In this episode of the Katie C. Sawyer podcast, host Katie welcomes back Chloe Mikles, a marine biologist and PhD candidate, to discuss her research on bluefin tuna and black marlin. They explore Chloe's recent adventures at Tropic Star Lodge, the importance of conservation efforts in fishing communities, and the innovative tagging programs that help scientists understand these species better. The conversation also delves into the economic impacts of fisheries management and the role of citizen science in marine research, particularly through the Great Marlin Race. In this conversation, Chloe and Katie delve into the dynamics of fishing tournaments, particularly the Great Marlin Race, and the importance of citizen science in engaging anglers. They discuss Chloe's collaboration with renowned marine artist and scientist Dr. Guy Harvey, her experiences fishing with experts, and the techniques used in tagging Black Marlin. The conversation also explores the physiological differences between Black and Blue Marlin, their behaviors, and the ongoing research in billfish conservation. In this conversation, Chloe and Katie delve into the complexities of billfish species, particularly focusing on black marlin. They discuss the challenges of understanding migration patterns and spawning locations, the innovative tagging and tracking methods being developed, and the importance of community involvement in marine research. Chloe shares insights from her research project, highlighting the need for collaboration and funding to support conservation efforts. The conversation emphasizes the excitement of exploration in marine biology and the significance of engaging the fishing community in scientific endeavors.

https://www.tagagiant.org/

Email Chloe: csmikles@stanford.edu

Instagram: @Coastal_chloe

takeaways

• Chloe is a PhD candidate studying bluefin tuna and black marlin.
• Tropic Star Lodge is a premier location for fishing and research.
• Conservation efforts are supported by local fishing communities.
• Tagging programs provide crucial data on fish migration patterns.
• Bluefin tuna research has been extensive due to their economic importance.
• Pacific bluefin tuna populations have shown signs of recovery.
• The Great Marlin Race engages anglers in scientific research.
• Citizen science is vital for gathering data on billfish.
• Fishermen's observations contribute to scientific understanding.
• Effective fisheries management is essential for sustainable fishing. The Great Maryland Race involves tournaments where the furthest fish wins.
• Citizen science enhances angler engagement and investment in fish conservation.
• Collaboration with experts like Guy Harvey enriches research efforts.
• Fishing with seasoned professionals provides invaluable learning experiences.
• Tagging efforts require collaboration among the fishing community.
• Understanding fish physiology is crucial for successful releases.
• Black Marlin exhibit different behaviors compared to Blue Marlin.
• The fight dynamics of Black Marlin can vary significantly.
• Research on billfish phylogeny is constantly evolving with new data.
• Effective conservation strategies depend on angler participation and education. Billfish species have complex migration patterns and spawning locations.
• Black marlin are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific, with limited known spawning sites.
• Tagging technology is evolving to better track billfish movements.
• Community involvement is crucial for marine research and conservation efforts.
• Understanding climate impacts, like El Nino, is vital for fish populations.
• Innovative tagging methods are being tested to improve data collection.
• Collaboration among scientists is essential for advancing marine research.
• The fishing community plays a significant role in supporting conservation initiatives.
• Research on billfish can lead to better management practices for fisheries.
• Engaging the public in marine science can foster greater awareness and support for conservation.

In this engaging conversation, Katie C. Sawyer interviews Dwight Hwang, a master of Gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing. Dwight shares the history and techniques of Gyotaku, its cultural variations, and his personal journey as an artist. He discusses the challenges he faced in pursuing his passion for art, the influence of his family, and the importance of storytelling in his work. The conversation highlights the deep connection between art, nature, and personal memories, making Gyotaku a unique and meaningful form of artistic expression. In this segment of the conversation, Dwight Hwang shares his journey from filmmaking to the art of Gyotaku, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in art and the energy that fresh fish brings to his prints. He discusses the challenges he faced during his transition, the pivotal moments that led him to embrace fish printing, and the collaborative efforts with his family in this unique art form. The conversation delves into the technical aspects of preparing fish for printing, the significance of Sumi ink and Washi paper, and the intricate techniques involved in capturing the essence of different fish species, including rare specimens like the anglerfish. In this conversation, Dwight Hwang shares his journey as an artist specializing in fish printing and human portraits. He discusses the intricate process of creating dynamic prints, the challenges of working with different subjects, and the emotional connections formed through art. Dwight also highlights the importance of family in his creative process and how his work has evolved to include powerful human stories, particularly in the context of social issues. The discussion emphasizes the therapeutic nature of art and the deep connections it fosters between the artist and the subjects.

Find Dwight's Website Here

See Dwight on Instagram Here

Find Jen:

@Jenjofoto

@jenjonesweddings

@thefotobus.co

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Katie and Jen explore the multifaceted world of photography, entrepreneurship, and the thrilling experiences of freediving. Jen shares her journey as a successful entrepreneur in the wedding photography industry, her life in Baja, and the dynamics of her relationship with her husband, Wiley, who works in the filming business. They reminisce about their serendipitous meeting in Panama and the exhilarating adventures they’ve had in the ocean, including the challenges and safety concerns of freediving. The discussion delves into the role of ego in pushing personal boundaries and the importance of listening to one's body in extreme sports. In this engaging conversation, Katie and Jen discuss their experiences with freediving and spearfishing, emphasizing the importance of safety, the mental aspects of diving, and the primal connection to the ocean. They share personal stories, highlight the significance of dive buddies, and delve into the physiological effects of hypoxia and blackouts. The discussion also touches on the meditative state achieved during dives and the thrill of hunting in blue water, creating a rich narrative about the underwater adventure. In this conversation, Jen shares her journey into free diving certification, the challenges she faced, and the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone. She discusses her entrepreneurial ventures, emphasizing the significance of pursuing passions and the growth that comes from overcoming obstacles. The dialogue highlights the connection between personal experiences in diving and the broader themes of self-discovery and resilience in entrepreneurship.

Keywords

photography, entrepreneurship, freediving, ocean, collaboration, women in business, work-life balance, Baja, spearfishing, adventure, freediving, spearfishing, safety, hypoxia, dive buddies, mental health, ocean, underwater, fishing, adventure, free diving, certification, comfort zone, entrepreneurship, personal growth, underwater photography, self-discovery, risk-taking, passion, adventure