The Thank You Ocean Report focuses on interesting and exciting California ocean topics such as marine mammals, the latest news on ocean health, timely ocean issues and fascinating ocean facts. Stories feature interviews with ocean experts, explorers, scientists, conservationists, government and business leaders. Listeners learn about ocean activities and recreation, surfing, fishing, boating, and the many ways we all can thank the ocean through conservation and stewardship.
Childrens Songs from the Sea: Banana Slug String Band: Play Now | Download (79)
An ocean of fun! The Banana Slug String Band is committed to educational entertainment for children and families through interactive music and performance. Their Only One Ocean CD is 14 rockin’ songs designed to inspire young people and their families to learn about and care for the ocean. Only One Ocean was produced with support from the National Marine Educators Association, Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence, the NOAA Office of Exploration, Lawrence Hall of Science and the College of Exploration.
Thank You Ocean everyday action: Teach children to respect nature and the environment. Take them on hikes, beach exploring, or camping. Help them plant a tree, pick up litter, or learn about the ocean.
Central California Marine Protected Areas On Track To Help Ocean: Play Now | Download (93)
The first major study of California’s marine protected areas shows they are on track to help to improve ocean health. Scientists, fishermen, resource managers and environmentalists gathered recently to share results from the first five years of monitoring in the Central Coast region. We spoke with Liz Whiteman, Director of the MPA Monitoring Enterprise program at California Ocean Science Trust, who says monitoring is showing promising results for marine life and the ocean economy.
109-Year-Old Shipwreck George E. Billings: Play Now | Download (111)
Did you know that hundreds of historic ships and aircraft lie beneath the waves off of California’s coast? We talked with Bob Schwemmer, a NOAA maritime archaeologist, whose job is to explore and document shipwrecks like the wreck of a 109-year-old schooner discovered on the ocean floor. The George E. Billings once hauled timber in the early 1900s from the West Coast to Hawaii and Latin America. Bob tells us how it was found last year after two decades of searching in NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. And there’s more to the story!
What discoveries shocked author and Blue Frontier president David Helvarg while writing The Golden Shore? What would surprise you about California and its environmental history? We talked with David about The Golden Shore: California’s Love Affair with the Sea, the tale of the history, culture, and changing nature of California’s coasts and ocean. Part history, part travelogue, part love letter, The Golden Shore tells the story of California’s majestic coastline and ocean. David captures the spirit of the Californian coast, its mythic place in American culture, and its role in a state whose ongoing natural disasters and unremitting sense of renewal are intimately linked to its deep connection with an ever-changing sea.
Stranded sea lions and dramatic rescue operations have been in the news more than ever in California. Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals stranded along the Orange County coastline. We talk to Keith Matassa, Executive Director, and go behind the scenes to find out the day-to-day work and research behind the headlines. Find out what you can do to help California’s marine mammals in need.
Thank You Ocean Report: Jean-Michel Cousteau: Orcas: Play Now | Download (138)
“The ruler of the ocean,” orcas are one of the ocean’s most fascinating inhabitants. Found along California’s coast and within national marine sanctuaries, the largest species of the dolphin family is often called “killer whale.” We talk with Jean-Michel Cousteau, who says that people and orcas share surprising similarities.
Capturing the Beauty of California’s Ocean and Coast: Play Now | Download (171)
The beauty, mystery, excitement, wildlife and lifestyle of California’s Ocean and Coast are captured in this montage of spectacular photos representing some of the winning images from the 14th Annual California Ocean and Coastal Amateur Photography Contest. We talk with Sylvie Lee of the California Coastal Commission about the contest, sponsored by the Thank You Ocean campaign, the California Coastal Commission, and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts of California.
What was the biggest surprise Jean-Michel Cousteau learned about his father, Jacques, in writing “My Father, The Captain”? Jean-Michel Cousteau talks about his famous father, the ocean world, and the Cousteau legend and legacy. He’s created a book and film that are unique, compelling and inspirational.
Since 1921, the Carmel River and its wildlife resources have been impacted by San Clemente Dam. As a result, the Carmel River suffers accelerated erosion, the once vibrant steelhead run has dramatically decreased, and lives and property below the dam are threatened with potential collapse of the dam — which has been deemed unsafe by the State of California. We speak with Sam Schuchat, Executive Officer, State Coastal Conservancy. He discusses an extraordinary opportunity to remove the antiquated dam through a unique example of public and private interests working together to realize benefits far beyond what either could achieve working alone.
The California King Tides Initiative encourages members of the public to go photograph shorelines in their local community during the highest tides of the winter. These high tides, combined with winter storm surge and runoff, can show us how the coast may look after future sea level rise. The king tide dates for this year are: December 12th-14th, January 9th-11th, and February 7th-9th. This is a great way to participate in citizen science in your community; so go take some photos!
