You, Me & the Sea

Join us for this episode about seaweed and marine plants! It turns out that there is more to seaweed than the stinky mess covered with flies that we see on the beach. Here, we dive into the different types of algae, how they reproduce and why they are important! Later, we talk about giant kelp forests on the West Coast of the US, and what factors affect their health. While marine plants aren't seaweed, they're important too. Learn about what people are doing to restore seagrass beds on the East Coast. Don't miss the interview with Brandon O'Brien, where we discuss his doctoral work with an invasive algae in the Gulf of Maine (59min, 41s).

Join us for this MEGA episode about corals in all their forms. Most of us are familiar with coral reefs, but there are also solitary corals, soft corals, deep sea, and cold water corals. These communities are immensely important, but are under threat from climate change, ocean acidification, coastal run off, and over-fishing. Luckily, reef managers are working on solutions to help save these corals. Don't miss the interview with UNH graduate student Jordan Pierce where we talk about his work using AI to more efficiently model coral reefs (1hr, 11min). 

Times are tough! If you can, please consider donating to support those affected by the wildfires. https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/california-wildfires
https://gfmnorma.wpengine.com/act/oregon-fires
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CwwCbAW-AMcY8AboJp7Dwva5m5e4y5cVwp9WVy-yWas/htmlview?fbclid=IwAR2mqZPUuYYpvHt955sjm2psBDxwZxOnVMZRfbV38Uk2LcK366-1CJHLs7Q#

Parasites- we love to learn about them, hate to have them. Join us as we walk through the multitudes of ways that one creature can inhabit another! There's ectoparasites, endoparasites, behavioral manipulation, parasite removal-I mean what doesn't the ocean have to offer? Don't miss out on the interview with Sara Edquist where we talk about her work with worm and snail parasites in the Great Bay Estuary (58min, 20s).

Who wants to learn about the birds and the bees on the seven seas? Follow us as we go through the basics of reproduction in the ocean. External fertilization, internal fertilization, parasitic husbands, and parthenogenesis - we cover them all. Learn about the multitudes of strange ways that animals in the sea make more of themselves! Don't miss the interview with UNH Emeritus Professor Win Watson (1hr and 42s) where we talk about new discoveries regarding lobster mating. 

Are invasive species a big deal? YES!? In this episode, hosts Kaitlin Van Volkom and Isaiah cover the history, the consequences, and some possible solutions for invasions. Later, they look at a case study about lionfish, examine how it expanded into its current range, and potential methods for control. Don't miss the interview where Kaitlin talks to Williams College Emeritus Professor Jim Carlton about his work with marine rafting and invasive species legislation. 

The humble horseshoe crab-friend or foe? This episode covers the basic biology of horseshoe crabs, some of the ways in which humans have utilized horseshoe crabs, and the effects we have seen on these populations as a result. In the past, we have used horseshoe crabs as fertilizer, livestock feed, bait for fishing industries, and more recently we use their blood to test medical supplies for contaminants. Unfortunately, bleeding these animals has its costs. Increased mortality, lethargy, and decreased mating behaviors are among the effects seen on this population. Join us for an interview with Meghan Owings to find out what efforts are being made to mediate these effects.