Science, Solutions, Santa Cruz

When Otter 841 started hijacking surfboards at Steamer Lane, she exposed a much deeper conflict brewing just beyond the breakers. In this special episode, guest host Cassidy Beach hits the cliffs of Lighthouse Point with Gena Bentall, director and senior scientist of Sea Otter Savvy. Together, they look past the viral headlines to track the energetic costs of sharing an intensely crowded coast with wild marine mammals. But as human curiosity pushes deeper into these fragile kelp forests, the boundary between innocent admiration and a dangerous ecological deficit is wearing thin. With surf lineups more congested than ever, the future of coastal coexistence is being tested, leaving local communities to re-evaluate what it truly means to be a good neighbor to the wildlife in our backyard.Sea Otter Savvy👉 www.seaottersavvy.org/ Gena’s Recommendation: Serendipity by Jim Estes👉 www.barnesandnoble.com/w/serendipity-james-a-estes Gena’s Recommendation: Serengeti Rules on PBS Nature👉 www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/serengeti-rules-dhbtnm/19906/ 01:22 - Gena Bentall's Journey into Marine Biology05:00 - Field Research and Sea Otter Tracking09:19 - Human Disturbance and Sea Otter Savvy's Mission13:22 - Energetic Costs of Human Interaction21:10 - Entering the Field at Lighthouse Point28:18 - Ecological Importance of Sea Otters35:00 - Solutions and Certification Program45:41 - Hope and Resilience in Conservation Efforts

Andrew Fisher, a distinguished professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Santa Cruz, shares insights on hydrogeology, water management, and flood risk mitigation along the Pájaro River. Discover how long-term monitoring, community engagement, and innovative engineering are shaping sustainable solutions for flood control, habitat restoration, and groundwater recharge.00:00 The Pájaro River Flooding and Community Response10:14 Understanding Flood Risk and Management Strategies25:56 Exploring Co-Benefits of Flood Risk Mitigation33:35 Innovative Flood Management Strategies34:07 Community Engagement in Environmental Science38:48 Balancing Flood Control and Habitat Preservation44:35 The Complexity of River Management50:51 Groundwater Recharge and Its Importance54:27 Long-Term Environmental Restoration EffortsUC Santa Cruz Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences - https://eap.ucsc.edu/Army Corps of Engineers - San Francisco District - https://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology -https://ucedna.com/The Dreamt Land by Mark Arax - https://mark-arax.com/the-dreamt-land/

Mountain lions are slipping through our neighborhoods under the cover of darkness, radically altering their behavior just to avoid us. In this episode, Chris Wilmers, UC Santa Cruz professor of wildlife ecology, pulls back the curtain on the cryptic world of our region's apex predators. From a toothless "old man" puma targeting local livestock to the hidden ways backyard rat poison disrupts local food webs, Wilmers breaks down the true cost of human coexistence. As concrete barriers slice ancient habitats into fragments, local conservationists are fighting back with innovative wildlife crossings. Can these modern solutions truly mend a fractured landscape, or will a dominant male's desperate attempt to cross Highway 17 end in disaster?Santa Cruz Puma Project👉 https://www.santacruzpumas.org/ 01:04 - Meet Chris Wilmers: The Puma Guy03:07 - Impact of Wolves on Scavengers04:07 - Studying Mountain Lions in Human Landscapes07:11 - Nocturnal Habits and Human Avoidance10:10 - How Mountain Lions Choose Their Homes13:19 - Scavenging and Hunting Near Humans20:28 - Habitat Fragmentation and Its Effects36:58 - Mountain Lions During the Pandemic

How does science actually become law? In this episode current Santa Cruz Mayor, Fred Keeley, reflects on his legendary career rewriting California’s ocean protection rules. From body surfing through literal oil slicks as a nine-year-old to passing the historic Marine Life Management Act at the final midnight hour of a governor's term, Keeley shares what it really takes to build a "Blue Wall" for the coast. But with old political battles over offshore drilling and seabed mining rearing their heads once again right here in the Monterey Bay, the stakes have never been higher. As one of our region’s most iconic policymakers prepares for retirement, he passes the baton to a new wave of local coastal leaders who must now defend these waters.California Ocean Science Trust👉 https://www.oceansciencetrust.org/ The Marine Life Management Act👉https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MLMA 01:16 - Get to Know Mayor Fred Keeley03:47 - Early Influences and Environmental Awareness10:14 - Legislative Wins in Ocean Protection19:19 - Building Coalitions for Marine Life Management35:15 - Reflections on Monterey Bay's Progress44:29 - Optimism for Future Ocean Policies55:15 - Challenges in Environmental Legislation63:28 - Transitioning Leadership and Future Plans

The California coast is witnessing a silent crash in peregrine falcons that threatens to outpace the devastating legacy of DDT. In this guest-hosted episode, Zeka Glucs, Director of the UC Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group leads us into the field to track the invisible killer: bird flu. From the studio to the windswept bluffs of Devil's Slide, we witness the frontlines of an ecological battle against a virus these apex predators simply can't outfly. As Zeka's team monitors this unfolding crisis, we’re forced to confront the fragility of a recovery we once thought was permanent. We’re left to wonder: can these icons survive a second near-extinction, or are we witnessing the final flight of the peregrine on the Santa Cruz coast?Predatory Bird Research Group & Nest Cams👉 https://predatorybirdresearch.sites.ucsc.edu/nest-cams/ Volunteer Opportunities👉 www.californiaperegrines.org/ 02:04 - Zeka Glucs' Journey into Bird Research03:33 - Impact of DDT on Raptors10:14 - Recovery Success Story16:26 - Captive Breeding Strategies26:34 - Threat of Bird Flu35:24 - In the Field: Research Expedition50:00 - Conservation and Community Involvement52:05 - Finding Optimism Amidst Challenges

The morning of April 2nd gave Santa Cruz a sharp reminder that the ground beneath our feet is never truly still. In this episode, we use that recent shake to uncover the seismic secrets lurking under our feet with Emily Brodsky, an earthquake scientist and UC Santa Cruz professor. From the legacy of the 1906 disaster to modern earthquakes triggered by geothermal energy and fracking, we explore the chain reactions that link tremors across the globe. As human activity shifts the stress on these deep-seated faults, we investigate if we are unknowingly triggering a cycle we can't stop. Is it possible to predict the next big shake, or will the next shift in the California coast, like the one on April 2nd, catch us all by surprise?The Brodsky Lab at UC Santa Cruz👉https://seismo.sites.ucsc.edu/emily-brodsky/ USGS Earthquake Map👉https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/?extent=30.20211,-134.84619&extent=43.53262,-103.20557&magnitude=all&listOnlyShown=true&showUSFaults=true&baseLayer=terrain&list=false 01:48 - First Impressions of the April 2nd Earthquake02:44 - Understanding the San Andreas Cycle and History04:58 - The Mechanics of Faults and Plate Motion09:20 - How Scientists Measure Friction and Take an Earthquake's Temperature14:06 - Human-Induced Seismicity: Fracking and Geothermal Energy23:33 - Global Chain Reactions and Triggering Patterns36:28 - Comparing Local History: Loma Prieta vs. 1906 and Today42:12 - Behind the Research: Living and Breathing Earthquakes

Santa Cruz is squeezed between the mountains and the sea, there is simply no more land to expand roads for more cars. Matt Miller, Director of Mobility Transformation at Ecology Action, is navigating this bottleneck through the Complete Streets Initiative: a plan to prioritize people over pavement. From the total makeover of Bay Street to new designs in Capitola, this conversation examines a future where streets function less like speedways and more like shared community spaces. But as the city begins to prioritize safety over speed, will these changes be enough to redefine the local relationship with the road, or will the friction of change prove too much for Santa Cruz to handle?Ecology Action’s Complete Streets Inititiative👉 https://ecoact.org/our-work/sustainable-transportation/complete-streets00:00 - Introduction to Mobility Transformation01:04 - Matt Miller's Role and Background03:11 - Lessons from the Netherlands06:29 - The Complete Streets Initiative14:06 - Infrastructure and Safety Measures17:10 - Economic and Environmental Impacts22:08 - Community Engagement and Policy43:21 - Future Vision for Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz city planners are moving fast, but the Pacific Ocean is moving faster. This week, Tiffany Wise-West, the Sustainability and Resiliency Officer for the City of Santa Cruz, dives deep into the ambitious 30-year roadmap to preserve our iconic coastline. She explains how different combinations of coastal adaptations from nature-inspired tech like “living” sand dunes, harder armoring and maybe even offshore artificial reefs might be utilized to combat rising sea levels as they bring in massive wave energy and swallow our shores. We also explore the possible future of "managed retreat"—the difficult conversation about relocating infrastructure before it falls into the sea. Even with the city attempting to proactively manage our coastline, is a 30-year plan enough to save West Cliff, or is time slipping away too quickly?City of Santa Cruz Shoreline Adaptation Blueprints👉 https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/Climate-Initiatives/Resiliency/Resilient-Coast-Santa-Cruz/Shoreline-Adaptation-Blueprints 00:00 - Introduction to Coastal Resilience Planning01:04 - The Role of Tiffany Wise-West as a Sustainability and Resiliency Officer03:11 - Understanding the 30-Year Plan06:29 - Community Engagement and Policy Development14:06 - Nature-Based Solutions and Infrastructure17:10 - Challenges in Coastal Management22:08 - The Importance of Triggers and Thresholds43:21 - Future Vision and Community Support

Ever wonder who’s behind the new trails you hike or the wildlife crossings you drive over? Eric Lombardo, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County's Director of External Affairs, joins us to pull back the curtain on how conservation actually works in our backyard. From public farms to wildfire-resilient forests, we discuss how protecting the 831 isn’t just about 'keeping people out,' it’s about inviting the community in. Tune in for a blueprint on how we can save our ecosystems, promote community, and still have a place to play.00:00 - Introduction to Coastal Land Conservation01:04 - Understanding Land Trusts03:11 - Eric's Journey to the Land Trust06:29 - The Importance of Public Access14:06 - Challenges and Solutions in Land Management17:10 - Balancing Biodiversity and Agriculture22:08 - Sustainable Timber and Forest Management43:21 - Community Support and Future Vision

Marine ecologist and UC Santa Cruz professor Kristy Kroeker unravels the dramatic chain reactions triggered when the sea gets too hot. From the collapse of California’s iconic kelp forests to the surprising takeover by zombie sea urchins, she reveals how the loss of key predators like the sunflower star can flip entire ecosystems on their head. But this isn’t just a story of loss; it’s also one of action and hope. Kristy spotlights bold, hands-on efforts to bring kelp forests back to life, showing how scientists and local communities are teaming up in creative ways to restore balance beneath the waves. With a deep belief in nature’s resilience, she reminds us that when people come together, real change is possible for our oceans.00:00 - Threats to Kelp Forests from Climate Shocks03:17 - Kristy Kroeker’s Research and Career Journey04:14 - The Blob: 2014-2016 Marine Heat Wave09:11 - Marine Heat Waves Affecting Kelp Recovery12:53 - Sea Urchins' Zombie Behavior and Their Role in Kelp Decline17:23 - Conservation Strategies and Community Involvement26:26 - Predator Restoration and Ecological Leverage39:55 - Science and Policy in Ocean Conservation

Jess Morten, Director of Marine Resource Protection with the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, dives into how California's Blue Whales Blue Skies program is hoping to transform voluntary vessel speed reductions into a global movement. She shares how recognition drives change, achieving 70% cooperation on the California coast. Learn about how collective action reshapes ocean conservation leading to fewer whale strikes, cleaner air, a quieter ocean, and good business outcomes for large shipping companies.bluewhalesblueskies.org00:00 - Introduction to Program and Impact05:03 - Origins and Initial Program Goals07:51 - Evolution from Financial to Recognition Incentives10:22 - Environmental Benefits of Speed Reduction17:07 - Data-Driven Compliance Strategies23:07 - Program Growth and Industry Collaboration32:22 - Multifaceted Benefits for All Stakeholders42:33 - Future Plans for Global Expansion

In this extra geeky DEEP DIVE episode, Guest Host Eric Palkovacs, Director of Institute of Marine Sciences at UC Santa Cruz, sits down with Malin Pinsky, UC Santa Cruz Professor, to explore how human activities drive real-time evolutionary changes in fish populations. Malin reveals genetic evidence showing rapid alterations in species like Atlantic cod due to fishing. Discover how ancient DNA helps unravel fisheries-induced evolution and the surprising findings that challenge traditional models. Learn about innovative genomic techniques and solutions for sustainable fisheries, crucial for marine conservation and understanding human impact on evolution.00:00 The influence of fishing and climate change on fish evolution04:14 How fishing causes evolutionary changes, favoring early maturation06:54 Evidence of size and age shifts in wild fish populations10:23 The collapse of Atlantic cod and its evolutionary implications14:11 Discovering no large genomic changes in cod despite phenotypic shifts19:13 Implications of evolution for fishery recovery strategies29:00 Strategies for managing fisheries within a changing climate landscape35:03 Local research efforts in Santa Cruz focusing on kelp forest adaptation

Marine scientist Caroline Casey explains how underwater noise from ships and industry disrupts communication among seals, whales, and dolphins. Sound travels vast distances in the ocean, but human noise shrinks this range, impacting survival. Using data and initiatives like Blue Whales Blue Skies, researchers work to reduce noise and protect marine ecosystems. The episode highlights ocean noise and calls for informed action.00:00 Introduction to Marine Sound Perception00:33 Caroline Casey's Research and Background02:32 Impact of Noise on Harbor Seals' Communication04:59 Biological Hearing Data and Research Models06:06 Visualizing Monterey Bay's Acoustic Environment09:03 Human Noise Sources and Research Techniques21:02 Conservation Efforts and Community Engagement33:22 Policy Initiatives and Future Directions

Most people don’t realize how fragile and interconnected our local fisheries are and how conservation and industry are often seen as competing interests. Melissa Mahoney, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust, reveals the surprising truth that protecting fish populations and supporting fishing communities can truly go hand in hand. She shares stories that challenge conventional thinking, from the deep history of fishing in California to innovative solutions that reconnect communities with their ocean resources.00:00 - Introduction: Fisheries management and conservation challenges in Monterey Bay03:56 - The collapse of groundfish fisheries and the shift toward sustainability07:20 - Early perceptions of fisheries and the evolution of community relationships13:35 - Defining what a fishery is and how it’s managed across federal and state agencies26:21 - The sanctuary area controversy and fishermen’s involvement in decision-making36:39 - Practical steps for consumers to support local seafood and sustainable fishing practices

In this conversation, Gary Griggs shares his extensive experience and insights on the relationship between the ocean, climate change, and community resilience in Santa Cruz. He reflects on his personal connection to the coast, transformative moments in environmental awareness, and the challenges of balancing development with ecological preservation. Griggs emphasizes the importance of education, community engagement, and proactive decision-making in addressing the impacts of climate change and sea level rise. He advocates for a hopeful and solution-oriented approach to environmental issues, highlighting Santa Cruz as a model for resilience and innovation in marine science and public policy.00:00 Personal Connection to the Ocean06:34 Transformative Moments in Coastal Awareness16:30 Resilience and Community Decisions34:00 Bridging Science and Solutions43:52 Santa Cruz as a Case Study

An avian flu outbreak among elephant seals at Año Nuevo reveals how vulnerable wildlife populations can be. Reserve director Patrick Robinson explains how avian influenza likely moved from seabirds to marine mammals and why long-term research is critical for detecting and understanding such events. Decades of data help scientists track early warning signs and assess potential impacts on seal populations. The episode also explores how diseases jump between species and whether this virus will fade out or become established in the ecosystem. Overall, it highlights the importance of long-term monitoring for wildlife conservation and emerging zoonotic risks.

Hosted by Jonathan Hicken, Executive Director of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, this podcast spotlights groundbreaking research in Santa Cruz, California, and shares actionable, positive environmental news from the region. Featuring in-depth conversations with scientists from UC Santa Cruz and beyond, along with local leaders and environmental experts, the show makes complex science accessible while highlighting real progress and tangible solutions protecting our unique coastal community.

In this episode, Eric Palkovacs from UC Santa Cruz discusses the impacts of the 2020 fires on salmon in Santa Cruz, the resilience of ecosystems, and innovative conservation strategies. Explore how fire, climate change, and genetic adaptation influence salmon populations and what communities can do to support conservation efforts.

The Fight Against Offshore Drilling in Santa Cruz and California’s Coastal ResistanceThis episode features Katie Thompson, Executive Director of Save Our Shores, who shares critical insights into the ongoing battle to prevent offshore drilling along the California coast. We explore the scientific, environmental, and community strategies shaping coastal conservation efforts, emphasizing how local action can influence national policy.In this episodeThe details of the federal proposal for offshore lease sales and its implications for CaliforniaThe historical context of Santa Cruz’s leadership in ocean conservation and local ordinances like the Blue WallThe environmental science behind oil exploration impacts, including seismic surveys and potential spillsHow community members can participate and support local ordinances that protect coastal ecosystemsThe importance of cross-sector collaboration, from grassroots organizations to corporate allies, in safeguarding our ocean