At Ocean Conservancy, we share our thoughts in news articles, videos, social media, and our website, but in podcasts? Not too often. So, I was excited to partner with the Oyster Ninja Podcast, whose host, Gardner Douglas, recently interviewed me about ocean and coastal acidification. We discussed how it harms not only oysters, crabs and other shellfish but also the small businesses and communities that depend on seafood for their jobs.

Douglas knows oysters up close. Last month, he reached 7^th place at the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championships. A native to the oyster region of Chincoteague, Virginia, Douglas got his start in shucking by learning from his dad. He’s now based just in the Washington, DC area where he continues to shuck, serve and talk oysters. After we finished recording the podcast, we checked out the local seafood scene on our capital’s wharf and I got to ask him some questions.

Gardner showed us a few shucking tricks, talked a little about his oyster roots, and obviously, we slurped some oysters while enjoying the waterfront.  And he also reminded me that November is Virginia Oyster Month, so if you’re in the area, shell-ebrate!