In this episode of REEF Roundup, we sit down with Linzi Hawkin, co-founder of Protect Blue, and explore the special combination of thoughtful strategy and human joy that is essential to being impactful in your efforts to care for the ocean.

Linzi shares her journey from running surf schools in Jersey to designing impact strategies for global NGOs. We dive deep into the dangers of "shiny" storytelling, the importance of nervous system regulation for ocean advocates, and why "water breaks" should be the first thing you seek out at the next ocean conference you attend.

Key Takeaways

Strategy & Stoke: Why ocean conservation needs both measurable impact data and the joy of connecting with the ocean to be sustainable.
Beating Burnout: Practical advice on managing overwork and climate anxiety, including "sit spots" and setting boundaries (like Linzi’s "No-Call Fridays").
Impact VS Storytelling: Why we need funding and support for "scrappier," more authentic projects that support and celebrate those in the trenches doing the work.
The "Robin Hood" Model: How Protect Blue takes high-level agency tools and makes them accessible to grassroots frontline communities.

Featured Quotes

"If you don't have time to meditate for five minutes, you need to meditate for five hours." — Linzi Hawkin
"We're almost creating this really false narrative... like we're all just swimming with manta rays every day... I want to champion and celebrate some of that behind the scenes work." — Linzi Hawkin
"Do not burn yourselves out. Be as I am - a reluctant enthusiast... a part-time crusader... Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure." — Edward Abbey (read by Linzi)

Mentioned in this Episode

Damon Gameau (Filmmaker, 2040): @damongameau
SeaTrees (Ocean regeneration project): @sea.trees

Linzi Hawkin of Protect Blue: Designing a Regenerative Ocean Culture | S4E5