Two Sea Fans: Mote Marine Laboratory Podcast

By Mote Marine Laboratory

Natural Sciences Science & Medicine Government & Organizations Non-Profit

What's Two Sea Fans: Mote Marine Laboratory Podcast about?

Hear true stories of marine research! In each episode of "Two Sea Fans,"

Mote Marine Laboratory scientists and their partners have fun and educational conversations with hosts Joe Nickelson and Hayley Rutger,

who love communicating marine science to help listeners become more ocean-literate. New episodes are available every two weeks.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Two Sea Fans: Mote Marine Laboratory Podcast episodes:

10.21.2021
Manatee Sounds: Squeal
10.21.2021
Manatee Sounds: Squeak
10.21.2021
Manatee Sounds: High Squeak
09.15.2021
Sea turtle hatchlings are back—and so are we!
Your Two Sea Fans are back—just in time to talk about tiny turtles! In this episode, Joe and Hayley catch up with Dr. Jake Lasala of Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program in this midst of his busy fieldwork...
10.15.2020
Why Sawfish Day and #BlackinMarineScience week should be on your calendar
Today’s episode makes us twice as happy because we have two excellent topics in store! Our guest, Jasmin Graham, has studied some of the most unusual-looking, endangered animals in the sea—sawfish, aka “danger snoots”—and she’s now advancing a critical mission:...
09.17.2020
The bizarre lives of deep-dwelling microbes
Imagine a hole in the ocean floor with a bottom stretching to 350 feet deep, or deeper. That’s the type of environment Mote scientists and colleagues are exploring as they visit the Gulf of Mexico’s blue holes—underwater caves, springs and...
08.19.2020
We’re learning about ocean acidification, and ‘SOCAN’ you!
___________________________________________________________ Today we welcome back our favorite “ocean chemistry nut,” Dr. Emily Hall, manager of Mote’s Ocean Acidification Research Program and Chemical & Physical Ecology Program. Dr. Hall and her colleagues have been scoping out the challenges of acidification—water chemistry changes...
07.02.2020
Toxic topics, beneficial research
Marine ecotoxicologists investigate some of the toughest challenges we must overcome to protect the ocean—in particular, how toxic substances harm marine animals and the ecosystem. Today we meet Dr. Aileen Maldonado, a Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellow who studies natural toxins...
06.02.2020
Aquaculture in a fish-eat-fish world
In nature, many fish eat other fish—and some naturally engage in cannibalism, eating members of their own species. However, fish farming (aquaculture) operations strive to reduce that behavior and aim to raise as many healthy fish as possible to meet...
05.11.2020
Where do baby turtles come from? Sea turtle mating systems
Sea turtles are currently nesting on southwest Florida beaches: laying eggs that will hatch to produce babies known as hatchlings. On April 15, as Mote began its annual routine of monitoring these nesting beaches for research and conservation, our new...
04.30.2020
Animal care is essential during Aquarium closure
In this episode, Adam Dolman tells hosts Hayley and Joe about the continuing animal care duties Mote Aquarium biologists carry out even while the Aquarium is closed temporarily to protect public health amid COVID-19. In particular, he shares a few...
04.02.2020
Marine wildlife rescue mission never stops
Our Medical Care & Rehabilitation Coordinator Lynne Byrd returns to the podcast to share stories of the sea turtles being treated in Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital! During this recording on March 31, 2020, many were working from home...
03.11.2020
After red tide, are snook showing up?
Dr. Jim Locascio is studying common snook along beaches that experienced major fish kills due to Florida red tide in 2018, to help understand the status of these popular sportfish following this major challenge. Lately, that research has included an...
02.06.2020
Coral ‘matchmaker’ shares the science of reef romance
Dr. Hanna Koch has been given many nicknames, including "coral matchmaker" and "coral fertility doctor." She's conducting managed breeding efforts with threatened coral species, part of the coral reef science and restoration mission of Mote Marine Laboratory scientists in the...
12.09.2019
ECOmittee: Mote’s green team
Going green is one of our favorite subjects at Mote Marine Laboratory. Lately, a team of dedicated staff known as Mote's ECOmittee has been working to adopt and share best practices for environmental sustainability, to help inspire others lead by...
11.05.2019
Discoveries from 350 feet deep
In May and September 2019, Mote scientists and partners undertook their deepest explorations to-date into the Gulf of Mexico's blue holes, underwater caves, springs and sinkholes that attract diverse marine life. The team deployed a “benthic lander”—a framework holding multiple...
09.17.2019
Manatee science by air, land and sea
Florida manatees are iconic for the Sunshine State. They're on license plates, they're the focus of major conservation and management initiatives, and they delight residents and ecotourists who are lucky enough to watch these 1,000-pound-plus mammals from a safe distance...
07.15.2019
Helping snook rebound after red tide
After red tide caused serious fish kills along the Gulf of Mexico in 2018, three fish-friendly organizations joined forces in a science-based effort to help the popular sportfish common snook rebound faster in certain hard-hit areas. Mote Marine Laboratory, the...
06.04.2019
Toolbox for addressing red tide
Dr. Cindy Heil studies microscopic living things with huge impacts: phytoplankton. These ocean-dwelling, plant-like organisms are known for producing 50% of the oxygen we breathe along with food for other living things; a minority of species can produce toxins or...
04.17.2019
Caiman conservation in Argentina
Mote Aquarium Biologist II Veronica Garcia just returned from an adventure in Argentina, where she assisted the program Proyecto Yacaré in their conservation and research efforts with broad-snouted caimans — reptiles related to alligators and crocodiles. Garcia tells hosts Joe...
03.29.2019
Sharks, sea snakes & lobsters - oh my! Ecological adventures
From sea snakes in Australia to nurse sharks in the Dutch Caribbean, Dr. Rob Nowicki studies fascinating animals around the world, to better understand the ecology of natural communities and sometimes to solve immediate problems, such as how to keep...
03.14.2019
Getting schooled by two awesome marine educators
Since 1968, passionate ocean educators have been joining the Florida Marine Science Educators Association (FMSEA). This episode features two of our favorite FMSEA friends — Jason Robertshaw of Mote’s Virtual Learning Program and Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski of EarthEcho International — sharing...
03.01.2019
On the front lines of a coral disease epidemic
The world's third-largest barrier coral reef is losing its battle with an unprecedented coral disease outbreak, and Mote Marine Laboratory scientists are determined to do something about it. Dr. Erinn Muller, Science Director of Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for...
02.14.2019
From elephants to otters - veterinary stories
Veterinarian Dr. Whitney Greene has worked with “all creatures great and small” – more than 100 species ranging from tiny frogs to massive elephants. She joined Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in 2018 to apply her skills with marine veterinary...
01.22.2019
Big questions about ‘baby’ fish
Today we meet Dr. Lee Fuiman, who investigates how fish "make a living" during the early parts of their lives. He is especially interested in how the diets of adult fish can influence their babies, or larvae. Dr. Fuiman was...
01.07.2019
Happy 2019! A year’s worth of recaps and updates
Happy New Year from “Two Sea Fans” hosts Joe and Hayley! This year-in-review episode recaps and updates many of Mote Marine Laboratory’s stories from 2018. From the challenges of red tide and coral disease to the highlights of shark-tagging expeditions,...
12.21.2018
Marine life & contaminants: What doesn’t kill you might make you weaker
Marine animals run across many harmful, environmental contaminants. If they survive exposure, are they really "out of the woods," or will their health (and even their offspring's health) change? Mote Marine Laboratory Senior Scientist Dr. Dana Wetzel investigates the presence...
12.14.2018
White shark scientists strike gold
Mote Senior Scientist Dr. Bob Hueter returns to discuss a highly successful research expedition focused on great white sharks off Nova Scotia. Seven white sharks were caught, tagged, sampled and released, supporting 15 projects by 25 scientists at 18 institutions,...
11.16.2018
Mote Aquarium past, present and future
Dan Bebak joined Mote Aquarium as an intern, and over decades he's advanced to lead its operations as Vice President of Mote's Education, Aquarium & Outreach Division. In this episode, he shares his memories from the early Aquarium along with...
11.07.2018
Taking stock of fisheries enhancement
When a fishery declines, can you release fish to aid its recovery – without unintended consequences? Mote Senior Scientist Dr. Ken Leber investigates how to raise and release fishes in ecologically sound ways, a process known as responsible stock enhancement...
09.04.2018
Tagging along with sea turtles
When we spot a female sea turtle on her nesting beach or care for patients in Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, we get a snapshot of these animals' long, fascinating lives. However, once they return to sea, these turtles can...
07.12.2018
Coral reefs of the Middle East
Some coral reefs in the Middle East are strikingly beautiful and seemingly well-preserved, but will they stay that way as humans alter the environment? Dr. Emily Hall traveled to Israel to study stress on corals, including eutrophication – a big...
06.29.2018
Summer vocation: Undergraduate turned scientist
School’s out for the summer — some students might take a vacation, but a select 10 college students have found their summer vocation at Mote: a 10-week independent research experience. Mote’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program, funded by the...
06.11.2018
‘Croc School’ graduate
From crocodilians to cuttlefish, Brian Siegel takes care of several species that capture our imaginations. Hosts Joe and Hayley especially wanted to hear about Brian's work with crocodilians - a group including alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gharials. Did you know...
05.25.2018
Fishes in your backyard
Waterside residents: You probably have fishes in your backyard, whether you know it or not! Dr. Ryan Schloesser knows all about those fishes in southwest Florida, especially the treasured sport fish common snook. In this episode, he tells hosts Joe...
05.18.2018
Deluxe dwellings for awesome animals
How do Mote Aquarium staff develop exhibits healthy for animals and engaging for visitors? Mike Collins, Curator of Exhibits at Mote, tells Joe and Hayley about the excitement of developing a naturalistic home for Mote’s resident otters, the routine of...
05.03.2018
Mote interns: An ocean of possibilities
Are you seeking a marine science internship? Or simply want to know how Mote works with students from various states, countries and backgrounds? Mote’s internship guru, Student Engagement Coordinator Gina Santoianni, tells Hayley and Joe how Mote interns participate in...
05.03.2018
Mote interns: An ocean of possibilities
Are you seeking a marine science internship? Or simply want to know how Mote works with students from various states, countries and backgrounds? Mote’s internship guru, Student Engagement Coordinator Gina Santoianni, tells Hayley and Joe how Mote interns participate in...
04.12.2018
Taking a manatee’s temperature: Trickier than it sounds!
Manatees can sicken or even die from cold-stress syndrome when winter temperatures plummet in Florida. Why are these big mammals so cold-sensitive, and how can we take their temperatures? On this episode, Dr. Nicola Erdsack shares some emerging answers; she...
04.12.2018
Taking a manatee’s temperature: Trickier than it sounds!
Manatees can sicken or even die from cold-stress syndrome when winter temperatures plummet in Florida. Why are these big mammals so cold-sensitive, and how can we take their temperatures? On this episode, Dr. Nicola Erdsack shares some emerging answers; she...
03.23.2018
Meet a seafood farming scientist
Dr. Kevan Main is a global pioneer in aquaculture, often called seafood farming but encompassing much more. Want to know how much of your seafood is farmed? Curious about whether farmed fish are good for you and the environment? Main...
03.23.2018
Meet a seafood farming scientist
Dr. Kevan Main is a global pioneer in aquaculture, often called seafood farming but encompassing much more. Want to know how much of your seafood is farmed? Curious about whether farmed fish are good for you and the environment? Main...
03.12.2018
Sponge vs. coral vs. seaweed… and other biogeochemical battles
Can you say “biogeochemistry” three times quickly? Great: Now can you define it? In this episode, Dr. Heather Page helps Hayley and Joe get their heads around this important subject, which affects all life whether you’re in a forest or...
03.12.2018
Sponge vs. coral vs. seaweed… and other biogeochemical battles
Can you say “biogeochemistry” three times quickly? Great: Now can you define it? In this episode, Dr. Heather Page helps Hayley and Joe get their heads around this important subject, which affects all life whether you’re in a forest or...
03.02.2018
Florida reefs are our sanctuary, says conservation leader
Sarah Fangman, Superintendent of NOAA's Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), and her team work to balance conservation with human enjoyment of Florida's natural treasure: 2,900 square nautical miles of FKNMS-protected ecosystems. There, vast coral reefs and thousands of wildlife...
03.02.2018
Florida reefs are our sanctuary, says conservation leader
Sarah Fangman, Superintendent of NOAA's Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), and her team work to balance conservation with human enjoyment of Florida's natural treasure: 2,900 square nautical miles of FKNMS-protected ecosystems. There, vast coral reefs and thousands of wildlife...
02.13.2018
Snapshots of science and sea life
Conor Goulding is an underwater photographer who captures images of Mote Marine Laboratory's scientific research, related ocean environments and wildlife, along with the resident animals of Mote Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida. Though he makes photography look easy, it requires careful...
02.13.2018
Snapshots of science and sea life
Conor Goulding is an underwater photographer who captures images of Mote Marine Laboratory's scientific research, related ocean environments and wildlife, along with the resident animals of Mote Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida. Though he makes photography look easy, it requires careful...
02.02.2018
She studies sea turtles on the seashore…
The beaches we visit during the day become turtle turf at night. Thousands of loggerhead sea turtles and smaller numbers of other species lay nests with 100-ish eggs apiece during southwest Florida’s yearly nesting season, May 1-Oct. 31. Melissa Bernhard,...
02.02.2018
She studies sea turtles on the seashore…
The beaches we visit during the day become turtle turf at night. Thousands of loggerhead sea turtles and smaller numbers of other species lay nests with 100-ish eggs apiece during southwest Florida’s yearly nesting season, May 1-Oct. 31. Melissa Bernhard,...

What's Two Sea Fans: Mote Marine Laboratory Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Two Sea Fans: Mote Marine Laboratory Podcast episodes:

Manatee Sounds: Squeal

Manatee Sounds: Squeak

Manatee Sounds: High Squeak

Sea turtle hatchlings are back—and so are we!

Why Sawfish Day and #BlackinMarineScience week should be on your calendar

The bizarre lives of deep-dwelling microbes

We’re learning about ocean acidification, and ‘SOCAN’ you!

Toxic topics, beneficial research

Aquaculture in a fish-eat-fish world

Where do baby turtles come from? Sea turtle mating systems

Animal care is essential during Aquarium closure

Marine wildlife rescue mission never stops

After red tide, are snook showing up?

Coral ‘matchmaker’ shares the science of reef romance

ECOmittee: Mote’s green team

Discoveries from 350 feet deep

Manatee science by air, land and sea

Helping snook rebound after red tide

Toolbox for addressing red tide

Caiman conservation in Argentina

Sharks, sea snakes & lobsters - oh my! Ecological adventures

Getting schooled by two awesome marine educators

On the front lines of a coral disease epidemic

From elephants to otters - veterinary stories

Big questions about ‘baby’ fish

Happy 2019! A year’s worth of recaps and updates

Marine life & contaminants: What doesn’t kill you might make you weaker

White shark scientists strike gold

Mote Aquarium past, present and future

Taking stock of fisheries enhancement

Tagging along with sea turtles

Coral reefs of the Middle East

Summer vocation: Undergraduate turned scientist

‘Croc School’ graduate

Fishes in your backyard

Deluxe dwellings for awesome animals

Mote interns: An ocean of possibilities

Mote interns: An ocean of possibilities

Taking a manatee’s temperature: Trickier than it sounds!

Taking a manatee’s temperature: Trickier than it sounds!

Meet a seafood farming scientist

Meet a seafood farming scientist

Sponge vs. coral vs. seaweed… and other biogeochemical battles

Sponge vs. coral vs. seaweed… and other biogeochemical battles

Florida reefs are our sanctuary, says conservation leader

Florida reefs are our sanctuary, says conservation leader

Snapshots of science and sea life

Snapshots of science and sea life

She studies sea turtles on the seashore…

She studies sea turtles on the seashore…