on St. Paul Island, the largest of the Pribilof Islands, The conversation delves into shifting climate patterns, the decline in local wildlife, the community's adaptation strategies, and the significant cultural heritage surrounding traditional fishing and hunting practices, even some recipes.

    Listen in to learn more about the challenges faced and the resilience shown by the people of St. Paul.

    ** Links & Resources **

    Support the Rising Tide and donate to Blue Frontier: bluefront.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation
    Your gift of any size will help bring communities together to protect our coasts and ocean.

    Blue Frontier: bluefront.org
    Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.

    Inland Ocean Coalition: inlandoceancoalition.org
    Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection

    Fluid Studios: fluidstudios.org
    Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

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  • In this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean podcast, Vicki Nichols Goldstein discusses the return of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards with co-founder Wendy Benchley and Rising Tide co-host and co-founder David Helvarg. After a 7-year hiatus, the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards are set to return on May 8, 2025, at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, backed by the nationwide Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP).

    Their conversation covers the origins of the awards, their impact on the ocean conservation community, and the excitement surrounding their return. Wendy and David share memorable moments from past awards and highlights the importance of recognizing leaders in various sectors including policy, science, grassroots activism, and sustainable business. And listeners are invited to nominate their own ocean champions at www.peterbenchleyoceanawards.org

    David, Vicky, & Wendy also delve into Peter Benchley's legacy as a writer and his significant contribution to marine conservation.

    ** Links & Resources **

    Support the Rising Tide and donate to Blue Frontier: bluefront.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation
    Your gift of any size will help bring communities together to protect our coasts and ocean.

    Benchley Awards: peterbenchleyoceanawards.org/
    In collaboration with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards will be held on May 8th, 2025 at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

    Jaws by Peter Benchley: amazon.com/Jaws-Novel-Peter-Benchley/dp/1400064562/
    A great white shark terrorizes the beautiful summer getaway of Amity Island, and a motley group of men take to the water to do battle with the beast.

    The Girl of the Sea of Cortez: amazon.com/Girl-Sea-Cortez-Novel/dp/0345544137
    On an island in the Gulf of California, an intrepid young woman named Paloma carries a special legacy from her father—a deep understanding of the sea and a sixth sense about the need to protect it.

    Blue Frontier: bluefront.org
    Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.

    Inland Ocean Coalition: inlandoceancoalition.org
    Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection

    Fluid Studios: fluidstudios.org
    Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

  • In our latest episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast David heads to Alaska to interview Dune Lankard, a member of the Eagle Clan of the Eyak tribal nation based in Cordova Alaska, on Prince Williams Sound. Dune talks about his life as a commercial fisherman and his response to the 1989 Exxon-Valdez oil spill, the largest U.S. environmental disaster till that time.

    He talks about his founding of the Native Conservancy and its work with 32 tribes across Alaska, including protecting over a million acres of land. They also talk about his kelp farming to restore the ocean, traditional food sources and provide indigenous people and fishermen a chance to be part of a new regenerative food industry in a time of climate disruption. Check out Dune’s spiritual, practical and innovative ideas on the new Rising Tide Ocean podcast.

    ** Links & Resources **

    Native Conservancy: https://www.nativeconservancy.org/
    Habitat restoration, indigenous food sovereignty, & cultural revitalization in Alaska

    Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org
    Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.

    Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org
    Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection

    Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org
    Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

  • In this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean podcast, hosts David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein speak with Sherry Goodman, former Pentagon Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security, about her new book 'Threat Multiplier Climate Military Leadership in the Fight for Global Security.' Goodman elaborates on the intersection of climate change and national security, emphasizing the concept of climate as a 'threat multiplier' that exacerbates global instability. The conversation covers the evolution of military strategies to incorporate environmental stewardship, the impacts of climate change on military operations, and the importance of resilience and preparedness. Goodman also discusses the geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, the role of the U.S. Coast Guard, and the need for a climate-informed defense strategy. With an upcoming election, the discussion underscores the significance of leadership in addressing climate threats.

    ** Links & Resources **

    Learn how to navigating ocean policies with Mark Spalding
    https://bluefront.org/podcast/navigating-ocean-policies-with-mark-spalding-diving-into-the-impact-of-elections-on-our-waters/
    Dive into the impact of elections on our waters.

    Jim Hanson is Chief Editor for the Middle East Forum : https://www.meforum.org/jim-hanson
    Author of several books including “Winning the Second Civil War - Without Firing a Shot” and “Cut Down the Black Flag - A Plan to Defeat ISIS”.

    Rescue Warriors
    https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780312628147/rescuewarriors
    The United States Coast Guard has rescued over 1.1 million people.

    Rear Admiral, Ann C. Phillips, US Navy (Ret.): https://www.maritime.dot.gov/office-administrator/key-personnel/rear-admiral-ann-c-phillips-us-navy-ret
    As head of the Maritime Administration, Phillips advises and assists the Secretary of Transportation on commercial maritime matters.

    Leon E. Panetta- Former Secretary of Defense: https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/article/602799/
    23rd Secretary of Defense — led the agency and managed human intelligence and open source collection programs on behalf of the intelligence community.

    The Center for Climate & Security: https://climateandsecurity.org/
    The greater the impact of climate change, the greater our awareness of the security challenges it’s leaving in its wake.

    Tyndall Air Force Base: https://www.tyndall.af.mil/

    Admiral James Foggo III: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_G._Foggo_III
    A retired United States Navy admiral who last served as commander of United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

    Former Secretary of Defense Mattis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Mattis
    United States secretary of defense from 2017 to 2019.

    Michael Sfraga: https://www.state.gov/biographies/michael-sfraga/
    AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE FOR ARCTIC AFFAIRS
    OFFICE OF THE AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE FOR ARCTIC AFFAIRS

    Secretary Lloyd Austin: tyndall.af.mil/About/Civil-Service-Employment/
    Current United States Secretary of Defense.

    Deputy Secretary of Defense - Kathleen H. Hicks: https://www.defense.gov/About/Deputy-Secretary-of-Defense/
    She served as senior vice president and director of the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

    Threat Multiplier - Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security: https://islandpress.org/books/threat-multiplier

    Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org
    Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.

    Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org
    Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection

    Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org
    Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

  • In this episode of Rising Tide David and Natasha Benjamin delve into the fascinating resilience of Pacific salmon, creatures that have thrived in dynamic landscapes shaped by natural forces like volcanoes, earthquakes, and landslides with the University of Alaska’s Dr. Peter Westley. As the environment changes at unprecedented rates, including the rise of hatchery-supported fisheries, we discuss how these shifts impact salmon populations in places like Alaska and California. From dam removals and urbanization to climate change, salmon continue to adapt. Join us as we explore the complex web of factors shaping the future of these remarkable fish.

    ** Additional Links & Resources

    Sequoias of the Sea: https://www.sequoiasofthesea.com

    Our Oceans: https://www.netflix.com/title/81139969
    Discover the stories just below the surface of Earth's five oceans in this nature documentary series narrated and co-executive produced by Barack Obama.

    Land of the Dena'ina people: https://www.anchorage.net/plan-your-trip/about-anchorage/the-denaina-people/
    Anchorage is located within Dena’ina Ełnena, the traditional homelands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people. One of Alaska’s many distinct and diverse Indigenous groups, the Native people of Knik Arm are the K’enaht’ana, members of the Eydlughet (Eklutna) and K’enakatnu (Knik) tribes.

    A River’s Rebirth: https://www.americanindianmagazine.org/story/klamath-river-dam-removals
    Klamath Dam Removals Offer New Life for Salmon as well as California and Oregon Tribes

    Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org
    Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.

    Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org
    Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection

    Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org
    Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

    Photo by Aniket Deole on Unsplash

  • On the latest episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast, David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein talk with Mark Spalding, President of the Ocean Foundation and an expert on international law and policy about the Ocean and the Elections. They discuss how starkly different the two 2024 presidential candidates are when it comes to marine conservation and climate issues. Also why, after the hottest summer in human history, there’s been so little talk about climate and the environment.

    Vicki and David also look at the record of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and pull some recent quotes from each of them about coastal resiliency, living reefs, windmills and whales and fear of sharks. So, with just weeks to go to November 5th remember, dolphins can’t vote for the ocean so you’ll have to.


    Ocean Foundation - https://oceanfdn.org/
    The only community foundation for the ocean, dedicated to improving global ocean health, climate resilience, and the blue economy.
    Links - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-j-spalding/

    Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org
    Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild.

    Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org
    Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection

    Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org
    Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

    Photo credit by Lucas Sankey on Unsplash

  • On this episode of Rising Tide David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein speak with Craig Foster, the Academy Award winning filmmaker of ‘My Octopus Teacher’ co-founder of the ‘Sea Change Project’ and the author of a new memoir – ‘Amphibious Soul.’

    Craig discusses his daily underwater explorations of the ‘Great African Seaforest’ near his home and the importance of tracking skills in discovering life both within the kelp forest and on the shore. His encounters include not only octopuses and sharks, but seaweed eating ostriches and burrowing beach crabs. He also finds deep connections to our human past and our natural spirit. So, join us for some cold-water enlightenment.

    Sea Change Project: https://seachangeproject.com/
    Amphibious Soul - Finding the Wild in a Tame World: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/amphibious-soul-craig-foster?variant=41096263598114

    Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org
    Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org
    Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

  • On this episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast, David and Natasha Benjamin speak with Nick Rahaim, a former commercial fisherman, journalist, researcher, and now public spokesman for NOAA (though speaking on his own behalf).

    We'll talk about his adventures from the shocks of squid fishing to confrontations between fishermen and whales in Alaska (including a shooting incident), to whale intelligence, whale depredation, and what it was like in Southwest Alaska when migrating salmon met "the blob". Join us for a fascinating episode!

  • On this episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast, David & Vicki speak with Florida-based oceanographer and marine ecologist Dr. Sara Frias-Torres about her life and work, the tragic “death by a thousand cuts” of the Florida Keys coral reef tract, and the more hopeful recovery of the “Lord of the Rocks” the Goliath Grouper. Despite poaching and pollution, this massive, curious fish is making an impressive comeback from near extinction.

    It’s essential for the ecosystem and inspiring for divers. Yet, it could be lost again if the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission doesn’t listen to scientists like Dr. Frias-Torres, who say their protection must be continued.

    Dive in to learn more.

    Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org
    Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org
    Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

    Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

  • On Sunday, July 21, Ocean Activist and Sea Shepherd Society founder Paul Watson was arrested in Greenland, a territory of Denmark, on an Interpol warrant issued by Japan. Japan claims he damaged one of their commercial whaling ships while protesting and helping to end Japanese whaling off Antarctica. France, where Watson now lives, has asked Denmark not to extradite him.

    We're replaying our October 2022 interview with Watson so you can better understand his perspective on fighting for whales, against pirate fishing, and for the health of the Ocean. In this episode, we talked to Captain Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, about his background fighting for beavers, seals, and whales and the breakup with Sea Shepherd over its purpose and direction. We also discussed the Paul Watson Foundation, his biocentric religion, phytoplankton, and the planet, and how his time at the siege of Wounded Knee taught him not to fear for the future.

    If, after hearing from Paul, you'd like to also protest to the Danish Embassy or reach out to one of your members of Congress to add pressure on Denmark not to support Japan's political persecution of him, you can find out how in our program notes.

    THE #FREEPAULWATSON PETITION: https://www.paulwatsonfoundation.org/freepaulwatson/

    Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org
    Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org
    Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

  • On this episode of Rising Tide the Ocean Podcast we speak with world-famous Ketchikan Alaska-based artist and illustrator Ray Troll about his art – from Tee-shirts to wall murals - highlighting ocean life present and prehistoric (he summers in the ancient seas of Kansas). Combining the sensibilities of Gary Larson and Winslow Homer he can take your breath away with laughter and beauty. We discuss his 40-year retrospective art book – ‘Spawn Till You Die – The fin art of Ray Troll,” his upcoming documentary profile, his popular ‘Paleo Nerds Podcast’ and more. So, dive in.

  • In this rebroadcast of episode 13 of the Rising Tide Ocean Podcast, we pay tribute to the late Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a distinguished marine biologist, passionate water lover, and dedicated turtle advocate. In this poignant conversation, Dr. Nichols opened his heart and shared the deeply personal story of losing his home in the devastating California Lightning Complex fires. We felt his profound loss through his words and admired his unwavering resilience.

    Dr. Nichols also enlightened us with his profound knowledge about the 'Blue Mind'—the captivating science of how being in and around water transforms our brains. His insights revealed the powerful, healing connection we share with water and how it brings us peace, joy, and solace, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

    This episode is a testament to Dr. Nichols' enduring spirit and lifelong commitment to understanding and protecting our oceans. It reminds us of the beauty and fragility of our natural world and the incredible strength of the human spirit. As we reflect on this moving episode, we honor Dr. Nichols' contributions and the powerful message of hope and healing he shared with us all.

  • Join us on this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean Podcast as we dive deep with Curt Newport, an underwater salvage expert and author of the new book, 'Ready to Dive – Five Decades of Adventures in the Abyss.' Curt shares his incredible experiences using ROV robot submarines and advanced technologies around offshore oil platforms, fiber optic cable laying operations, military crash sites, and more.

    Curt recounts some of the most challenging recovery missions, including the 1986 Challenger Disaster, where he helped recover the booster rocket that identified the crash's cause, the TWA 800 airliner crash, and Air India Flight 182, which was brought down by a terrorist bomb. Please note his discussion on body recovery operations is graphic and may disturb some listeners.

    Discover the fascinating shift from hard hat divers to robotic recovery and the realities of working at sea. With a career spent on the frontlines of marine salvage, Curt Newport offers a unique and compelling perspective. Don't miss this episode of Rising Tide.

    Ready To Dive: https://www.press.purdue.edu/9781612499666/
    Plane Photo Credit: https://prelevicmilos.com/
    Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org
    Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org
    Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org

  • Join us for an inspiring episode of the Rising Tide podcast as David Helvarg & Natasha Benjamin sit down with Bob Shavelson, a seasoned conservationist with over 35 years of experience in the environmental field. Growing up along the shores of Atlantic City, NJ, Bob's journey has taken him from the east coast to the rugged beauty of Homer, Alaska, where he has led significant efforts in environmental protection and advocacy.

    In this 110th episode, Bob shares his rich history in conservation, from his early work with MassPIRG on toxic use reduction to his fight against the passage of NAFTA. We delve into his impactful tenure with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where he tested and regulated landfills, and his extensive legal work bringing citizen suits under the Clean Water Act. Bob also recounts his experiences as a Knauss Sea Grant Fellow on Capitol Hill, where he influenced environmental policy.

    As the leader of the nonprofit organization Cook Inletkeeper since 1996, Bob has dedicated his career to protecting Alaska's vital waterways. He currently serves on the Board of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council, overseeing oil tanker and terminal operations in the wake of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.

    Bob’s passion for conservation extends beyond his professional life. He actively volunteers for various community groups and now operates a water taxi on the stunning Kachemak Bay, where he lives with his wife and two young daughters.

    Tune in to hear Bob's incredible stories and insights on environmental protection, community engagement, and the ongoing efforts to safeguard our natural world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in conservation and the power of grassroots advocacy.

  • On this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean Podcast! Today, we sat down with Kiera Foti, the brand manager for Atlantic Sea Farms, the leading aquaculture kelp grower in the U.S. Based in Maine, this innovative company supplies edible kelp to stores like Whole Foods and numerous restaurants. They also produce branded products and sell kelp for cosmetics, fertilizers, and more. Discover how Atlantic Sea Farms collaborates with local lobstermen to cultivate kelp during their off-season and learn why Kiera refers to these carbon-absorbing algae as a "climate hero crop." Tune in to explore the fascinating world of sustainable kelp farming!

  • On this, our latest episode we talk with Kate Toniolo, U.S. Fish & Wildlife’s project leader for Delaware’s coastal refuges including the 10,000 acre Prime Hook, an area devastated by 2012’s Hurricane Sandy.  Since then, she’s overseen restoration efforts that have seen the comeback of its sandy beaches, fresh and saltwater marshes and wildlife including threatened shorebirds, horseshoe crabs and their surrounding communities.  We’ll talk about this and her past work in Hawaii, the remote Pacific Islands and elsewhere.  So join us! 

  • To celebrate Earth Day (which is 71% ocean) we’re speaking with Margaret Spring, Chief conservation and science officer for the world -famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, in California. Before coming to the aquarium Margaret was an environmental attorney and a leader at NOAA. Today she oversees the aquarium’s science policy work including on plastic pollution and its extensive Seafood Watch sustainable seafood program. So, let’s take a deep dive into what Margaret is up to.

    'Rising Tide, the Ocean Podcast', is a refreshing, irreverent dive into the lives, work, and explorations of some of today's leading and diverse ocean voices. Each half hour episode co-hosted by David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols-Goldstein sails through lively discussions with our guests about marine life, culture, and critical issues affecting our rapidly changing seas. Informative, enlightening, and often humorous, it is an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about understanding, enjoying, and protecting our salty blue world.

  • In the latest Rising Tide we talk with our old friend Ana Blanco of the International Ocean Film Festival - coming to San Francisco April 12-14 - and Sarah Norenberg, the director of ‘Orca – Black & White Gold,’ one of the exciting documentaries playing there about how Russian activists saved 100 whales slated to be sold to Chinese aquarium parks, and instead got them released back into the wild. A true life ‘Free Willy’ film plus some good talk about ocean documentaries.

    'Rising Tide, the Ocean Podcast', is a refreshing, irreverent dive into the lives, work, and explorations of some of today's leading and diverse ocean voices. Each half hour episode co-hosted by David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols-Goldstein sails through lively discussions with our guests about marine life, culture, and critical issues affecting our rapidly changing seas. Informative, enlightening, and often humorous, it is an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about understanding, enjoying, and protecting our salty blue world.

  • In the latest episode of Rising Tide, along with Blue News, David and Vicki talk with Dr. Nancy Rabalais from Louisiana State University. Nancy’s been called ‘the mother of dead zones’ in that her decades of research has helped define the Gulf of Mexico’s seasonal oxygen-depleted waters generated by polluted agricultural runoff from the Mississippi. These dead zones can grow to the size of New Jersey. She’s also studied the long-term impacts of the BP oil spill. Plus, we’ll hear about her encounter with an offshore alligator.

    'Rising Tide, the Ocean Podcast', is a refreshing, irreverent dive into the lives, work, and explorations of some of today's leading and diverse ocean voices. Each half hour episode co-hosted by David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols-Goldstein sails through lively discussions with our guests about marine life, culture, and critical issues affecting our rapidly changing seas. Informative, enlightening, and often humorous, it is an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about understanding, enjoying, and protecting our salty blue world.