Are plastic straws really that bad? What's the oldest message in a bottle? Any scuba vs. snorkel strategies? Does sunscreen kill coral? Can we reverse ocean warming in our lifetime? In a conversation with ocean and policy expert Dr. Ayana Johnson, Alie struggles with finding a balance between the wonders and the bummers. For the first 15-20 minutes, learn weird ocean trivia, why we love the sea, and facts about the ocean's depths and beauty. Then, we get to the sad stuff: ocean health, climate change, acidification, pollution, policy and what we can all do.If you've been feeling helpless, this episode gives you all the tools you need to understand and help our friend, the World Ocean.Also: some great information about whale pee.Dr. Johnson's OceanCollectiv.coDr. Johnson's  website, Twitter and InstagramMore episode sources and links Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick Thorburn

Ocean and policy expert, Dr. Ayana Johnson, discusses the wonders and challenges of the ocean. From weird ocean trivia to the sad stuff like ocean health, climate change, acidification, and pollution, she provides tools and information to help understand and save our friend, the World Ocean. Topics include coral reefs, sustainable seafood choices, scuba diving vs. snorkeling, the impact of plastic waste, and a garbage gobbling machine called the Trash Wheel.