In this episode of Life’s Tough, Explorers are Tougher, Hugues de Kerdrel joins Richard Wiese to share the story behind Mission William - a global initiative aimed at protecting whale sharks and the ecosystems they depend on.

What began as a promise to a young boy evolved into a large-scale conservation effort focused on creating safe migration corridors across the Southeast Atlantic. Hugues explains how little data exists on these animals and how his team is working with governments, scientists, and local fishing communities to build both knowledge and protection systems from the ground up.

The conversation goes beyond conservation to uncover the human cost of global fishing practices. From forced labor at sea to the impact of fish consumption on African communities, Hugues highlights the unseen consequences behind everyday choices. He also challenges common beliefs about sustainable seafood, arguing that even farmed fish contributes to environmental and economic harm.

Through personal stories and hard truths, Hugues emphasizes the need for both policy change and emotional connection to drive real impact. His journey reflects a deeper message about humility, responsibility, and the role each person plays in shaping the future of the planet.

This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales.

This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.