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Podcast Portugal is available to subscibe on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and Apple Podcasts.

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Justin West Justin West

Beneath the Surface: The Life and Vision of David Ochoa

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we dive deep with David Ochoa — world-renowned

spear fisherman, underwater cinematographer, and passionate advocate for marine

conservation. From the cold Atlantic waters off Portugal to the coral reefs of remote

Pacific islands, David shares what it means to truly connect with the ocean. We discuss

the ethics of underwater hunting, the art of filming beneath the waves, and how his films

bring awareness to marine ecosystems around the world. A must-listen for ocean lovers,

adventure seekers, and anyone curious about the stories that live beneath the surface.

Ochoa.pt

@davidochoapt

YouTube @david_ochoa

Spearfishing, Sustainability, and Storytelling from Portugal to the Pacific

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we dive deep with David Ochoa — world-renowned spear fisherman, underwater cinematographer, and passionate advocate for marine conservation. From the cold Atlantic waters off Portugal to the coral reefs of remote Pacific islands, David shares what it means to truly connect with the ocean.

We discuss the ethics of underwater hunting, the art of filming beneath the waves, and how his films bring awareness to marine ecosystems around the world. A must-listen for ocean lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone curious about the stories that live beneath the surface.

🎧 Topics Covered:

• How David became a spear fisherman

• Balancing hunting with respect for marine life

• Behind the scenes of his award-winning underwater documentaries

• The mental and physical demands of free-diving

• Environmental changes he’s witnessed over two decades in the water

• His views on Portugal’s marine culture and conservation efforts❓

🐠 Personal Journey

• How did your journey into spearfishing begin?

• What drew you to underwater filmmaking?

📹 Filmmaking & Storytelling

• What are the biggest challenges of filming underwater?

• How do you choose the stories you tell in your documentaries?

🌍 Ethics & Environment

• How do you reconcile the act of hunting with ocean conservation?

• What changes have you observed in marine life over your career?

🇵🇹 Portugal & the Sea

• What makes Portugal unique as a spearfishing destination?

• Do you think the Portuguese public has a strong connection to the ocean?

🧠 Mindset & Physical Demands

• What’s going through your mind when you're diving to 30+ meters on a single breath?

• How do you train for the mental and physical intensity of your work?

🔮 Looking Ahead

• What's next for you — new films, expeditions, or conservation projects?

• How can people support more sustainable interactions with the ocean?

Ochoa.pt

@davidochoapt

YouTube @david_ochoa

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