Ocean Currents is hosted by Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary on KWMR, community radio for West Marin in Northern California. The show hosts ocean experts about research, management issues, natural history, and stewardship associated with marine environment, especially in our National Marine Sanctuaries.
Ocean Currents sheltering in place during Covid
Show host Jennifer Stock provides a brief update about Ocean Currents program on pause due to COVID.
2/18/2021 • 6 seconds
The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change: Five Opportunities for Action
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.
3/3/2020 • 52 minutes
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?
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?
2/12/2020 • 50 minutes
Broadcast live from the E/V Nautilus:Ocean Currents reporting from afar!
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?
1/17/2020 • 30 minutes, 45 seconds
Elephant Seals of Point Reyes: A Success Story of population rebound, expansion and resilience to ocean change
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.
1/17/2020 • 56 minutes
Velellas ashore! and protecting the lower end of the ocean food web in CA
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.
1/17/2020 • 53 minutes
Looking upstream for solutions to reduce marine debris and carbon emissions: Recycling 101
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.
2/13/2019 • 49 minutes
Helping Kelp on the Northcoast of California
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.
2/6/2019 • 48 minutes, 43 seconds
More Sex in the Sea!
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!)
12/19/2018 • 40 minutes, 9 seconds
Hope for People and the Ocean
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.
12/19/2018 • 57 minutes, 49 seconds
Do open ocean cleanups address our growing ocean trash problem effectively and California's new straw law!
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.
10/10/2018 • 44 minutes
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!
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.
8/17/2018 • 54 minutes, 15 seconds
Slowfish and hiking the California Coastal Trail
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!
6/21/2018 • 44 minutes
Heirs to our Oceans-youth taking on ocean awareness and conservation
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.
5/15/2018 • 46 minutes
Tomales Bay: whats going on upstream and downstream
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.
4/11/2018 • 52 minutes
The Return of Harbor Porpoise to San Francisco Bay
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.
3/7/2018 • 51 minutes
Sea Foraging the Northern California Coast
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.
3/1/2018 • 38 minutes
Wheres all the Sand going?
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.
1/12/2018 • 47 minutes
California Marine Protected Areas-5 years after implementation-where are we now?
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.
11/7/2017 • 39 minutes
Sex in the Sea
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)
9/11/2017 • 50 minutes
Ceramacists helping seabirds (pt.1); Volunteer scientists help inventory coastal species during California coastal "bioblitz"
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.
6/22/2017 • 56 minutes, 16 seconds
Do plastics in the ocean smell like food to ocean seabirds?
"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.
5/9/2017 • 55 minutes
Restorative 3_D Ocean Farming
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.
3/20/2017 • 42 minutes
West Coast Rockfish Conservation Areas
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.
12/20/2016 • 48 minutes, 13 seconds
The Vital Role of Krill in our World Ocean
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.
11/23/2016 • 44 minutes
Blue Carbon: Why restoring coastal wetlands can help combat climate change
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.
10/5/2016 • 50 minutes
Seamount protections proposed and explorations in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries
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.
8/8/2016 • 46 minutes
Greater Farallones Sanctuary Update
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.
8/8/2016 • 14 minutes, 25 seconds
New Seamount Protections on the way? Explorations happening in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
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
8/8/2016 • 50 minutes
Restoring White Abalone: from the lab back to the wild
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.
5/3/2016 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
Management of the High Seas
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.
3/14/2016 • 37 minutes
Nasty Neurtoxins
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?
2/2/2016 • 52 minutes
Plastic in our seafood; Keeping plastic off the streets, meet the Litterati!
Guests: 1st Half: Dr. Chelsea Rochman; 2nd Half: Jeff Kirschner/Litterati
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.
1/26/2016 • 55 minutes
Shipwrecks off the Golden Gate and Sharktober 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.
11/3/2015 • 51 minutes
What may El Nino bring to CA 2015/2016
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.
10/27/2015 • 22 minutes
Blue Mind
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
8/11/2015 • 51 minutes
Paleooceonography studies reveals historic ocean conditions that we may be headed towards
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.
7/8/2015 • 25 minutes
2 part show: Free Beaches on Sonoma Coast at risk and microbeads in the ocean, turning the tide
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.
7/8/2015 • 57 minutes
Impacts of Desalination Plants on coastal ocean habitats
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?
4/14/2015 • 52 minutes
Drift Gillnet Fishery in Southern CA
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.
3/26/2015 • 55 minutes, 10 seconds
The Human Shore: Seacoasts in History
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.
2/3/2015 • 52 minutes
Updates from the Pacific (Seabirds starving, expansion of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, and update on seastar wasting disease)
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)
12/11/2014 • 51 minutes
Whats does the future hold for Abalone in CA?
Sonoma Coast resident and avid abalone diver talks about the history and pressures on abalone in CA.
11/20/2014 • 40 minutes
Ocean Wonders Ocean Wellness
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.
10/9/2014 • 48 minutes, 34 seconds
Disentangling whales in CA and summer 2014 offshore research highlights
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.
9/3/2014 • 58 minutes
Exploring the ocean by freediving and a summer 2014 update on El Nino
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.
9/3/2014 • 55 minutes
California Coastal National Monument
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.
5/29/2014 • 48 minutes
Fukushima fallout in California?
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.
4/10/2014 • 52 minutes
Monitoring Marin's MPA's, Sea Star Wasting Event, San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival
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
3/7/2014 • 51 minutes, 27 seconds
Diving Cordell Bank
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.
3/7/2014 • 45 minutes
The Ocean and the Arts
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
11/5/2013 • 48 minutes
Surviving the Shark: How a Brutal Great White Attack Turned a Surfer into a Dedicated Defender of Sharks
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.
10/23/2013 • 35 minutes, 20 seconds
White Sharks around Point Reyes, CA
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.
10/22/2013 • 55 minutes
Discussion with Liz Cunningham, author of upcoming book Ocean Country and latest ocean update from Jaime Jahnke
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.
8/7/2013 • 55 minutes, 35 seconds
Whale fall communities on the seafloor-how does nature recycle something as large as a dead whale?
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.
7/19/2013 • 51 minutes
What you've been longing to know about the ocean! 55 student questions and 55 expert answers from Oceanshore School, Pacifica.
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!
5/6/2013 • 50 minutes, 12 seconds
Saving the Sonoma Mendocino Coast from Oil and Gas Exploration
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
4/2/2013 • 54 minutes
Lights, Camera, Ocean! Highlights from the San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival 2013
Hear about the 10th annual San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival and hear from filmmakers with films showing at the festival
3/6/2013 • 50 minutes, 22 seconds
Sanctuary Expansion; First Scoping meeting and Elephant Seal season 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
2/5/2013 • 52 minutes, 24 seconds
Marine Protected Areas, Sanctuary Expansion, and Remembering Rich Stallcup
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.
1/16/2013 • 42 minutes
Shipstrikes and whales
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.
12/13/2012 • 56 minutes
Tiny and Mighty!: Phytoplankton
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
12/13/2012 • 46 minutes
State of Marine Debris in CA, 2012
Hear Eben Schwartz from the CA Coastal Commission talk about the status of marine debris and coastal pollution reduction efforts in California
11/7/2012 • 45 minutes
The Ocean Inside
The Ocean Inside: An adventure afilm and art project exploring the deeper side of the ocean found in everyone.
7/18/2012 • 44 minutes, 57 seconds
Farallon Island update and Bluemind Symposium
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.
5/10/2012 • 48 minutes
Ocean Leadership
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.
4/3/2012 • 55 minutes, 13 seconds
Tsunamis and the aftermath of marine debris
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.
3/12/2012 • 49 minutes, 31 seconds
Dr. Jim Delgado-Maritime Heritage: A Cultural Landscape
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?
2/8/2012 • 51 minutes, 51 seconds
Meet Barbara Emley, San Francisco fisherman
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.
12/15/2011 • 54 minutes, 24 seconds
Abalone on the Sonoma Coast
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.
11/9/2011 • 54 minutes, 21 seconds
Pathstar program and Sooty Shearwaters
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.
11/9/2011 • 24 minutes, 51 seconds
Part One-Indigenous Cultures and Ocean Resource Management-a workshop in American Samoa
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.
9/23/2011 • 29 minutes
Part Two-Indigenous Cultures and Ocean Resource Management-a workshop in American Samoa
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.
9/23/2011 • 29 minutes
"Flotsametrics" what we can learn by tracking currents via shoreline debris?
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.
8/3/2011 • 51 minutes, 36 seconds
How does the ocean affect weather?
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.
6/10/2011 • 50 minutes
Ocean Noise
Michael Stocker of Ocean Conservation Research, talks about the latest in underwater noise, especially associated with oil exploration and drilling.
6/3/2011 • 49 minutes, 49 seconds
Ocean Conditions, Summer, 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.
10/8/2010 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 58 seconds
Climate Change Impacts
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?
7/7/2010 • 54 minutes, 1 second
White Sharks off the Marin Coast
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.
6/21/2010 • 54 minutes
Watershed Education at West Marin School
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.
6/21/2010 • 51 minutes, 37 seconds
Wave Energy
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.
4/6/2010 • 55 minutes
Post Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
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?
3/3/2010 • 54 minutes
West Coast Ecosystem Based Management
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.
2/2/2010 • 50 minutes, 46 seconds
Whats happening on the coast?
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
1/7/2010 • 19 minutes, 12 seconds
National Marine Sanctuaries around the United States
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.
1/7/2010 • 45 minutes
Loggerhead Turtle Conservation work and Building Ocean Stewards Globally
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.
11/3/2009 • 55 minutes
Studying environmental change with deep water corals
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!
11/3/2009 • 52 minutes
Highlights from the National Marine Educators Association Conference: Marine Debris, Ocean Literacy, and Surfing!
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.
7/7/2009 • 55 minutes
Cordell Expeditions: The early explorations of Cordell Bank
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.
6/1/2009 • 2 days, 8 hours
Dan Bortolloti: Author of Wild Blue: A Natural History of the World's Largest Animal
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.
6/1/2009 • 57 minutes
Jaime Jahncke, PRBO Conservation Science and Lisa Etherington, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
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.
5/21/2009 • 40 minutes
Dr. John Hildebrand-Ambient Noise in the Ocean
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.
3/5/2009 • 58 minutes, 23 seconds
Dr. Liz Alter-Studying historic Gray Whale populations
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.
2/10/2009 • 40 minutes, 45 seconds
Leatherbacks in the Pacific
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.
1/8/2009 • 52 minutes
Roz Savage Rows the Pacific
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.
1/7/2009 • 48 seconds
Ocean Literacy-What do citizens need to know about the ocean?
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.
11/10/2008 • 2 days, 4 hours, 7 minutes
Ed Ueber-former Superintendent of Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries
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.
8/5/2008 • 52 minutes
Historic Ecology:Looking at the past to learn about the future.
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.
8/5/2008 • 56 minutes
Historic Ecology: Looking at the past to learn about the future.
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
7/8/2008 • 53 minutes
Randall Arauz-PRETOMA
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.
6/3/2008 • 46 minutes, 35 seconds
David Mattila-Humpback Whales in the North Pacific
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
5/7/2008 • 54 minutes
Dr. Milton Love
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.
5/1/2008 • 49 minutes, 59 seconds
Seafood Watch: Sheila Bowman, Monterey Bay Aquarium
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.
5/1/2008 • 43 minutes, 57 seconds
Peter White: History of the Farallon Islands
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?
5/1/2008 • 51 minutes, 39 seconds
Part 2: California Marine Life Protection Act Update
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.
5/1/2008 • 17 minutes, 1 second
Part 1: California Marine Life Protection Act Update
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.
5/1/2008 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Captain Charles Moore talks about plastic in the Pacific Gyre
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.
5/1/2008 • 12 minutes, 7 seconds
Sanctuary Expansion Bill update
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.
5/1/2008 • 12 minutes, 50 seconds
Who Glows There?-Dr. Steven Haddock of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute talks about Bioluminescence
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.
5/1/2008 • 49 minutes, 27 seconds
Tom Kendrick-Author of Blue Water Goldrush , former sea urchin commercial diver and surfer
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.
5/1/2008 • 29 minutes, 14 seconds
Part 2: Behind the Scenes Research at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
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.
5/1/2008 • 29 minutes, 59 seconds
Part 1: Behind the Scenes Research at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
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.
5/1/2008 • 26 minutes, 32 seconds
Ray Bandar, " A Life with Skulls" and filmmaker Beth Cataldo
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.
5/1/2008 • 54 minutes, 26 seconds
Roz Savage-open ocean rower and Jim Farley from the Marin County Fair
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.
5/1/2008 • 50 minutes, 44 seconds
Reverend Deborah Streeter, leader of Upwellings Ministry and Associate Film Producer David McGuire
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.
5/1/2008 • 50 minutes
Author Lynne Cox - Open Water Swimmer
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.
5/1/2008 • 40 minutes
Dr. Tierney Thys-Marine Biologist/Filmmaker: Everything you wanted to know about the ocean sunfish (Mola mola)
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.
5/1/2008 • 49 minutes, 25 seconds
Dr. John Largier, Oceanographer with University of California, Bodega Marine Lab
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.
5/1/2008 • 50 minutes
Exploring Davidson Seamount off of Monterey, California
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.
4/30/2008 • 44 minutes, 52 seconds
Elephant Seals at Point Reyes National Seashore
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.
4/30/2008 • 56 minutes
Introducing the new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument
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.
4/30/2008 • 45 minutes, 43 seconds
Management Plan Review for Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries
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.
4/30/2008 • 42 minutes, 50 seconds
Dive into Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival
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.
4/30/2008 • 53 minutes
Plastics Are Forever
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.
4/10/2008 • 45 minutes, 43 seconds
Minke Whales
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.
4/10/2008 • 51 minutes, 43 seconds
Tracking Pelagics: Dr. David Hyrenbach
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?