There isn't a shadow of a doiubt that James Hrynyshyn is someone to watch.
Or at least someone to read for that matter. This marine biology degree holder is also a science journalist who has covered everything from marine mammals to the Arctic Ocean. Now based in North Carolina, he continues to be involved with an international marine conservation organization and keep up his blog, The Island of Doubt, which is a blog of certainty conceived in a time of uncertainty specifically to contribute to the campaign against irrationality and hesitation.We asked James about his day-to-day task of fusing marine biology and science writing.
Your bio says you began your career at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Massachusetts, but you served as a public information officer and a science writer. Was science writing and marine biology always something you mixed since you were young?
No. It was just a lucky coincidence that the MBL was my first job. I didn’t get around to devoting myself to marine biology full-time until a decade later, when I returned to university for a degree in the subject.
What did you learn about the marine biology of the Arctic wilderness as an editor for Northern News Services?
The population dynamics of the polar bear and conservation issues surrounding the bowhead whale were frequent subjects of stories I wrote and edited there.
What is Project Seahorse? What did you do for them and why do you continue to keep close ties?
Project Seahorse is an international marine conservation organization based the University of British Columbia. I was its first full-time communications coordinator. What they’re trying to do is important: introduce systemic and holistic thinking about how to best go about preserving marine ecosystems and the community that depend on those ecosystems.
What marine biology topic do you like to write about most?
Marine mammals.
What is your favorite aspect of writing about marine biology?
Getting out in the field, something I rarely do now that I live in several hundred kilometres from the ocean.
What is the Island of Doubt and why did you chose to create your blog around this idea? How does marine biology fit in, if it does at all?
The Island of Doubt was originally conceived as a way to keep my writing skills sharp while I waited for a work permit after I relocated the U.S. Back then I was fascinated by the gap between science and much of the U.S., which continues to put faith in faith and superstition over rationalism and science. I am still fascinated by it all, but I have become convinced that climate change is a far more urgent issue, largely because of the time we have left to avoid catastrophic global warming. Among the most critical related issues is acidification of the oceans as a direct result of fossil-fuel combustion. So much of my work is now only directly related to ocean ecosystems; instead I focus the threat posed by the burning of oil, gas and coal.
Do you worry about the future of the marine world because of issues like climate change, ocean acidification, lack of marine conservation?
Absolutely.
What do you believe can help stop the growth and spread of these issues?
Legislation such as the Waxman-Markey bill is a start. But a dramatic transformation of civilization is necessary. We must do what we can at the top: shut down the coal industry; and bottom: encourage telecommuniting opportunities.
As someone who has written about marine biology, do you think you are helping to spread awareness and education of these issues that are hurting our bodies of water and marine life?
I hope so.
What kinds of things should we as the common marine enthusiast, reef aquarist, or marine conservationist be doing to stop these issues that affect our marine world?
Focus on climate change and the consumption of sustainable seafood.
For more on James Hrynyshyn, check out his official site, which showcases much of his work.
There isn't a shadow of a doiubt that James Hrynyshyn is someone to watch.
to create your blog around this idea? How does marine biology fit in, if it does at all?
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