Ocean Currents Radio Program

Ocean Currents sheltering in place during Covid Feb 18, 2021

Show host Jennifer Stock provides a brief update about Ocean Currents program on pause due to COVID.

The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change: Five Opportunities for Action Mar 03, 2020

While solutions and efforts to reduce carbon emissions continue to build and expand, they are primarily land based. Guest Mansi Konar of the World Resource Institute shares how the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy analyzed ocean based solutions to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the "emissions gap" while at the same time providing co-benefits for sustainable development goals.

1st half: Ocean heat waves link to whale entanglements: future management implications and 2nd half: Can Albatrosses work as defacto law enforcement on the high seas? Feb 12, 2020

1st half of show: Dr. Jarrod Santora of NOAA of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center talks about the cascading effects of a marine heatwave on whale prey, whale feeding, Dungeness crab season and whale entanglements and discusses new tools and collaborations to proactively address future marine heatwaves to minimize negative impacts to species. On the 2nd half of the show Dr. Melinda Connors, a conservation ecologist at SUNY Stony Brook discusses the amazing information bio loggers placed on albatrosses can tell us about not only their lives, but about activities on the high seas. Could they be defacto law enforcement on the high seas?

Elephant Seals of Point Reyes: A Success Story of population rebound, expansion and resilience to ocean change Jan 17, 2020

January in Point Reyes means elephant seals are on the beaches in Point Reyes. Marine mammals that spend months away from shore and sometimes in our local CA national marine sanctuaries, but as far away as Russia and Hawaii make their way back annually to pup and breed. Dr. Sarah Allen shares some updates and new science about these amazing deep divers.

Broadcast live from the E/V Nautilus:Ocean Currents reporting from afar! Jan 17, 2020

Recorded live from the E/V Nautilus, hear from marine scientists/explorers while at sea on an exploration mission of Cordell Bank and Greater Farallones national marine sanctuaries. What were they studying? finding?

Velellas ashore! and protecting the lower end of the ocean food web in CA Jan 17, 2020

Two part show, 1st half, Dr. Steven Haddock of MBARI talks about the mysterious and alien world of jellies, specifically "By the Wind Sailors" that wash ashore in mass in spring time on the west coast. 2nd half of the show, Geoff Shester of Oceana talks about protecting forage fish (sardines) in CA and whats happening with conservation and management of these commercially valuable but ocean food web valuable species.

Looking upstream for solutions to reduce marine debris and carbon emissions: Recycling 101 Feb 13, 2019

Recycling and reducing waste is a significant way to reduce the threat of marine debris and reduce carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to a warming planet.

Helping Kelp on the Northcoast of California Feb 06, 2019

With an unprecedented loss of kelp coverage on the Marin/Sonoma coast, the State Fish and Wildlife and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary worked with experts to create a plan to understand the issue more and look to ways to protect and restore this vital habitat to the best of our abilities.

Hope for People and the Ocean Dec 19, 2018

The Honorable Dr. Jane Lubchenco gave a lecture titled Hope for People and the Ocean at the SF State Estuary and Ocean Science Center in November, 2018. Listen in to hear about how policies have worked to bring overfished fisheries back and how new collaborations bring natural and social scientists together to focus on problems facing the ocean. Positively Ocean at the end focuses on how elephant seals have rebounded and how the Point Reyes National Seashore is working to protect them and humans from their presence on beaches.

More Sex in the Sea! Dec 19, 2018

Lets hear it for Sex! Its the one thing that needs to happen to sustain our ocean and Dr. Marah J Hardt tells us some wild tales from beneath the waves. Deep sea worms, argonauts and more! (biological terms, but clean language!)

Do open ocean cleanups address our growing ocean trash problem effectively and California's new straw law! Oct 10, 2018

Guests: Dr. Denise Hardesty of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and Lisa Kaas Boyle Learn about the latest research about the accumulating marine debris problem in our global ocean. Do open ocean cleanup efforts effectively address the issue? On the second half of the show, learn about the new Straw law in California.

Part one: Reef Safe Sunscreen, what you need to know! Part two: natural history intensive on local beach ecology; sandhoppers, shrinking beaches, kelp and more! Aug 17, 2018

Part one: Dr. Craig Downs of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory talks about the devastating findings about coral reef loss and the contribution of sunscreen chemicals to that loss, find out what these chemicals are and how to avoid them when protecting yourself from the sun. Part two: Marin/Sonoma beaches are among the finest in the world with beauty, ruggedness and biological diversity! Dr. Karina Nielsen of the Estuary and Ocean Science Center at SF State University shares her knowledge about what most of us don't notice on beaches.

Slowfish and hiking the California Coastal Trail Jun 20, 2018

Hear highlights from the 2018 Slowfish conference hosted by SlowFood San Francisco, bringing fishermen, buyers and chefs together to move towards "good, clean and fair fish" practices. On the 2nd half of the show hear about an amazing journey down the CA Coastal Trail with three UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science and Management graduates who took up the cause of raising awareness about the CA Coastal Trail and identifying whats needed to complete it by hiking the entire thing!

Heirs to our Oceans-youth taking on ocean awareness and conservation May 15, 2018

Meet a few of the Heirs to our Oceans who are a rising tide of young leaders who are taking on ocean conservation through education and activism.

Tomales Bay: whats going on upstream and downstream Apr 10, 2018

Terry Sawyer, co-owner of Hog Island Oyster Company, board foundation member of the Tomales Bay Watershed Council and elected board member to the Marin Resource Conservation District talks about what projects are happening to address the health of Tomales Bay. As a stakeholder and oyster farmer, the health of the bay is of utmost importance, learn about upstream conservation actions and downstream monitoring activity that are helping all stakeholders learn more about this incredible body of water that is stewarded by NOAA/Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Point Reyes National Seashore, CA State Parks and others.

The Return of Harbor Porpoise to San Francisco Bay Mar 07, 2018

Harbor porpoise disappeared from San Francisco Bay in the 1960's and 70's and in recent years have returned heartily. Biologist Bill Keener from the Golden Gate Cetacean Society talks about their return and filmmakers Jim Sugar and Jessica Sison talk about the film The Return of the Harbor Porpoise to San Francisco Bay, a award winning film that documents the history and good news story of the return of the porpoises to the once periled waters of the bay.

Sea Foraging the Northern California Coast Mar 01, 2018

Hear some salty stories about sea foraging/fishing on the Northern CA coast as written about by expert sea forager/educator/fish monger Kirk Lombard.

California Marine Protected Areas-5 years after implementation-where are we now? Nov 06, 2017

Guest Cyndi Dawson a lead policy advisor on the Marine Protected Area Network in CA to the CA Ocean Protection Council, part of the CA Natural Resources Agency talks about the status of the entire state network of MPA’s, what baseline monitoring, education/outreach, enforcement and ongoing community partnerships are doing to help better manage and plan for the best possible outcomes for improving biomass in and outside of MPAs.

Wheres all the Sand going? Jan 12, 2018

Guest Dr. Aurora Torres of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research talks about the growing crisis of sand mining. Overexploitation of global supplies of sand is damaging the environment, endangering communities, causing shortages and promoting violent conflict. Learn how an international team is looking at this issue through a systems integration approach.

Ceramacists helping seabirds (pt.1); Volunteer scientists help inventory coastal species during California coastal "bioblitz" Jun 22, 2017

Ecologists from Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge partnered with a mix of collaborators including ceramacists to help breeding seabirds that were losing habitat to erosion. On the 2nd half of the show, learn about how the California Academy of Sciences is mobilizing coastal visitors to "bioblitz" and share observations with photographs and I naturalist to track changing species ranges.

Do plastics in the ocean smell like food to ocean seabirds? May 09, 2017

"If it smells like food, and looks like food, it must be food right?" New research highlights how plastics may take on the smells of typical food that seabirds like to eat. Learn more about this recent research with marine ecologist and UC Davis graduate Dr. Matt Savoca.

Restorative 3_D Ocean Farming Mar 20, 2017

Learn about a new method for ocean farming designed to restore ocean ecosystems, mitigate climate change, and create blue-green jobs for fisherman. Bren Smith of Greenware shares how he left the field of commercial fishing to look for a sustainable model to continue to put food on people's plates.

Sex in the Sea Sep 11, 2017

Author Marah J. Hardt shares stories from her book Sex in the Sea: Our Intimate Connection with Sex- Changing Fish, Romantic Lobsters, Kinky Squid, and Other Salty Erotica of the Deep (book title)

West Coast Rockfish Conservation Areas Dec 19, 2016

The Pacific Fisheries Management Council instituted Rockfish Conservation Areas in 2002 in response to several species of valuable rockfish being designated "overfished." Learn about what they are, and what has changed in 14 years since the closure went into effect and what the future may hold for these long lived and tasty fish.

The Vital Role of Krill in our World Ocean Nov 23, 2016

Krill are a keystone species, many animals in the food web depend on the success of this critical prey item. Jeff Dorman of the Farallon Institute talks what research and modeling tells us about the dynamics of krill. Some natural history, some research and regional conservation initiatives are discussed.

Blue Carbon: Why restoring coastal wetlands can help combat climate change Oct 05, 2016

While efforts move forward to figure out ways to reduce global greenhouse gases and carbon emissions, efforts are also moving forward to figure out ways to sequester carbon. All along we've known marshes and coastal wetlands were good for habitat and fisheries and storm buffering and carbon storage, but the amount these blue/green edges can pull carbon out of the atmosphere, store it and provide a multitude of ecosystem services is a win win for the environment. Learn about how agencies and organizations are working to advance restoration of wetlands through local and national efforts.

Seamount protections proposed and explorations in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries Aug 08, 2016

California Seamount Coalition director, Samantha Murray shares the latest campaign to add protections to significant seafloor features off the California coast. Also, in later August the E/V Nautilus will be exploring in the Greater Farallones NMS deploying its deep sea ROV's in deep sea coral habitats and shipwreck regions. Learn how everyone can explore real time via telepresence. Also learn about some coastal maritime archeology efforts happening along the Sonoma coast at Fort Ross Historic Park.

Greater Farallones Sanctuary Update Aug 08, 2016

A short update from Greater Farallones NMS about the current scoping period regarding Coast Guard discharge exemptions from sanctuary regulations. Also an update on whale entanglements and harbor seal pupping season.

Restoring White Abalone: from the lab back to the wild May 02, 2016

White abalone were once prolific in southern CA waters, but over harvesting, reproductive failure and infections have diminished this species to become the first invertebrate to make the endangered species list. NOAA has been working on a restoration action plan that includes culturing individuals in aquaculture laboratories. Meet Melissa Neuman of NOAA and Kristin Aquilino of UC Davis Bodega Marine Lab to hear the latest.

Management of the High Seas Mar 14, 2016

Dr. David Freestone shares information about the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea and how international waters are managed. Learn about the Sargasso Sea Commission that is advancing intentions of the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea towards international collaboration for conservation.

Nasty Neurtoxins Feb 01, 2016

Hear an update on the widespread harmful algal bloom that started in the Pacific in 2015, where is at now? What have the impacts of the lack of Dungeness crab season been for Bodega Bay Fishing families? On the 2nd half we learn about toxic fog. Recent studies show low levels of mercury in fog. What are the implications and where does it come from?

Plastic in our seafood; Keeping plastic off the streets, meet the Litterati! Guests: 1st Half: Dr. Chelsea Rochman; 2nd Half: Jeff Kirschner/Litterati Jan 25, 2016

New studies sampling fish in markets in CA and Indonesia reveal plastic fibers in the guts of fish. What does this mean? Should consumers be worried? Dr. Rochman discusses the findings and situation at hand. On the 2nd half, Jeff Kirschner of Litterati tells us the vision behind Litterati, how it works and what its meant to do to help clean up litter and keep it off the ground.

Shipwrecks off the Golden Gate and Sharktober 2015 Nov 02, 2015

Dr. Jim Delgado of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Maritime Heritage program talks about some significant findings in the "graveyard off the Golden Gate" and white sharks have returned to the "red triangle" between Ano Nuevo, Farallon Islands and Tomales Point with lots of sightings near the coast. David McGuire of Shark Stewards shares an update.

What may El Nino bring to CA 2015/2016 Oct 27, 2015

The west coast of the US has been in severe drought and is tracking the promise of rain that El Nino may bring to the western states during winter 2015/2016.

Blue Mind Aug 11, 2015

What does science tell us about how the ocean affects us physically and cognitively. Authors Wallace J. Nichols, Author of Blue Mind: The Surprising Science that Shows How Being Near, In, On or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do; and James Nestor, Author of Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us about Ourselves

2 part show: Free Beaches on Sonoma Coast at risk and microbeads in the ocean, turning the tide Jul 08, 2015

On the first half, Cea Higgins of Sonoma Coast Surfrider talks about the proposal by the state of CA to install fee collections stations at currently free Sonoma Coast beaches. On the 2nd half of the show Lisa Boyle of 5 Gyres Institute discusses 5 Gyres Institute's most recent work discovering microbeads mighty impact on the ocean and efforts to ban the bead.

Paleooceonography studies reveals historic ocean conditions that we may be headed towards Jul 08, 2015

Dr. Sarah Moffitt discusses the research she conducted that looks at past climate events through ocean floor core samples to better understand what is currently happening in the modern climate system.

Impacts of Desalination Plants on coastal ocean habitats Apr 14, 2015

While CA faces the worst drought on record, cities throughout the state are considering desalination plants to produce some water. What projects are in the works in CA? What are the impacts on the ocean environment?

Drift Gillnet Fishery in Southern CA Mar 25, 2015

Guest Doug Karpa of the Turtle Island Restoration Network (seaturtles.org) shares what the latest issues are with the CA Drift Gillnet Fishery particularly focused in Southern California. What are drift gill nets and how and when have they been used in California waters, phased out in many areas due to the extreme by catch, they are still active in southern CA targeting swordfish. Learn the latest here.

The Human Shore: Seacoasts in History Feb 03, 2015

Guest John R Gillis, professor emeritus at Rutgers University, "bi-coastal" author discusses the many ways we have viewed the coast / shoreline in history. This significant feature on our planet has affected civilization and is in jeopardy.

Updates from the Pacific (Seabirds starving, expansion of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, and update on seastar wasting disease) Dec 10, 2014

Some speed interviews highlighting various topics: Seabird Die off on the West Coast of the US, the creation of the largest marine protected area in the world in the Pacific Ocean, and an update on seastar wasting disease. (Guests: Russ Bradley, Point Blue Conservation Science, Lance Morgan, Marine Conservation Institute, and Pete Raimondi, UC Santa Cruz)

Whats does the future hold for Abalone in CA? Nov 20, 2014

Sonoma Coast resident and avid abalone diver talks about the history and pressures on abalone in CA.

Ocean Wonders Ocean Wellness Oct 09, 2014

Ocean Wonders Ocean Wellness is an installation at the Bolinas Museum in West Marin, CA. This show provides an overview of the exhibit and we talk with artists Chris Jordan and Isabella Kirkland who have works in the show.

Disentangling whales in CA and summer 2014 offshore research highlights Sep 03, 2014

The Whale Entanglement Team (W.E.T) is authorized by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries service to disentangle whales. Guest Pieter Folkens talks about how its done. 2nd half of show shares highlights from the July sanctuary research collaboration Applied California Current Ecosystem Studies effort in the Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries.

Exploring the ocean by freediving and a summer 2014 update on El Nino Sep 03, 2014

Learn about the fascinating science behind free diving and how divers can stay underwater for minutes at a time. Discover the benefits to free diving and varying levels of the recreational and competitive sport. Towards the end of the show we learn about the progression of El Nino for the later part of 2014 months.

California Coastal National Monument May 29, 2014

The coast of California has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. The rocks and islands along the coast have a special designation and level of protection by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)'s California Coastal National Monument . This episode focuses on the history, ecology, value, and recent additions to the CA Coastal National Monument.

Fukushima fallout in California? Apr 10, 2014

3 years after the tragic earthquake in Japan and following meltdown of the Fukushima Daiici Nuclear Power plant scientists and the public are curious as to how this is reaching the west coast of the United States. Kelpwatch 2014 is a campaign to determine the uptake of radiation in kelp up and down the west coast of the US.

Monitoring Marin's MPA's, Sea Star Wasting Event, San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival Mar 07, 2014

3 topics: Amy Trainer of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin talks about the efforts to monitor the usage/compliance with the state marine protected areas that went into place. Dr. Pete Raimondi talks about the sea star wasting event happening on the entire western seaboard, and 2014's San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival highlights

Diving Cordell Bank Mar 07, 2014

Tune in to hear about the Bay Area Underwater Explorers as they planned and executed a successful technical diving mission on Cordell Bank in October 2013. Cordell Bank is a rocky reef about 20 miles west of Point Reyes and its shallowest peak at 115 feet. Surrounded by strong currents and deep depths, Cordell Bank is typically not a SCUBA diving destination, but for this strong group of technical divers, it was truly an accomplishment with the thrill of witnessing unmatched beauty and abundance elsewhere.

New Seamount Protections on the way? Explorations happening in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Aug 08, 2016

A new proposal was initiated to protect seamounts and other significant seafloor features in California and throughout the EEZ. The California Seamount Coalition Director Samantha Murray shares the latest. The E/V Nautilus, a ship equipped with remotely operated vehicles that go deep and conduct telepresence is visiting the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary in later August. Learn about the upcoming explorations, how to explore real time with scientists and about coastal maritime archeology explorations

The Ocean and the Arts Nov 05, 2013

The arts influence us in a multitude of ways. The arts have certainly expanded our understanding, appreciation, and awareness and knowledge about the ocean. I talk with 4 artists who have helped advance our understanding of the ocean through their work. Guests: Jim Toomey, Larry Graff, Cleo Vilett, Jodi Lomask

Surviving the Shark: How a Brutal Great White Attack Turned a Surfer into a Dedicated Defender of Sharks Oct 22, 2013

Jonathan Kathrein was just 16 at the time he endured a white shark attack at Stinson Beach, CA in 1998. The experience changed his life forever and he has become a passionate shark conservation spokesperson.

White Sharks around Point Reyes, CA Oct 22, 2013

Scot Anderson, shark researcher and Ron Elliot, former urchin diver/recreational shark watcher talk about the white sharks around Point Reyes and the Farallon Islands. What are the researchers looking at and hear Ron's amazing stories of diving regularly with white sharks.

Discussion with Liz Cunningham, author of upcoming book Ocean Country and latest ocean update from Jaime Jahnke Aug 07, 2013

Hear passages and an overview of author Liz Cunningham's upcoming book Ocean Country. Liz travels to Indonesia, the Mediterranean, the CA Coast, the Turks and Caicos and more to discover how ocean conservation challenges are affecting real people and places right now. At the end of the show, we get an ocean update from Jaime Jahnke, Point Blue Conservation Science about the highlights from the latest Applied CA Current Ecosystem Studies (ACCESS) cruise.

Whale fall communities on the seafloor-how does nature recycle something as large as a dead whale? Jul 19, 2013

When a whale dies and falls to the seafloor a fascinating community of animals take over in the deep sea. Shannon Johnson, a research technician at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute describes the process and how scientists are studying these unique opportunistic communities.

What you've been longing to know about the ocean! 55 student questions and 55 expert answers from Oceanshore School, Pacifica. May 06, 2013

Students from OceanShore School in Pacifica, CA have been getting ready for an in depth study of the ocean for Oceans Week. Listen to students from grades K-8 ask their questions about the ocean and listen to experts' answers as we all learn something new and ponder the incredible amount of knowledge we've gained about the ocean by asking questions!

Saving the Sonoma Mendocino Coast from Oil and Gas Exploration Apr 02, 2013

Rachel Binah, environmental, community, political activist who led the fight against oil rigs on the north coast of CA in 1988 with Lease Sale 91 and won in the short term. Hear the story and how to stay involved on this issue

Lights, Camera, Ocean! Highlights from the San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival 2013 Mar 06, 2013

Hear about the 10th annual San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival and hear from filmmakers with films showing at the festival

Sanctuary Expansion; First Scoping meeting and Elephant Seal season 2013 Feb 05, 2013

Listen to the introductory presentations at the Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Expansion Scoping meeting. Presentations were given by sanctuary superintendents Dan Howard, Maria Brown, former Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, Tom Roth, and Sonoma County Supervisor Efren Carrillo. The 2nd half of the show interviews Dr. Sarah Allen about the 2012/2013 Elephant Seal breeding season at the Point Reyes National Seashore

Marine Protected Areas, Sanctuary Expansion, and Remembering Rich Stallcup Jan 16, 2013

Guests: Lauren Wenzel-National Marine Protected Areas Center, Dan Howard, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Shannon Lyday, Hawaii Pacific University We cover some terminology used frequently in talking about marine protected areas, and discuss the recent announcement of the expansion process for Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, and finally we remember Rich Stallcup who gave countless hours of time, knowledge, and dedication to the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank sanctuaries.

Tiny and Mighty!: Phytoplankton Dec 13, 2012

How do the tiniest living things in the ocean dominate the food web and ocean processes? Learn about the many complexities of phytoplankton and find out how important it is not only to the ocean food web, but to us humans. Guest: Dr. William Cochlan- biological oceanographer

Shipstrikes and whales Dec 13, 2012

California's ports that are busy with large ship traffic also overlap with some of the most important feeding areas for large whales, whales have found dead as a result from getting struck by these ships, find out what conservation groups, science groups, industry, and agencies like NOAA are doing to work together to reduce the impact on these endangered species.

State of Marine Debris in CA, 2012 Nov 07, 2012

Hear Eben Schwartz from the CA Coastal Commission talk about the status of marine debris and coastal pollution reduction efforts in California

The Ocean Inside Jul 18, 2012

The Ocean Inside: An adventure afilm and art project exploring the deeper side of the ocean found in everyone.

Farallon Island update and Bluemind Symposium May 10, 2012

Hear how the 2012 spring season is shaping up out on the Farallon islands and about the oceanographic conditions that dictate what wildlife will be breeding and feeding in the coming months. Also, hear about the Bluemind Symposium and how the Leatherback Sea Turtle may become the State of California's official marine reptile.

Ocean Leadership Apr 03, 2012

What will it take to raise the awareness of the ocean amongst our legislators and voters? Hear Daniel J. Basta, director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, NOAA, and Mike Dunmyer, Executive Director of Ocean Champions share their ideas about this issue.

Tsunamis and the aftermath of marine debris Mar 12, 2012

Learn from NOAA Tsunami expert Dr. Vasily Titov, from NOAA's Center for Tsunami Research about the natural phenomena of tsunamis, as we remember the tragic March, 2011 tsunami that impacted the coast of Japan. We also focus on the aftermath of debris that entered the ocean after the tsunami and discuss how it is traveling and how the North Pacific Gyre system is moving debris across and around the Pacific.

Dr. Jim Delgado-Maritime Heritage: A Cultural Landscape Feb 08, 2012

Dr. Jim Delgado, Director of NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuary's Maritime Heritage Program talks about the various shipwrecks, cultural landscapes and stories that have shaped our society as we know today. How does the past, shape our future?

Meet Barbara Emley, San Francisco fisherman Dec 15, 2011

I talked with Barbara Emley, a San Francisco based fisherman (yes fisherman!) who fishes Salmon and Dungeness crab with her husband Larry. We cover many aspects of fishing policies, issues, the livelihood, and her most recent efforts to establish a San Francisco Fishermans coop.

Abalone on the Sonoma Coast Nov 09, 2011

Laura-Rogers Bennett, Senior Biologist Specialist with the California Department of Fish and Game and UC Davis Wildlife Health Center talks about the highly prized abalone snail and the impact of a late summer "Red Tide" that resulted in a huge die off and early recreational abalone fishery closure.

Pathstar program and Sooty Shearwaters Nov 09, 2011

The first half of the show highlights the Pathstar program, a program that SF doctor Nancy Iverson started to help the native american Lakota tribe in Pine Ridge South Dakota, where participants come to San Francisco and complete a transformative swim in SF Bay from Alcatraz to shore, amongst several other educative activities. The 2nd half of the show I talk with Josh Adams, seabird ecologist with the Western Ecological Research Center, USGS. Josh talks about the incredible lifestyle of Sooty Shearwaters, their natural history and hotspots in the CA Current for them.

Part One-Indigenous Cultures and Ocean Resource Management-a workshop in American Samoa Sep 23, 2011

In July, 2010 several experts spoke at a special workshop convening educators, scientists, policy makers and the public in American Samoa highlighting the involvement of indigenous cultures with management and responsible use of ocean resources. This show highlights a few of the speakers at the workshop and is in two parts. Part one of two.

Part Two-Indigenous Cultures and Ocean Resource Management-a workshop in American Samoa Sep 23, 2011

In July, 2010 several experts spoke at a special workshop convening educators, scientists, policy makers and the public in American Samoa highlighting the involvement of indigenous cultures with management and responsible use of ocean resources. This show highlights a few of the speakers at the workshop and is in two parts. Part two of two.

"Flotsametrics" what we can learn by tracking currents via shoreline debris? Aug 03, 2011

Dr. Curt Ebbesmeyer-retired oceanographer, professional beachcomber Curt has studied oceanographic currents his entire life. In the 1990s Curt founded the Beachcombers Network to connect some types of marine debris that washed up on shore with its sources. Every piece of debris has a human story, some more interesting than others. Curt's book, Flotsametrics and the Floating World describes the entire story and how science has advanced by tracking items like Nike Shoes and Rubber Duckies and their dispersal from container spills at sea.

How does the ocean affect weather? Jun 10, 2011

David Reynolds, chief meteorologist of NOAA's National Weather Service forecast office in Monterey, CA talks about various ocean conditions and how they impact our weather. He also addresses how climate change may impact our weather on the coast of CA.

Ocean Noise Jun 03, 2011

Michael Stocker of Ocean Conservation Research, talks about the latest in underwater noise, especially associated with oil exploration and drilling.

Ocean Conditions, Summer, 2010 Oct 08, 2010

The spring and summer months of 2010 were incredibly productive for migratory and local wildlife in the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries and all along the west coast of CA. Hear from Dr. Jaime Jahnke of PRBO Conservation Science about the observations made during the collaborative Applied CA Current Ecosystem Studies Program (ACCESS). On the second half of the show, hear from David McGuire from Sea Stewards as he talks about Sharktober Fest, a series of events and programs geared to increase awareness and appreciation for sharks. Scott Tye from Marin Surfrider Foundation closes the show highlighting water quality issues and events Marin Surfrider is hosting in October.

Climate Change Impacts Jul 07, 2010

Hear about the expected climate change impacts that our coastal and ocean ecosystem in Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries may expect. What do we know now? What do decision makers need to do to prepare? What can we do?

White Sharks off the Marin Coast Jun 21, 2010

Scot Anderson has been actively participating in white shark research at the Farallon islands and off the coast of Point Reyes. Hear about how a once feared animal, is now a species of concern.

Watershed Education at West Marin School Jun 21, 2010

Meet the leaders and students of a Bay Watershed Education and Training Program (BWET) program happening amongst the wilds of West Marin. Hear students talk about their experiences out and about,learning about the coastal ecosystem.

Wave Energy Apr 06, 2010

Wave Energy in California: Can the ocean generate a sustainable source of energy for us? Learn about the local wave energy project on the Sonoma Coast and other projects that are being planned for in CA. Hear about the types of technology and what environmental impacts could exist.

Post Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Mar 02, 2010

Guest: Riki Ott, Marine Biologist/Author of Not One Drop: Betrayal and Courage in the Wake of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. In 1989 the landscape and coastal communities of Alaska/Prince William Sound and beyond changed forever following the Exxon Valdex Oil Spill. What happened? How did this effect the communities along the coast? Why did the litigation process take 20 years and the compensation only pay 10 cents on the dollar for the losses?

West Coast Ecosystem Based Management Feb 02, 2010

West Coast Regional Director for the National Marine Sanctuary Program Bill Douros shares insight into how resource managers plan for multiple uses in a productive ecosystem like we have here on the west coast, a concept known as marine spatial planning, while keeping in mind the connections between land and sea and broad ecosystem connectivity.

Whats happening on the coast? Jan 07, 2010

Hear about the rocky intertidal docent program with the California Academy of Sciences and the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and find out how you can get involved in helping to educate tidepool visitors about minimizing impacts and hear about the winter Coho Salmon spawning events in the Lagunitas watershed in Marin County, California

National Marine Sanctuaries around the United States Jan 06, 2010

Learn about 3 different types of National Marine Sanctuaries in NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program. Learn about the USS Monitor, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale, and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuaries from the east coast to the Pacific Ocean. Learn about the history of the establishment of this National program.

Studying environmental change with deep water corals Nov 03, 2009

Deep-sea corals can live for hundreds of years, but have laid mostly undiscovered. Learn how and where these corals are found and how scientists are using them to understand our climate history on our planet. You may be surprised to find out where these corals are found!

Loggerhead Turtle Conservation work and Building Ocean Stewards Globally Nov 03, 2009

Ocean Revolutionary J. Nichols talks about his collaborative science and conservation work with Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Mexico and his education, inspiration, conservation work that he continues to build on nationally and internationally with communities everywhere. J is a co-founder of Ocean Revolution, an organization that works to build youth stewards internationally for the ocean.

Highlights from the National Marine Educators Association Conference: Marine Debris, Ocean Literacy, and Surfing! Jul 07, 2009

This show is a compilation of interviews from presenters at the annual National Marine Educators Association Conference in Monterey, CA. The show starts with an overview of NOAA's marine debris program, a live interview with staff from Algalita Marine Research Foundation, and moves towards ocean literacy with an interview with Craig Strang and Dr. Felicia Moore, and ending up with an overview of surfing at the infamous Mavericks, with filmmaker/surfer Grant Washburn.

Cordell Expeditions: The early explorations of Cordell Bank Jun 01, 2009

This intrepid group of divers dove SCUBA on Cordell Bank in the late 1970's and early 80's. Their explorations were instrumental in the designation of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary in 1989. 2009 is the 20th anniversary of the sanctuary's designation. The founder and leader of the expeditions talks about the very beginning and how this expedition to Cordell Bank started.

Dan Bortolloti: Author of Wild Blue: A Natural History of the World's Largest Animal Jun 01, 2009

Dan writes about the historical whaling era where blue whales were nearly written off of the planet, then delves into their survival, their natural history, and what scientists have learned to help aid in their conservation and understand the wildness of this recovering species. Tune in to listen to Dan talk about this mysterious mammal.

Jaime Jahncke, PRBO Conservation Science and Lisa Etherington, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary May 20, 2009

Monitoring oceanographic conditions in the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. In 2009, PRBO and Cordell Bank NMS wil lbe collaborating to monitor ocean conditions in the national marine sanctuaries off the central CA coast. Find out more here.

Dr. John Hildebrand-Ambient Noise in the Ocean Mar 05, 2009

Human generated noise in the ocean has increased steadily in the last few decades. Scientist John Hildebrand talks about how animals use sound and how the increase in sound is another form of pollution that can threaten marine life.

Dr. Liz Alter-Studying historic Gray Whale populations Feb 10, 2009

Have Gray whales returned to their historic population numbers? Evidence from a genetic study indicates that Gray Whales were historically in numbers 5x as abundant than what we today consider a recovered population. Find out what this evidence indicates in regards to our changing ocean.

Roz Savage Rows the Pacific Jan 07, 2009

Roz Savage has completed the first part of her 3 phase mission.... to cross the Pacific Ocean in her rowboat. In September, 2008, Roz made it to Hawaii all the way from San Francisco. Tune in to hear about Roz's journey, the message she is trying to generate through her expedition, and where she's headed next.

Leatherbacks in the Pacific Jan 08, 2009

The leatherback sea turtle has been on our planet for 70 million years, has survived huge changes on the planet, yet has met its worst enemy, us. In the past 30 years leatherbacks have plummeted to 95% of their original estimated population numbers. Hear from NOAA biologist Scott Benson who studies Leatherbacks and their large and small scale movements and Mike Milne from the Sea Turtle Restoration Project who is working to try to help protect turtles.

Ocean Literacy-What do citizens need to know about the ocean? Nov 10, 2008

Guests: Rita Bell, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Meghan Marrero, US Satellite Lab.
If over 70% of our planet is covered in ocean, why is it barely covered in the K-12 curriculum in the US? An ocean literate person is defined as one who clearly understands the influence the ocean has on you, and your influence on the ocean. Find out what these leading educators have to say about this important ocean conservation topic.

Ed Ueber-former Superintendent of Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Aug 05, 2008

Guest Ed Ueber, former superintendent of Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Ed has recently retired from a formidable career attached to the sea, and will share his perspectives and stories from his hard working career. What do some of his colleagues have to say? Tune in to hear from them as well.

Historic Ecology:Looking at the past to learn about the future. Aug 05, 2008

Guests: Hugo Selbie, CA Sea Grant Fellow, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Catherine Marzin, Historical Ecology Program Manager, National Marine Sanctuary Program. How do we learn about our historic ecosystem health before we started collecting data? Learn how historical ecologists are probing into historic documents to learn about behavior modifications, shifting baselines, shifts in oceanographic productivity and more.

Randall Arauz-PRETOMA Jun 03, 2008

Randall Arauz is a Costa Rican biologist with Programa Restauracion de Tortugas Marinas (PRETOMA), a Costa Rican non-profit which is a marine conservation and research organization working to protect ocean resources and promote sustainable fisheries policies in Costa Rica and Central America. Randall works in partnership with the Sea Turtle Restoration Network based out of West Marin, CA. Randall will discuss leatherback turtle conservation efforts and behind the scenes of shark finning.

David Mattila-Humpback Whales in the North Pacific May 07, 2008

Dave Mattila is the science and rescue coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary where endangered humpback whales come every winter to breed, calve, and nurse in the shallow warm waters around the islands. Dave is a specialist in whale disentanglement from marine debris and conducts research on Humpback whales with a collaborative of scientists in the Pacific ocean. The study titled SPLASH, (Structure of Populations, Levels of Abundance, and Status of Humpbacks) is an international effort to understand the population structure of humpback whales across the Pacific. Hear about the study and stories from the field of disentangling whales

Dr. Milton Love May 01, 2008

Milton Love is the author of Probably More Than you Want to Know About the Fishes of the Pacific Coast, and co-author of The Rockfishes of the Northeast Pacific. Dr. Love conducts research around oil platforms to see how the platforms provide habitat for rockfish compared to natural habitats. From fish parasites, to fish diversity around oil platforms, this is sure to be a lively conversation you don't want to miss.

Seafood Watch: Sheila Bowman, Monterey Bay Aquarium May 01, 2008

Seafood Watch: When you buy seafood, do you know where or how it's been caught? How can you make responsible seafood purchases that support sustainable fisheries. Hear from Sheila Bowman, Outreach Manager for the Seafood Watch program run out of the Monterey Bay Aquarium about find out how consumers have a role in being advocates for environmentally friendly seafood.

Peter White: History of the Farallon Islands May 01, 2008

Peter White, author of The Farallon Islands: Sentinels of the Golden Gate, talks about the vibrant history of the Farallons 26 miles west of the Golden Gate bridge. Hear about Spanish galleons, the egging days of the Gold Rush, shipwrecks, lighthouse keepers. What lessons can the past pave for the future?

Part 2: California Marine Life Protection Act Update May 01, 2008

Part 2/2: Hear from Melissa Miller-Henson, Program Manager of the MLPA, Stakeholder Group representatives, Irina Kogan, Resource Protection Specialist with Gulf of the Farallones NMS, Fred Smith with the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, and Tom Baty, local subsistence fisherman. Learn about how the CA Marine Life Protection Act came to be, how its being carried out, how the stakeholder group has been working with other groups to create draft proposals, and how you can learn more about the process.

Part 1: California Marine Life Protection Act Update May 01, 2008

Part 1/2: Hear from Melissa Miller-Henson, Program Manager of the MLPA, Stakeholder Group representatives, Irina Kogan, Resource Protection Specialist with Gulf of the Farallones NMS, Fred Smith with the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, and Tom Baty, local subsistence fisherman. Learn about how the CA Marine Life Protection Act came to be, how its being carried out, how the stakeholder group has been working with other groups to create draft proposals, and how you can learn more about the process.

Captain Charles Moore talks about plastic in the Pacific Gyre May 01, 2008

Captain Charles Moore of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation reports on his September 2007 voyage across the Pacific Ocean through the Pacific Gyre and the changes he saw this year from years past.

Sanctuary Expansion Bill update May 01, 2008

Richard Charter talks about the Sanctuary Expansion Bill and the next steps involved to extend Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries north. This is in reference to Representative Lynn Woolsey's Sanctuary Expansion Bill HR 1187.

Who Glows There?-Dr. Steven Haddock of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute talks about Bioluminescence May 01, 2008

Find out about ocean organisms that glow in the dark. How do they do it? What is bioluminescence? fluorescence? What are researchers learning about this exciting phenomenon that happens not only in the deep sea, but in the surface waters and even on land.

Tom Kendrick-Author of Blue Water Goldrush , former sea urchin commercial diver and surfer May 01, 2008

Tom Kendrick talks about his book Blue Water Goldrush-The Odyssey of a Commercial Sea Urchin Diver.Tom is a former commercial sea urchin diver and shares tales from diving from the beginning of the CA sea urchin fishery, through its changes and his life changes. Initially in search of good surf spots, Tom's life took a quick turn. He takes us from the Channel Islands to the North Coast of Mendocino and the Farallon Islands on the show.

Part 2: Behind the Scenes Research at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary May 01, 2008

Part 2/2-Hear from biologists aboard the R/V Fulmar as they conduct surveys on the surface waters of Cordell Bank NMS looking for seabirds and marine mammals in the sanctuary.

Part 1: Behind the Scenes Research at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary May 01, 2008

Part 1/2- Listen in behind the scenes as researchers explore the soft bottom habitats of Cordell Bank National Marine Sancutary with a camera sled off the R/V Fulmar. This is part one of two.

Ray Bandar, " A Life with Skulls" and filmmaker Beth Cataldo May 01, 2008

Ray "Bones" Bandar has been collecting skulls for over 50 years. Beth Cataldo, filmmaker captures Ray's unique enthusiasm for dead things in her latest film A Life with Skulls. Hear from Beth about her capturing Ray's hobby on film and stories from Ray about collecting skulls from dead animals all over the world, but most locally on the shoreline of California.

Roz Savage-open ocean rower and Jim Farley from the Marin County Fair Apr 30, 2008

Following her successful crossing of the Atlantic ocean in 2006, Roz Savage is bidding to be the first woman ever to row solo across the Pacific Ocean. Her 3-stage row launches from San Francisco in Summer 2007. Hear about her Atlantic crossing and her goals for the Pacific crossing in 2007. Later in the show, hear from Jim Farley about the Marin County Fair and the Aquatic Adventures theme that highlights the watershed and waters of Marin County.

Reverend Deborah Streeter, leader of Upwellings Ministry and Associate Film Producer David McGuire Apr 30, 2008

The Living Ocean Initiative, was launched by Reverend Deborah Streeter, leader of "Upwellings" an environmental ministry. Deborah discusses the initiative and outcomes of the recent retreat held in Monterey that brought together scientists, clergy, and congregants to unite in discussion.
Then on the second half of the show, hear about a new film, Sharks: Stewards of the Reef, an educational film that explores the relationship between sharks to the oceans and coral reef ecosystems with guest Associate Producer David McGuire.

Dr. Tierney Thys-Marine Biologist/Filmmaker: Everything you wanted to know about the ocean sunfish (Mola mola) Apr 30, 2008

Love those Molas! also known as ocean sunfish! There are too many cool things to list about the oddly beloved ocean sunfish that frequent our sanctuary waters here in CA. They can reach lengths of 10 feet and up to 5000 lbs, eating jellyfish! This makes them the world's heaviest bony fish! Tune in to hear from National Geographic Emerging Explorer Dr. Tierney Thys to learn more about the mola and the latest of her research.

Author Lynne Cox - Open Water Swimmer Apr 30, 2008

Lynne shares her stories and experiences from her long distance open water swimming experiences, including swims in the Bering Sea and Antarctica! Lynne is an open water/long distance swimmer and shares stories and tales from her book: Swimming to Antarctica, and most recently published in 2006, Grayson.

Dr. John Largier, Oceanographer with University of California, Bodega Marine Lab Apr 30, 2008

The winds of spring are the drivers of our productive food web here on the California coast. Jennifer talks with Dr. John Largier, an Oceanographer with University of California, Bodega Marine Lab about the unseen forces that shape the marine ecosystem and weather on our coast. Learn about the new oceanographic buoy being installed at Cordell Bank.

Exploring Davidson Seamount off of Monterey, California Apr 30, 2008

Jennifer Stock talks with Andrew DeVogelaere Ph. D. of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about the recent explorations taking place on Davidson Seamount off the Big Sur Coast. Also, hear about the upcoming Cordell Bank Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting and the guest speakers that will be presenting on the Sanctuary expansion bill and supporting west Marin and West Sonoma Heritage fishing communities.

Dive into Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival Apr 30, 2008

Put on your SCUBA gear, we're going diving, into the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Texas. 2007 marks the 15th anniversary of the northernmost coral reefs in the US. Perched atop salt domes 100 miles offshore of Texas, the Flower Gardens maintain an amazing array of healthy coral reefs, visited by sea turtles, whale sharks, and manta rays. Towards the end of the show, we'll be talking with the founder of the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival for an overview of the upcoming ocean film event.

Elephant Seals at Point Reyes National Seashore Apr 30, 2008

Dr. Sarah Allen from Point Reyes National Seashore talks about the elephant seal breeding season in full action at Point Reyes National Seashore. Hear about their survival from being nearly extinct to their booming growth rates and their unique adaptations to living in the marine environment.

Management Plan Review for Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Apr 30, 2008

Guests: Dan Howard and Maria Brown, Sanctuary Superintendents from Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries in California, discuss the draft Joint Management Plan while its open for public comment in 2006.

Historic Ecology: Looking at the past to learn about the future. Jul 08, 2008

How do we learn about our historic ecosystem health before we started collecting data? Learn how historical ecologists are probing into historic documents to learn about behavior modifications, shifting baselines, shifts in oceanographic productivity and more. Guests: Hugo Selbie, CA Sea Grant Fellow, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
and Catherine Marzin, Historical Ecology Program Manager, National Marine Sanctuary Program

Plastics Are Forever Apr 10, 2008

Guest: Charles Moore of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation talked about the alarming rate of plastics in the ocean. Plastic in the ocean may be one of the most alarming of today's environmental stories. Plastic, like diamonds, are forever! Because plastics do NOT biodegrade, no naturally occurring organisms can break these polymers down.

Introducing the new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Apr 30, 2008

Aloha! Guest Andy Collins from the newly designated Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument talks about some of the healthiest and most extensive coral reef habitats in the world, and the small atolls and islets that they surround. Claire Johnson from NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary program also called in to highlight the recent research cruise she returned from. * note first two minutes got cut off from original recording.

Minke Whales Apr 10, 2008

Guest: John Stern, co-founder of the Northeast Pacific Minke Whale Project, talked about Minke whales in the Pacific. He discusses Minke whale research, and the recent International Whaling Commission's annual meeting outcomes.

Tracking Pelagics: Dr. David Hyrenbach Apr 10, 2008

Guest: Dr. David Hyrenbach, with Duke University, visiting scholar at University of Washington, Parrish Lab, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences talks about how to research far ranging predators such as seabirds and current tagging technologies. How do we learn about animals we can't see every day?

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