3: Safe Guarding The Seas: Hooked On Shark Stewardship w/ Randy Thomas

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

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.

 

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:

1. 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.

2. 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. 

3. 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:

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

2. 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 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 @theadventuresof5k 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!

 

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 +)

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 into 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!

Welcome to Planet People! Our mission is to strengthen stewardship stories to build a community of people who are passionate about fighting extinction and learning about how to co exist with wildlife in Southern California