Two Sea Fans: Mote Marine Laboratory Podcast

Dip a hydrophone into the Gulf of Mexico and you’ll be eavesdropping on plenty of “chit chat.”  Many fish species make sounds, especially during important life history events such as mating. Dr. Jim Locascio, Manager of Mote’s Fisheries Habitat Ecology Program, plays some fish sounds and shares knowledge from his acoustic research.

Mote Aquarium, an informal science education center in Sarasota, Florida, shares the research of Mote Marine Laboratory with the public and features animals native to Florida waters and other places where Mote works. Joe and Hayley learn from (and laugh with) Evan Barniskis, Assistant Vice President of Mote Aquarium, about what it takes to keep the Aquarium running, what stories Barniskis has accumulated during a decade with Mote and some specific ways the Aquarium shares Mote research.

Jim Culter, Manager of the Benthic Ecology Program at Mote, is a technical cave diver who ventures where few dare to go: into Florida’s underwater caves and sinkholes called blue holes. Jim tells Joe and Hayley what he’s learning, as the leader of the first scientific expeditions to several blue holes off west Florida. Also, Joe interrupts Hayley incessantly.

Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program responds 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, to reports of injured, sick or dead marine mammals and sea turtles in Mote’s local area, Sarasota and Manatee counties in southwest Florida. Gretchen Lovewell, Manager of this program, tells Hayley and Joe what it takes to rescue dolphins and other animals in need, what people can expect when they call Mote’s stranding pager, and about the occasional “false alarm” calls that add surprising humor to a challenging job. (To report stranded marine life in Sarasota and Manatee counties, call this program at 888-345-2335.)

Helpful bacteria live on and inside fish (and us).  Dr. Andrea Tarnecki, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Mote, shares her research geared toward understanding fish-related bacteria and using some helpful bacteria to raise healthier fish in aquaculture, also called fish farming. And of course, Dr. Tarnecki indulges Joe’s interest in fish poop. Episode transcript provided by intern Mary Alice Blackstock.

With a focus on the Florida red tides (harmful algae) that can kill fish and make Gulf of Mexico beachgoers cough, Hayley and Joe learn about Mote’s Environmental Health Program from its manager, Dr. Tracy Fanara.

U.S. and Cuban shark scientists are building bonds through joint research. Dr. Bob Hueter, Director of Mote’s Center for Shark Research, and Alexei Ruiz Abierno of University of Havana discuss Cuba’s amazing sharks — including one rare species they tracked from Cuban to U.S. waters. They discuss the hurdles and triumphs of working together amid the tentative relationship between the two nations.

Get to know Mote Marine Laboratory during this inaugural episode, in which hosts Joe Nickelson and Hayley Rutger share the storied history of this independent, nonprofit marine research and education facility in Sarasota Florida. Hear about the adventures of Mote’s founding “Shark Lady” and dip your toes into Mote’s brand-new podcast, Two Sea Fans! Episode transcript courtesy of our intern, Mary Alice Blackstock