OCEAN HEALTH

AN INTERVIEW WITH RICH GERMAN

1. What were the main influences drawing you into the world of ocean conservation?

Honestly my main influences are the dolphins and whales. Since 2010 I have paddle boarded about 25,000 miles here in Laguna Beach, California and have had close to 2,000 encounters with many different species of dolphins and whales, including blue whales and orcas. I’ve been fortunate to create a deep love and connection with these animals and that is my main motivation for all work I do to protect the ocean.

2. You recently celebrated World Ocean Day. How did it go?

Recently I’ve been noticing a lot more trash and plastic in the ocean. It’s become clear that plastic pollution is not a problem on the other side of the world. It’s an issue right here in my backyard paradise. So to celebrate World Oceans Day, we teamed up with 12 other local nonprofit organisations and organised the Laguna Kelp Clean Up. Close to 100 ocean lovers showed up and together we collected 4 large bins of trash that was in the ocean. It was great to see our local community come together to take a stand for the ocean we all love so much.

3. You also ran an ocean cleanup project not long ago. What can you tell us about it?

Here’s a video from the clean up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoQLsWXIyIc

4. What other projects are you working on at the moment?

My nonprofit Project O has two major projects at the moment. First is the Blue City Network where we are certifying cities for following best practices when it comes to protecting the ocean and waterways. We are starting with coastal cities here in California and then will move inland and globally. The intention is to provide cities and communities the support and resources needed to be true champions of the environment.

The other main project is our podcast that I host, Our Epic Ocean. Launched at the beginning of 2021 I have now interviewed 25 of the top people on the planet working to create solutions to the challenges our ocean is facing.

5. Which facets of your work do you find most inspiring?

It can be very overwhelming when you think about all the issues our planet is facing, but it is inspiring to see so many people coming together – especially young people – to help create a better future for the ocean, the animals and for humankind.

6. What actions are you taking to achieve SDG14 goals?

Every project I am focused on is designed to help protect life living under water. I believe we are at an ‘all hands on deck’ moment in time and we need to do whatever we can to help protect the ocean and the sacred life that calls it home

7. What are the greatest learning curves you have faced in your work?

Probably the need to be patient, which is hard when scientists warn us we need to make sweeping changes soon before we hit critical tipping points. It is important to balance taking inspired actions with things like personal development, self-care and healing

8. What is your response to the connection between the health of our oceans and our own health?

Everything is connected. I believe it all begins and ends with self-care and self-love. If I take care of myself – mentally, physically and emotionally – I will treat others with more kindness. And as more people begin to do this I feel as a species we will make better decisions when it comes to protecting the planet and ocean. Ultimately, I feel it is a shift in consciousness that is required to make the changes we need to learn to live in harmony with each other and the planet.

9. What do you believe are the most important solutions we need to be focusing on for a healthier ocean?

From a practical solutions perspective, I feel some key areas are:

1. A Renewable Energy Revolution to help with carbon drawdown

2. A Food Revolution with a focus on plantbased diets

3. Better management of the ocean, including more no-take zones and dramatically less fishing

10. If you could give one message to the world about ocean conservation, what would it be?

It’s not too late, but we no longer have the luxury of time. Choose the area you want to focus on and work daily to make a difference. Start with caring for yourself and your loved ones, then your community, and let the effect ripple out into the world.