108: VIRAL: The Infamous "Sea Turtle Straw Removal" & Filming "the Kraken" with Ph.D Marine Biologist, Nathan Robinson

What is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness for ocean conservation?

Go viral.

In 2015, Dr. Nathan Robinson was filmed removing a plastic straw from a sea turtle’s nose—the video now has over 125 million views on YouTube. Four years later he also recorded the first footage of a giant squid - otherwise known as the mythical ‘Kraken’ - in US waters. This story made headlines in over 400 international news sources including the front-page of The New York Times.

Joining me on the podcast this week is the Marine Biologist and Science Communicator himself.

Dr. Robinson and I discuss his passion to protect the environment, the viral event that spearheaded the plastic straw movement, and the power of science communication.

Listen to this episode to find out about:
• Eco-friendly habits that you can implement
• Voting with your dollars to instigate change
• Alternatives for plastic products
• Sea turtle issues and their conservation
• Why small differences you make matter
• Creative conservation opportunities

Links & mentions:
• “Giant Squid in US Waters” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM52qGuNiyw/
• “Sea Turtle Plastic Straw Removal” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2J2qdOrW44
• “Sea Turtle Plastic Fork Removal” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRiTABRQOjk
• Nathan Robinson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild.blue.science/
• Nathan Robinson on Youtube: http://youtube.com/c/wildbluescience/
• Turtleball website: https://www.playturtleball.com/
• The Captain’s Lifestyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaptainslifestyle/
• My personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captain_taylor_morgan/
• My email: taylor@thecaptainslifestyle.com/ 
• Survey: https://www.thecaptainslifestyle.com/