Ocean Doctor

Here are a few more horseshoe crab pics from the annual mating event last month on Delaware Bay. It's hard to imagine that these animals have survived for 450 billion years. That makes them ten times older than the rings of Saturn and nearly three times older than the dinosaurs. They have borne witness to all of human history, and humanity probably threatens their survival more than any other they have encountered in those billions of years. I hope we both survive for millennia and find harmony along the way.

With sadness, I report the passing of my colleague and friend, Wayne Smith. Former Head of Mission in Cuba under Presidents Carter and Reagan, he was a champion for normalizing relations between the U.S. and Cuba. The attached NY Times article gives you an idea of Wayne's dedication. Wayne, Robert Muse, Esq., Wes Tunnel, Ph.D., and I worked together -- along with Cuban and Mexican colleagues -- to create the Trinational Initiative for Marine Science and Conservation in the Gulf of Mexico and Western Caribbean. I led its first meeting in Cancun in 2007. The Initiative has elevated collaboration in research and conservation among Cuba, Mexico, and the U.S. This wouldn't have happened without Wayne's tireless efforts to push back against the George W. Bush administration's rules restricting U.S. educational activities in Cuba. I credit his leadership with the lifting of those restrictions and enduring protection of educational activities, including the fact that I was able to teach two successful Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs field courses in Cuba earlier this year. Thank you, Wayne.

Wayne S. Smith, a Leading Critic of the Embargo on Cuba, Dies at 91 A former State Department official, he resigned in protest in 1982 over Cuba policy, then spent decades trying to rebuild relations with the island nation.

Today is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my career. I have been privileged to be part of Johns Hopkins University's adjunct faculty for the past four years. Today, I have assumed a full-time position as Program Coordinator / Lecturer / Academic Advisor at Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, for the M.S. programs in Environmental Sciences & Policy / Energy, Policy & Climate. Being an educator has been a cherished thread throughout my career since the age of 19 when I began teaching at Seacamp Association, Inc. in the Florida Keys. Teaching graduate students at Hopkins -- the next generation of environmental leaders -- has been gratifying beyond words, and I look forward to fully dedicating myself to preparing them for the daunting challenges they will face. I know they're up to the task. I will continue to be an advocate for the protection and restoration of our ocean planet. I will also continue working closely with Cuban colleagues, now focusing on education. (This photo is one of two Hopkins field courses I taught in Cuba earlier this year.) My thanks to Johns Hopkins for believing in me, and my thanks to all of you for your unwavering support!

I’ve been documenting and photographing one of the most dramatic events in nature: The mating of the horseshoe crabs along Delaware Bay. Massive numbers of these prehistoric creatures come ashore to mate every May-June. A shout out to Amanda Lyons, Research & Conservation Coordinator at The Wetlands Institute for doing such important work to study and protect this remarkable species. This photo was taken last evening.

Happy Earth Day! NASA's Earth Day graphic says it all...

A golden morning in Havana today. On my way back to the States.

Not sure if I’d want a Tesla or this gorgeous creation. And I like things with fins 😀

The loss of lives from the Titan implosion is terribly tragic and I know we’re all thinking of the crew’s families. Of course I hope we can learn from this catastrophic event.

I have no firsthand knowledge nor expertise about the construction of the hull and was not part of the group that raised grave concerns in 2018. I can only speak to the subs I have piloted and how safe and confident I have felt underwater. That is because I know the people who build those subs (Nuytco Research; Nuytco Research Limited), their unwavering commitment to safety, adherence to industry safety standards, certification, exceptionally thorough pilot training, and impeccable track record. It’s also important to say that when you are sealed in a submersible you are also completely dependent on your surface crew for safe launch and recovery as well as underwater navigation and ongoing life support checks throughout your dive.

I am a believer in bringing “tourists” underwater. It’s a life-changing experience, leaving visitors with wonder and appreciation of the remarkable life that inhabits the deep. It can also help them better understand the fragility of our oceans and the need for strong stewardship. Scuba diving has yielded thousands of ambassadors for the oceans.

Submersible tourism opportunities do exist now in many different forms. While many are expensive, you needn’t be a billionaire to take such a journey and I hope such trips become more economical in the future. But none of this is possible without prioritizing safety before anything else.

Join the Ocean Doctor in his home town of Philadelphia next week at the historic Parkway Central Library. Tickets & info: https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/121937

More about the book: https://remarkablereefs.com

If you missed it on Thursday, Sophia Marencik, Ocean Doctor's Conservation Policy Intern who is the lead author of our World Oceans Day article on deep-sea mining, published by Global Americans, a leader in broadening discussion of the Americas within a global context. Please consider signing a letter to the United Nations that you can sign (with the likes of Robert Redford, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Jackson Browne and others) on the Ocean Doctor website: https://oceandoctor.org/deep-sea-mining-a-new-threat-to-the-deep/

Global Americans Article: https://theglobalamericans.org/2023/06/the-dangers-of-deep-sea-mining-in-the-clarion-clipperton-zone/

The Dangers of Deep-Sea Mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone The rush to begin deep-sea mining is unjustified and dangerous. Many of the areas targeted for mining are virtually unexplored, and the consequences of mining are unknown and unpredictable.

A great holiday gift for your ocean lover! https://amzn.to/3LboEJ8

Be a Sustainer of our work and receive a signed copy of the new book, "The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba: Hopeful Stories from the Ocean Doctor" by Dr. David E. Guggenheim. Your support will help us continue to protect and restore coral reefs; continue our 22 years of collaboration with Cuban scientists; restore the Everglades; build resilience in coastal communities; and educate the next generation of ocean stewards. Visit: https://oceandoctor.org/ways-to-donate THANK YOU!

Please join Ocean Doctor president this Wednesday afternoon (November 9th) for a virtual event at 1pm when he speaks as part of Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs' Sustainable Solutions Speakers Series as the book tour continues. The Series is presented by the Environmental Sciences and Policy (ESP) and the Energy Policy and Climate (EPC) programs at Johns Hopkins University (where he is an adjunct professor).

Reserve your spot at: https://bit.ly/3TgFBW9

For more on the book, "The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba: Hopeful Stories from the Ocean Doctor" at https://remarkablereefs.com

Please join Ocean Doctor president, Dr. David E. Guggenheim, tomorrow evening (Tuesday, November 8th) for a virtual event at 6pm when he speaks at Columbia University's Institute of Latin American Studies as the book tour continues. The event will be moderated by Dr. Margaret Crahan, Senior Research Scholar and Director, Cuba Program, Columbia University.

Register at: https://bit.ly/3E8tl5A (Zoom registration near bottom of page.) Q&A will be available. We hope to see you tomorrow!!

For more on the book, "The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba: Hopeful Stories from the Ocean Doctor" at https://remarkablereefs.com

A wonderful book launch celebration last evening. I was delighted that half of the graduate students who were in my class at Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs were there to celebrate with me! And thanks to the incredible staff at The LINE Hotel DCfor making the event such a joyful success! https://remarkablereefs.com ...David

RELEASING THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1: http://remarkablereefs.com

"Cuba’s remarkably healthy reefs offer hope to a world of corals facing extinction. Understanding why takes us on a journey through the island’s unique history – and our own."

This book brings 20+ years of research and environmental conservation work in Cuba to life through personal stories of collaboration and friendship between Cubans and Americans. With you, its readers (and with your own stories to tell) serving as ambassadors, we can spread awareness of coral reefs to thousands. Through the book's "hopeful stories" I hope you find inspiration and hope during this time of great despair for our natural world. I also hope you find my personal journey through two decades working in Cuba enlightening, fascinating, and occasionally, rather bizarre and hilarious. Please consider providing an online rating and review. This is critically important as it will help many others find the book, learn from it, and hopefully join our important cause to protect and sustain our beloved coral reefs. I hope you enjoy "The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba." Please accept my best wishes and warmest thanks. David E. Guggenheim

In recognition of World Ocean Day, please join Ocean Doctor founder and president, Dr. David E. Guggenheim, TOMORROW, Friday, June 10 at 8pm in Ellicott City, Maryland for a lecture about coral reefs followed by a free screening of the incredible documentary Chasing Coral. He will be sharing some excerpts from his forthcoming book, "The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba: Hopeful Stories from the Ocean Doctor," which includes an interview of the film’s director, friend and colleague Jeff Orlowski who has poignant words about his experiences creating this film. Enjoy free wine tasting and popcorn. The weather will be beautiful!

Movie Screening & Lecture: "Chasing Coral" - David E Guggenheim, Ph.D. In celebration of World Oceans Day, and hosted by Ellicott City’s Wine Bin, enjoy a special screening of the Sundance-winning documentary film, “Chasing Coral,” preceded by a lecture on the state of coral reefs by Dr. David E. Guggenheim, adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University, Advanced...

Just in case you're not on our mailing list, here's our Earth Day message that went out yesterday. Happy Earth Day!

https://oceandoctor.org/earth-day-1970-a-little-boy-in-big-rubber-boots/

Earth Day 1970: A Little Boy in Big Rubber Boots | Ocean Doctor | Ocean Conservation recently came upon a 20-year-old relic: The transcript of my testimony to Congress in 2000. I was making a pretty big ask of the Committee -- actually an unprecedented ask -- all the while trying to maintain my composure and accurately recite the remarks that so many of my extraordina...

We're very proud of our interns!!

Saving a Remarkable Fish Few Have Ever Seen: A Message From Our Interns | Ocean Doctor | Ocean Conservation recently came upon a 20-year-old relic: The transcript of my testimony to Congress in 2000. I was making a pretty big ask of the Committee -- actually an unprecedented ask -- all the while trying to maintain my composure and accurately recite the remarks that so many of my extraordina...

Ocean Doctor founder and president, David E. Guggenheim will be the opening speaker at the International Collaborative Project on environmental education's event, "Life Below Water." The event is hosted in Punjab, India by the Kamla Nehru Public School, a Microsoft Showcase School with an exceptionally strong environmental program. More at https://oceandoctor.org/event/13407/

KNIPSS Sultanpur

https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/how-american-embargo-impacts-environmental-conservation-cuba

Our collaborative work with Cuba on environmental economics is mentioned in this article.

How the American Embargo Impacts Environmental Conservation in Cuba Conservationists say it’s time for change

https://oceandoctor.org/the-ocean-paradox/

The Ocean Paradox at 1,052 Feet | Ocean Doctor | Ocean Conservation recently came upon a 20-year-old relic: The transcript of my testimony to Congress in 2000. I was making a pretty big ask of the Committee -- actually an unprecedented ask -- all the while trying to maintain my composure and accurately recite the remarks that so many of my extraordina...

https://oceandoctor.org/how-to-restore-the-planet-for-free/

Our Earth Day Message: HOW TO RESTORE THE PLANET FOR FREE

How to Restore the Planet for Free | Ocean Doctor | Ocean Conservation recently came upon a 20-year-old relic: The transcript of my testimony to Congress in 2000. I was making a pretty big ask of the Committee -- actually an unprecedented ask -- all the while trying to maintain my composure and accurately recite the remarks that so many of my extraordina...

Ocean Doctor updated their business hours.

A reminder: See the impressive work of my grad students at Johns Hopkins University in four exciting projects that will make a real difference for our oceans and coasts: Saving sawfish; solutions to chicken farm waste in Chesapeake Bay; green infrastructure and carbon trading in Southwest Florida; and sustainable aquaculture . See how what started as class projects are now evolving into full-fledged projects. They truly exemplify our next generation of ocean stewards.
https://oceandoctor.org/meet-the-new-ocean-doctors/

Meet the New Ocean Doctors! | Ocean Doctor | Ocean Conservation Earlier this year I was honored to become an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University, Advanced Academic Programs to author and teach its first class in Ocean Stewardship and Sustainability. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach 18 bright and enthusiastic graduate students....

https://oceandoctor.org/meet-the-new-ocean-doctors/

Meet the new Ocean Doctors! As a professor at Johns Hopkins University I am very excited to see their class projects becoming "real" projects that will make a difference for our oceans. Please consider supporting these talented students as Ocean Doctor interns.

Meet the New Ocean Doctors! | Ocean Doctor | Ocean Conservation It therefore pains me to say that over the past three years I have seen Cuban coral reefs beginning to degrade and die. Last month I led a small delegation to Cuba's Isle of Youth where we dove in Punta Frances, part of Cuba's vast network of marine protected areas covering 25 percent of its waters....

Celebrating 20 years in collaboration with Cuba. This month marks 20 years of work in collaboration with Cuba. Read about our experiences and our accomplishments and challenges there.
https://oceandoctor.org/my-20-years-in-cuba/

My 20 Years in Cuba | Ocean Doctor | Ocean Conservation It therefore pains me to say that over the past three years I have seen Cuban coral reefs beginning to degrade and die. Last month I led a small delegation to Cuba's Isle of Youth where we dove in Punta Frances, part of Cuba's vast network of marine protected areas covering 25 percent of its waters....

HAPPY WORLD PENGUIN DAY!! We just LOVE penguins! Sadly, according to BirdLife International and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, more than half of the world's 18 penguin species face the threat of extinction (classified as Near Threatened, Vulnerable and Endangered) due primarily to climate change, overfishing and, in some cases, catastrophic oil spills.

Our 25-minute documentary, "Disaster at Nightingale," was screened at film festivals around the world, documenting a little-known disaster that led to the demise of tens of thousands of endangered penguins in the middle of the South Atlantic. While most of our work at Ocean Doctor focuses on coral reefs, we are also helping support the protection of penguins through education and advocacy. Learn more: https://oceandoctor.org/disaster-at-nightingale/

Disaster at Nightingale: How Tragedy Found the World's Remotest Island Disaster at Nightingale is a film about an ecological catastrophe that few know occurred, in a place that few know exists, resulting from a global threat tha...

Join our president, Dr. David E. Guggenheim on March 10th when he speaks at Denver Botanic Gardens in an event organized by the Garden Club of Denver. We hope our friends and colleagues from the Inland Ocean Coalition, Divers, Ocean First, The Language School and many others can join us for a great and memorable evening!

Ocean Doctor at Garden Club of Denver/Denver Botanical Gardens | Ocean Doctor In an effort to link landlocked Colorado with our oceans, the Garden Club of Denver hosts Ocean Doctor president, Dr. David E. Guggenheim, at Denver Botanic