Share

cover art for Biocultural Coastal Conservation | Ancestral Tides with Juan Carlos Cruz

Oceanography

Biocultural Coastal Conservation | Ancestral Tides with Juan Carlos Cruz

Ep. 29
•

What is biocultural coastal conservation — and why does it matter for the future of our oceans? In this episode, conservation scientist Juan Carlos Cruz of the Amazon Conservation Team explains how Indigenous knowledge and Western marine science are being woven together through the Ancestral Tides initiative.


Across Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, Colombia, and Suriname, coastal Indigenous and local communities are protecting sea turtles, coral reefs, mangroves, and critical nesting beaches using community-based conservation strategies. This work combines biological monitoring, sea turtle tagging, hatchery protection, GPS tracking, fisher partnerships, and livelihood-based conservation — all grounded in ancestral knowledge systems.


We explore:

• What biocultural conservation actually means

• Why sea turtles are biocultural keystone species

• How Indigenous-led conservation strengthens marine ecosystems

• The connection between coral reefs, fisheries, and food security

• How land and sea conservation must work together


Sea turtles migrate thousands of kilometers across oceans — linking forests, beaches, reefs, and coastal communities. Protecting them requires protecting the full ecological and cultural system they move through.


This conversation highlights a growing global shift: conservation that centers community leadership, respects traditional knowledge, and recognizes that protecting biodiversity also means protecting culture.



Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPal


Special thanks to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for sponsoring this episode.


Episode Guests: Juan Carlos Cruz

Visit the Amazon Conservation Team website

Visit the Ancestral Tidesw webpage

Review the Ancestral Tides Annual Report


Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia


Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese 

Cover art by Jomiro Eming

Theme music by Nela Ruiz

Find some more Pine Forest Media podcasts below


Listen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Listen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Listen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 36. A New Earth Radio Show

    31:25||Ep. 36
    Where does climate change stand in 2026? This week on Oceanography, we’re bringing you a special crossover from Green Frequency: a new Earth Radio show from Pine Forest Media exploring environmental science, policy, and the systems shaping our planet. In this episode, climate scientist Dr. Claudio Piani joins a conversation on where we actually stand today: global emissions trends, the future of the Paris Agreement, and why every fraction of a degree of warming still matters. Alongside student activist Averie Gannon, the discussion moves beyond headlines to offer a more grounded, nuanced understanding of climate change—what the data says, where progress is being made, and where major challenges remain. If you enjoy this episode, you can find more from Green Frequency, featuring scientists, advocates, and frontline perspectives, on all major podcast platforms.Listen to Pine Forest Media’s NEWEST PODCAST GREEN FREQUENCYSupport our science communication directly by donating to Pine Forest Media or directly on PayPalEpisode Guest: Dr. Claudio Piani Special thanks to the American University of ParisOur World In Data - CO2 emissions, temperature, and per capita trends.The Scientific American - Global Average Temperature TargetsInternational Renewable Energy Agency - The Cost of Renewable EnergyExplore the Pine Forest Media digital ecosystem on our websiteFind the full-length video on YouTube @PineForestPodsFollow us on Social Media @pineforestmediaHosted by Clark Marchese and Averie GannonAudio Editing by Clark Marchese, Video Editing by Oscar PadulaVideography and Set Design by Le Studio Du PassageCover Art by Laurel WongTheme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Oceanography on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

  • 35. Elephant Seals Can Be Scientists Too

    52:55||Ep. 35
    Elephant seals are helping map the Southern Ocean. This week on Oceanography, we’re sharing a special crossover episode from South Pole, another Pine Forest Media series focused on Antarctic science and research. In this episode, Dr. Clive McMahon explains how southern elephant seals are being equipped with ocean sensors to collect real-time data in one of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth. These deep-diving animals gather information on temperature, salinity, depth, and ocean productivity; especially during the Antarctic winter, when human access is nearly impossible. The conversation explores elephant seal behavior, population decline, Antarctic bottom water, and how animal-borne data is advancing oceanography, climate science, and weather forecasting. A fascinating look at how marine life is contributing directly to scientific discovery.If you enjoy this episode, you can find more from South Pole, a series dedicated to the science of Antarctica, on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or all major platforms.Support our science communication directly by donating to Pine Forest Media or directly on PayPalEpisode Guest: Dr. Clive McMahonReview the research publication discussed in the episode hereVisit Dr. McMahon’s publications on Google Scholar Visit the website of the Sydney Institute of Marine SciencesEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Oceanography on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

  • 34. Solar Geoengineering: Who Gets to Decide? with Hassaan Sipra

    01:05:31||Ep. 34
    Solar geoengineering is a justice question. As sunlight reflection methods move from theory toward real-world research, who gets to decide what happens next? This episode explores the justice and governance questions surrounding solar geoengineering, also called solar radiation modification or SRM. Hassaan Sipra of the Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering explains why the risks of climate intervention cannot be separated from existing inequalities in climate change, especially for climate-vulnerable communities in the Global South. The conversation covers environmental justice, public participation, free, prior and informed consent, governance gaps, research transparency, and why climate intervention must never replace emissions cuts, adaptation, climate finance, or loss and damage. A grounded, accessible finale to Oceanography’s marine climate intervention arc.Support our science communication directly by donating to Pine Forest Media or directly on PayPalEpisode Guests: Hassasn SipraLearn more about justice and SRM on the DSG website. Listen to Pine Forest Media’s NEWEST PODCAST GREEN FREQUENCYEpisode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

  • 33. A Natural Experiment in the Sky: Shipping, Clouds, and Climate

    56:50||Ep. 33
    Shipping pollution changed clouds. What can scientists learn? What happens when cleaner shipping fuel suddenly changes the atmosphere above the ocean? In this episode of Oceanography, meteorologist Dr. Michael Diamond explains how shipping pollution, cloud formation, and climate are connected, and how a major fuel regulation and disrupted global shipping routes created a rare natural experiment for scientists. The conversation explores aerosols, sulfur pollution, cloud brightening, and what these real-world changes can teach us about marine climate intervention, including marine cloud brightening and solar geoengineering. If you want to understand how human activity is already shaping clouds, warming, and climate policy, this episode offers a grounded, fascinating look at one of the most complex questions in climate science.Support our science communication directly by donating to Pine Forest Media or directly on PayPalEpisode Guests: Dr. Michael DiamondFind Dr. Diamond’s published article on the impacts of the IOM regulation and preprint on the impacts of a changed shipping route. Review Dr. Diamond’s publications on Google ScholarListen to Pine Forest Media’s NEWEST PODCAST GREEN FREQUENCYEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

  • 32. SAI: Should We Reflect More Sunlight to Cool the Earth? with Dr. Kelsey Roberts

    01:11:34||Ep. 32
    Could reflecting sunlight help cool the Earth? Stratospheric aerosol injection, or SAI, is a proposed climate intervention that aims to reduce global temperatures by reflecting a small portion of incoming sunlight. Inspired by volcanic eruptions, this approach is being studied through climate and ecosystem models to better understand its potential effects. This episode explores how SAI could influence sea surface temperature, net primary production, ocean chemistry, and marine food webs. It also looks at how scientists use models to evaluate different deployment scenarios, including long-term use and phase-out strategies. Along the way, the conversation considers uncertainty, regional variability, and the role SAI might play within a broader portfolio of climate responses.Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPalEpisode Guests: Dr. Kelsey RobertsFind Dr Robert’s publication on the Potential Impacts of Climate Intervention on Marine EcosystemsReview Dr. Robert’s publications on Google ScholarFind more resources on geoengineering at GeoMIPLearn more about Justice and Governance about SRM Technologies at DSGListen to COP30: Green Power for more on global climate policyEpisode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

  • 31. MCB: Can Brighter Clouds Cool the Planet? with Dr. Jessica Wan

    51:50||Ep. 31
    Can brighter clouds cool Earth? Marine cloud brightening (MCB) is a proposed solar radiation modification strategy that could reflect sunlight, cool ocean regions, and potentially reduce dangerous heat. But can it actually work at scale, and what risks might come with it? In this episode, climate scientist Dr. Jessica Wan explains how MCB works, why researchers are studying sea salt aerosols and marine stratocumulus clouds, and what climate models reveal about unintended effects on weather, heatwaves, rainfall, and global circulation. The conversation explores geoengineering, climate intervention, El Niño, regional cooling, governance, and the major uncertainties surrounding marine cloud brightening as a response to climate change.Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPalEpisode Guests: Dr. Jessica WanVisit Dr. Wan’s WebsiteReview Dr. Wan’s publications on Google ScholarConnect with Dr. Wan on LinkedInFind Dr. Wan’s articles on MCB in a warmer world and MCB and El NiñoLearn more about Justice and Governance about SRM Technologies at DSGEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

  • 30. mCDR: Can the Ocean Store Our Carbon for Centuries? with Dr. Morgan Raven

    57:11||Ep. 30
    We may need to remove carbon from the atmosphere—can the ocean help? Biomass-based marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) explores whether natural ocean processes can help store carbon for the long term. Oceanographer and biogeochemist Dr. Morgan Raven explains how organic carbon moves through marine systems, why low-oxygen environments like deep-sea brines and fjords may enable long-term carbon sequestration, and what scientists still need to understand before these approaches can scale. This episode explores marine carbon dioxide removal, carbon sequestration, blue carbon, and ocean biogeochemistry, while addressing uncertainty, environmental risk, and the role these strategies might play alongside emissions reduction. A clear, grounded look at one of the most complex and debated frontiers in climate science.Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPalEpisode Guests: Dr. Morgan RavenReview Dr. Raven’s publications on Google ScholarCheck out the work of the NOISE LabListen to COP30: Oceans on the Rise? for more on mCDR 10 New Insights in Climate Science for 2025 by Future Earth Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

  • 28. Ocean Trenches Explained with Prof. Alan Jamieson

    44:26||Ep. 28
    Ocean trenches are Earth’s deepest habitats—and they’re full of life. This episode is a guided dive into the hadal zone (6,000–11,000 meters), where tectonic plates create steep trenches that plunge toward the mantle. Learn what trenches are geologically, what conditions are like at full ocean depth (cold, pressure, darkness), and why the deep sea isn’t a single ecosystem—each trench is its own world. You’ll also get myth-busting on how “the abyss” shows up in pop culture, plus an inside look at the technology that makes trench science possible: multibeam mapping, baited landers, and human-occupied submersibles. Finally, we explore the big research questions scientists are asking about biodiversity, evolution, and connectivity across the deepest ocean.Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPalSpecial thanks to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for sponsoring this episode.Episode Guest: Professor Alan JamiesonListen to the Deep Sea Podcast!Browse Professor Jamieson’s publications on Google ScholarVisit the Hadal Zone Deep Sea Research Center and follow their work on InstagramEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts