Time and Tide

They’re round, suction-cupped, and as it turns out, full of secrets. Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) may not be glamorous, but these quirky creatures are doing serious work beneath the waves in the Gulf of Maine.

Show notes:  

They’re round, suction-cupped, and as it turns out, full of secrets. Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) may not be glamorous, but these quirky creatures are doing serious work beneath the waves in the Gulf of Maine.

In this episode, we learn how lumpfish are becoming unlikely heroes in salmonid aquaculture. Acting as ladybugs of the sea, they help control parasitic sea lice in salmon and trout farms—a natural solution to a major problem. But what do we know about the lumpfish themselves, and what happens when we rely on wild species to fix our finfish-farming challenges?

Act One: Elizabeth Fairchild describes her latest Sea Grant-funded study on lumpfish at the University of New Hampshire. The study seeks to shed light on the mysterious lives of lumpfish in the rapidly changing Gulf of Maine, and their potential for use as ‘cleaner fish’ in salmonid aquaculture operations. 

Act Two: Aravis Albert and Sam Rutka from the Seacoast Science Center explain how lumpfish can help us tell the story of a changing Gulf of Maine, and where curious coastal visitors can look to find these charismatic fish.  

Guest Speakers:

Elizabeth Fairchild, Ph.D. Research Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire

Sam Rutka, Lead Aquarist, Seacoast Science Center

Aravis Albert, Aquarist I and Naturalist, Seacoast Science Center

Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant.

Co-hosted by: Erik Chapman, Director, New Hampshire Sea Grant.

Produced by: Brian Yurasits with assistance from Talia Katreczko, New Hampshire Sea Grant Doyle Fellow.

Further reading: 

Meet the Lumpfish! Interactive Map

Team LuMP – Lumpfish Mapping Project

New Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.edu

University of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement

Time and Tide is a new podcast from New Hampshire Sea Grant, based at the University of New Hampshire, that explores the science, stories, and people behind our changing coastlines.

Show notes:  

What does the saying – time and tide wait for none – mean to you? Those with a connection to the coast understand that tides are a certainty in life; they are something that we have no control over, just as time is always fleeting. It’s a familiarity that connects all of us, and sometimes, is a starting point for conversation. Time and Tide is a new podcast from New Hampshire Sea Grant exploring the science, stories, and people behind our changing coastlines.

Hosts Brian Yurasits and Erik Chapman share one story each month, covering the coastal and marine topics that you might read about in your local news. These stories are told by both researchers and community members in a way that anyone can relate to. Whether you’re a surfer, fisher, seafood lover, enjoy long walks on the beach, or simply someone who cares about the future of our coastal places—this podcast is for you.

In this introduction, you'll hear why talking about the tides is a great ice-breaker, learn why you should care about the issues facing the Granite State’s small, but mighty coastline, and take a trip down memory lane with Brian and Erik. Float along with us as we navigate these tides of change together. 

Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant.

Co-hosted by: Erik Chapman, Director, New Hampshire Sea Grant.

Produced by: Brian Yurasits with assistance from Talia Katreczko, New Hampshire Sea Grant Doyle Fellow.

New Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.edu

University of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement