KHUM

Humboldt Bay Watch

Lyndsey Battle hosts this weekly segment with Troy Nicolini of the National Weather Service, breaking down the week in weather and waves. Airs at noon Wednesdays on 104.3 and 104.7 FM and online at www.khum.com.

Subscribe

Episodes

Can you tell the difference between a raven and a crow? Ever wondered what they are snacking on or cackling about? Find out more about ravens on Humboldt Baywatch!

Have you ever wondered where you could find grape-fruit sized carnivorous snails in Humboldt County? Did you even know there were grape-fruit carnivorous snails in Humboldt County? We chat with Michelle Kunst about the moon snails munching on clams in our muddy coastal flats. A unique sight, these snails aren't to be missed!

Midge has an inordiante fondness for beetles, so today's Baywatch comes by request. Carol Vander Meer chats about diving beetles, Humboldt's own little scuba divers. Dving beetles are capable of breathing underwater for up to half an hour with a little air bubble tucked beneath their wings. Find out all about this little baddies on this week's Humboldt Baywatch!

Today on Humboldt Baywatch, we chat about the Pacific Chorus Frog, FKA the Pacific Tree Frog. What's with the name change? What are they singing about? And what shoudl we be listening for with our few precious hours of sunlight this weekend? Big thanks to Carol Vander Meer for making the time to be with us here on KHUM!

Today, Midge chats with Claire Nasr about tide pooling in Humboldt County. Think you know it all about the intertidal zone? We get back to basics and break down every question you may have had about how to best experience all the tide pools we've got on offer along the coast.

The sun is out and it's time to take a stroll. If you find yourself around the Arcata marsh and listen closely, you'll likely catch the sound of swallows and blackbirds. Learn to distinguish their sounds and grow your appreciation for nature after listening to our chat with Carol Vander Meer on Humboldt Baywatch.

We've got a newbie here on Humboldt Baywatch! Welcome Anna Arsic (sitch, with a “ch” sound) to the KHUM community and back to Humboldt in general. As the new Arcata BLM Interpretive Specialist, she's got the scoop on the March 1st, 25th anniversary of the Headwater Forrest Reserve. Listen here and find out more! Don't miss Humboldt Baywatch each week, Thursdays at 10:30

Get excited about birds with Midge and professional “Bird Nerd” Carol Vander Meer as they discuss the not-so-elusive Night Heron. You can see (and hear) herons all across Humboldt County, but in particular, be on the lookout at the marsh.

If you've been waiting for an episode of Humboldt Baywatch that features a cute and fuzzy creature, this is your week! Carol and Midge chat about Humboldt's somewhat elusive (at least, they should be!) gray fox.

Midge and Carol Vander Meer have a rootin' and tootin' time talking about the wonder of the Lanphere dunes and why it's so special that it needed the protection of the Pistol Packing Mama herself, Hortense Lanphere.

It's the perfect time of year to chat about SLIME MOLD. This interesting single-celled gelatinous protoplasm comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors but all of 'em are lovably weird. Learn about how this neither slime nor mold moves, solves mazes, outsmarts engineers, maps public transportation and is influencing AI in this episode of Humboldt Baywatch.

Midge and Carol chat about a lesser talked about northern California wonder, the mighty oak tree. Perfect for firewood, acorns and lounging under, this tree has been regarded throughout history.

Midge and Carol chat about all the beauty of Eureka's bustling jetty. As the season changes, having little escapes are going to be key, so bring your bird binoculars and de-stress with a mini getaway.

Have you ever seen a baby mantis? Ever thought about the fact that you don't see other toddler bugs? Carol Vander Meer explains why in today's Humboldt Baywatch. We speak about mantis eyes and legs, but turn our sights upwards for a chat about woodpeckers. Take a trip through the Bald Hills to see these critters, but be sure and bone up first by listening to KHUM's Baywatch each Thursday at 10:30!

Kathleen, are you listening? Midge initially accidentally called someone other than local marine mammal expert Claire Nasr for Humboldt Baywatch. Luckily, Claire was on the horn to discuss a variety of sea life, including dolphins and porpoises (yes, we clarify that it's pronounced porpoises not porpi) and seals and sea lions.

Today we chat with Baywatch newcomer Claire Nasr about adorable but ferocious sea otters. Ever wondered what they are doing out there? Find out on today's episode where we chat about their range, their size, their diet, their powerful teeth, and yes, we find out if they really do hold hands out there.

Got a hankerin' for something sweet along your hike around Trinidad or the Community Forrest? Reach for natures candy because today we are chatting about berries. There's the (often annoying) Himalayan blackberries, as well as the native California blackberry, and find out more about Carol's favorite berry, thimbleberry.

It's Beetlemania on KHUM! Carol Vander Meer chats with Midge about the Ten Striped June Beetle, the adorable and clumsy beetle bumping into your porch lights. We learn where they are living as “juicy” grubs and how they make that hissing sound.

Have you ever wondered if the elk inhabiting the Bald Hills are good mothers? Carol Vander Meer witnessed some gentle parenting in the hills, at of course, a very safe distance.

Don't let the name Bald Hills fool you! It's the perfect time of year to spot the last of the lupine and many other wildflowers. Carol Vander Meer talks about a chance encounter with a lizard and the wonders of the Bald Hills.

Carol Vander Meer had a relaxing encounter with an American Dipper, well, dipping in the creek near Tall Trees Trail. These little grey birds have some serious adaptations that make their underwater hunting skills all the more impressive. Listen to Humboldt Baywatch each Thursday at 10:30 here on KHUM, Radio Without the Rules.

Midge talks with Michelle Kunst about some slimy blue jellyfish washed up on our beaches. Commonly known as “by-the-wind sailors,” these squishy frisbees have a pretty interesting life cycle and a long journey determined by the tilt of their sails.

Today, Midge spoke with Michelle Kunst about the lovely Trinidad Head Coastal Trail. Sometimes on Humboldt Baywatch we go micro, but this macro discussion encompasses rocks, birds, whales, flowers, activities, and the dreaded poison oak. Listen and learn each Thursday at 10:30 here on KHUM!

Ever wanted to know who's singing you those beautiful songs from the trees? Carol Vander Meer shows us three common and easily recognizable calls you can hear around the marsh. We'll hear: The red-winged blackbird https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3QicOAiBXk The marsh ren https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlbpWe4SiZ8 The common yellowthroat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECVC3tS_G4U

Midge and Carol chat about the various birds hanging around the Arcata Marsh this time of year. Whether it's Cinnamon Teals or Coots, Carol helps even the most novice “bird nerd” find their way around foul!

Let's talk about our smelly friends. Whether it's the cabbage or the striped furry friends, Carol and Midge get the bottom of the stink!

As we begin a wet and wild new year, take a page from the wintering duck's book and try to let it all roll off your back. Specially designed feathers and oil glands help, but it all starts with attitude! Big thanks to Carol Vander Meer for helping us understand just how well adapted our ducky friends are.

Everything you ever wanted to know and even possibly more about whale lice, the lice of the briny deep.

These social little buggers build, farm and run their tiny world on their own terms. Midge discusses with the Trinidad Land Trust's Michelle Kunst.

Carol Vander Meer is a certified Bird Nerd and fall is one of the best times to get out and see our migratory visitors. Half a million birds stop off in Humboldt each year on their way south so if you're the curious type, give this a listen

Ever wanted to know what a hormone-fueled elk sounds like? Hear it and more on this episode of Humboldt Baywatch with Midge and Carol Vander Meer. Big thanks to Kokatat for sponsoring!

Midge and Carol Vander Meer talk about the three types of egrets in Humboldt County and their adaptations that keep them looking shiny and white.

Today I spoke with William and Troy about hiking in the interior and boating along the Humboldt Bay.

This morning I spoke with Ryan at the National Weather Server about our area rivers and ocean. A listener ask about algae blooms. Ryan did not have the info at the time, but has sent me a link for anyone to follow: https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/73419/DHHS-Connect-Summer-2019?bidId=

This morning I spoke with Ryan from the NOAA office in Eureka about our area rivers. The flows have slowed to safe levels and the temps are on the rise with some up to 70°. However the Trinity is still in the 50s. Even ocean temps are up, checking with 62° on the coast.

Ryan from NOAA talks about the beautiful, mellow-weathered weekend we have ahead of us. He also gives a few pointers on what folks headed inland can expect

Alex from NOAA talks Summertime weather and tells us what's up with our local rivers, inland temperatures and windy conditions for the next few days on the coast.

We had some record-tying warm temperatures this past week here along the coast! Troy Nicolini from NOAA assures us that we'll be getting back to our more typical Humboldt Summer weather here soon

Kathleen from NOAA talks about the weather ahead of this weekend… it's warmin' up round these here parts but she reminds us that our rivers are still pretty cold and moving swiftly

Troy from NOAA talks about the arrival of some blue skies here on the coast this upcoming weekend. Chances for some lightning and thunderstorms shouldn't put a damper on this otherwise highly anticipated non-rainy weather

Ryan from NOAA talks about the North wind that'll be making an appearance along the coast during the Kinetic Grand Championship this upcoming weekend, conditions inland on the Trinity and how the wind will affect conditions for folks fishing out in the sea

Troy Nicolini talks about the series of unusual storm systems making their way through Humboldt just in time to rain on everyone's graduation party. For those hoping to show off some authentic Humboldt weather to their out-of-town relatives, you're in luck: It's looking like a wet, windy weekend ahead…

Ryan, from NOAA talks about this weekend's weather. It's looking like it'll be getting pretty toasty out in Eastern Humboldt, but our rivers still pretty icy cold. Coastal weather is looking favorable for fishing and tidepooling… and we might even get a break in the clouds

Troy Nicolini talks about our weekend weather and river conditions inland. It looks to be a windy and sunny one here on the coast.

Jeff from NOAA gives us some insight on when and where to find the sun this weekend

We got to check in with Troy Nicolini today about the weather this upcoming weekend…looks like we can expect some sun and some rain in the forecast

Ryan from NOAA checks in with KHUM about the weekend ahead. Weather-wise, it's not looking like the most ideal one to get out and play, but he predicts we may see a few pockets of decent weather come Saturday.

Matthew from NOAA talks weather for the weekend ahead on KHUM… and picks out a country song to sum it all up

Ryan from NOAA tells us that we've got a beautiful weekend ahead here on the North Coast, and picks out a song we can all enjoy together.

Looks like we'll get a mixed bag this weekend, but sunshine on Sunday is in the forecast. The folks out at NOAA on Woodley Island have life jackets for you to borrow if you want to head to the beach this weekend and want to stay safe from those sneaky sneaker waves

Things are looking to get wet again this upcoming weekend, but a little warmer this time. Ryan Aylward from NOAA gives us a breakdown of the weather forecast for the weekend ahead and picks out a Tom Waits song for us to listen to

Julie Stewart, Surfrider Humboldt Secretary and Event Coordinator for Black and White Ocean Night at the Arcata Theater Lounge talks about this year's event. Black and White Ocean night is this upcoming Friday, Dec. 14th. It is an all ages event and only $3 suggested donation to get in the door, this event begins at 6:30p.

Sam Delson is Deputy Director for External and Legislative Affairs at California Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Sam talks about mercury levels found in various fish samples taken from Humboldt Bay. He also explains the recently published “Fish Advisory” which offers safe eating advice about fish caught in Humboldt Bay.

Former host of Coastal Currents and Surfrider's new California Campaign Coordinator, Delia Bense-Kang, stopped by for a visit and talked with us about offshore drilling policies along California's coastline.

Lonny Grafman is a Professor of Engineering, author and creator or Appropedia. He stopped in to talk on Coastal Current about his upcoming lecture as part of the HSU Sustainable Future Speakers Series.

Environmental Director of of Surfrider Foundation, Pete Stauffer, talks with us about Surfrider's recent victories in implementing ocean-friendly policies.

Jessah Breault organizes the upcoming event, Wine By The Sea. It's a benefit for Friends of the Dunes at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center.

Richard Artebury is the founder of Ocean Blue. He's been organizing and documenting beach clean-ups all along the West Coast. Richard talks with us about how to organize successful clean-ups and gives his perspective of the ocean's role in cleaning up plastic pollution.

Troy Nicolini is our National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Meteorologist-in-Charge on Woodley Island. He also heads our local Water Safety Coalition. Troy joins us to talk about new signage in Big Lagoon and hopes to save lives by alerting beach-goers to potentially deadly conditions which exist on some of our local beaches.

Madison Peters from the NEC checks in to talk about last weekend's Coastal Clean-up Day. An estimated 1,000 volunteers in Humboldt came out to pick up garbage on our local beaches. She also talks about the adopt-a-beach and adopt-a-block programs. You can learn more by visiting: yournec.org

Eric Hall talks about our Humboldt Bay area Sea Scouts, a local organization for boys and girls age 14 to 20. Youth can learn how to sail, restore boats and enjoy time on the beautiful Humboldt Bay. For more information, check out humboldtseascouts.org or give Eric a call at 707.702.1601

Brad Maggetti spoke with us about the beach wheelchairs that are now available at Redwood National & State Parks.

The Northcoast Environmental Center's Madison Peters came in to talk with Humboldt Surfrider's Jessie Misha and I about Coastal Cleanup Day on September 15 and the kickoff party on August 30 at Lost Coast Brewery.

A few weeks ago Humboldt Surfrider's Jessie Misha and I spoke with Heal the Bay about their Beach Bummer list. They mentioned that DHHS does the water quality testing locally. We spoke with Senior Environmental Health Specialist at Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health Consumer Protection Program Morgan Cook about this beach monitoring.

Humboldt Surfrider's Jessie Misha and Bayley talk with President of the Pacific Seabird Group David Craig about the Pacific Seabird Conference.

Siskiyou Land Conservancy Executive Director Greg King came in to talk about what they do and promote the benefit at the Arcata Playhouse on Saturday.

Fish and Wildlife Interpreter Marnin Robbins came in to talk about underwater parks created by the marine protected areas and the film California Fish and Wildlife just made about them! The video will be shown at the next Ocean Night on Feb 8 at the Arcata Theatre Lounge.

California Department of Fish & Wildlife Marine Region Environmental Scientist Adam Frimodig came in to explain Marine Protected Areas (also known as MPAs) and talk about the recently completed Phase I Monitoring that the state just finished. To expand your knowledge of MPAs check out the links in this article: http://khum.com/2017/dec/6/what-are-mpas-and-why-do-we-need-them/

Delia Bense-Kang took a job at a surf camp in Nicaragua! She introduces the new hosts - both from the Northcoast Environmental Center - Programs Coordinator Anne Maher and Coastal Programs Coordinator Madison Peters. This all goes on in the North Coast Co-Op produce section because we're broadcasting for the food drive. #silliness #funforagoodcause

WILDCOAST is an environmental non-profit based out of San Diego who recently had several folks up this way to check out Marine Protected Areas on the Lost Coast. We spoke with MPA Watch Program Coordinator Angela Kemsley and Conservation Coordinator Cory Pukini. For more information head here: http://www.wildcoast.net/media-center/news/1297

What's better than having fun and helping out the environment? Delia Bense-Kang headed down to The Shop in Arcata to talk to the owner Nikk Light and local surfer/worker Ben about the 3rd annual Wavesgiving coming up on November 16. It's raising funds for the Trinidad Head Restoration Project.

Today Delia and I talked with Jess Barger, Education & Restoration Coordinator for Friends of the Dunes.

We spoke with Jaimal Yogis, author, speaker, and dad about the relationship between surfing and mindfulness/brain activity.

Today I talked with Shelby O'Neil, founder of Jr. Ocean Guardians and Jackie Nunez, founder of thelastplasticstraw.org about No Straw November

Today Delia and I spoke with Jessie Misha, the volunteer coordinator for Surfrider

Today Delia and I talked with Melissa Kent, CA Sea Grant State Fellow and part of the North Coast MPA monitoring team

Today I talked with Dr. Laurie Richmond about the public meetings for the Fishing Community Sustainability Planning. Eureka meeting is tonight (9/27) at the Warfinger from 6-8, and Shelter Cove's meeting will be Friday (9/29) at the Shelter Cove Community Center from 6-8PM.

Today I talked with Bridget Hand, she is the Center Activities Manager for HSU.

Today I talked with Delia and Madison from the NEC about Saturday's Coastal Clean Up Day

The students at Arcata High have decided to form their own chapter of Surfrider! We talked to them today.

Delia went to Congressman Huffman's Ocean Protection Forum on August 23 in Marin County.

Delia and I talked with Pete Stauffer, Environmental Director for Surfrider Foundation. We will be talking to him about the proposed budget cut to funding for NOAA, what the impacts would be, and how people can help.

Today Delia and I spoke to Chris who is the founder of Avasol, a line of sunscreens that are designed to be safe for the ocean as well as your family.

Today I spoke with Anne Maher from the NEC talking about Coastal Cleanup.

Today I spoke with Emily Benvie, Environmental Programs manager for the City of Arcata. She got us updated about the Arcata stretch of the Humboldt Bay Trail.

Today I talked with Ben, the Executive Director of the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. They partner with all kinds of agencies and non-profits to care for this spectacular stretch of coastline.

Today I spoke with Mike Zeppegno of Explore North Coast about this Monday's free lecture at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, the Paddle Guide, and more.

Today I spoke with Delia about the Bio Blitz that is happening all along the California Coast and an update on the upcoming hearing about the sand mine at the Coastal Commission in July.

Today i spoke with Jeffery Stienkamp, owner of Moonstone Beach Surf Camp about their summer program.

Today we talked with Keven Harder, Patricks Point State Parks ranger about the Junior Life Guard program. More information at: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26889

Today Delia and I talked with four of the 8th grade students at Trinidad School about their activities in M.A.R.E. (Marine Activities Resource Education) Month. We talked with: Oriah Nagahiro, Zaca Letherwood, West Wood, and Alyssa Morehead

Today we talked with Jana Litt, Marine Biologist and director of the project HSU Marine Lab is conducting with Trinidad School to monitor sea star wasting disease.

Today Delia and I spoke with our old friend, Jennifer Savage, who is now the Director of Policy for California for Surfrider.

Delia and I were joined by Matt Kurth, Aquatics Coordinator, from the Humboldt Bay Aquatics Center/HSU Center Activities

Gray Whale expert and author, James Sumich, will be coming to speak to Explore North Coast Kayak on Monday, May 15th. He will be bringing copies of his latest book “E. robustus: The Biology and Human History of Gray Whales”

We spoke with Brian Tissot, Director of the HSU Marine Lab about the MPA symposium May 5, 2017 at the Humboldt Aquatic Center.

Coastal Currents from April 27, 2017. Joining Amy in the KHUM studio were Delia Bense-Kang and Ian Kelmartin, grad student at HSU. We taled about the Collaborative Fisheries Research

Coastal Currents from April 13, 2017. Talking to Lonny Grafman, Environmental Resources Engineering professor at HSU and involved with the Friends of Swale project.

Today Delia and I talked with Suzie Fortner, Education Manager for Friends of the Dunes about their Get Outside Gear Sale this Saturday at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center.

Coastal Currents Ocean Night with HSU Marine Science

Coastal Currents-Kayak Gray Whale tours

This episode of Coastal Currents had a room full of guest speaking on Water and Water Rights and promoting the upcoming event World Water Rising taking place Saturday March 25th at Blue Lake Casino's Sapphire Palace.

Delia and Larry speak with Dave Feral of the Mad River Alliance and Shane Anderson regarding the World Water Rising event and Shane's forthcoming film, A River's Last Chance.

Delia and Larry speak with Trey Heighton regarding the Save The Waves Film Festival and other topics.

Delia and Larry speak with Josh Koepke, Restoration Ecologist at Samara Restoration and the creation and maintenance of ocean-friendly gardens.

Delia and Larry speak with Stephen Kullmann about his plans as the newly appointed Division 3 Harbor Commissioner.

Delia and Larry speak with Michael Kew, author of the travel book “Crossings,” about his adventures at surf spots around the world.

Delia and Larry talk with Eve Robinson, North Coast Science Integration Fellow at the HSU Marine Lab regarding MPA research.

Delia and Larry talk with David Helvarg, Executive Director of Blue Frontier regarding “The Golden Shore,” a book Helvarg wrote about California's history with the sea.

Delia and Larry speak with Kim McFarland, the new Executive Director of Friends Of The Dunes regarding her plans for the organization in her new position.

Delia and Larry speak with Jack Crider, Executive Director of the Humboldt Bay Harbor District, regarding a World War II Naval vessel recently pulled out of Humboldt Bay.

Delia and Larry speak with Helen Jackard and Chuck DeWitt regarding the Golden Rule, a peace advocacy ship operated by Veterans For Peace.

Delia and Larry speak with Aaron Ostrom and Tim Haywood about the PacOut Green Team.

Delia and Larry speak with Dan Menton, a local author who has written a new North Coast whitewater guide.

Delia and Larry speak with Alderon Laird, a sea-level rise planner.

Delia and Larry speak with Marty Nave, creator of the Seapod clothing company.

Delia and Larry speak with Marna Powell regarding the annual Blessing Of The Fleet event.

Larry talks with Jen Savage regarding election results and Coastal Commission developments.

Delia and Larry speak with Dan Johnson from Environment California regarding the bag ban proposition.

Delia and Larry speak with Neil Romans who is a Coast Guard helicopter pilot.

Delia and Larry speak with Joe Tyburczy regarding the Humboldt Bay Symposium.

Larry and Delia speak with Dayla Soul, the Producer/Director of “It Ain't Pretty”, a documentary focusing on female surfers.

Delia and Larry chat with Madison Peters, Coastal Programs Coordinator for NEC, regarding the results of Coastal Cleanup Day.

Delia and Larry chat with Bridget Hand, HSU Center Activities Manager, regarding the Outdoor Nation Challenge.

Delia and Larry speak with Gayla Mitchell and Justin Fricker from Bike Party Humboldt regarding an upcoming paddle event.

Larry chats with Jen Savage regarding California sea mounts and conservation efforts with regard thereto.

Delia and Larry speak with Emily Benvie, Environmental Services Director for the City of Arcata regarding stormwater runoff diversions and other topics.

Delia and Larry chat with Rhyn Noll about conflicts between jetski riders in Crescent City and others who use the beaches and ocean.

Delia and Larry talk Coastal Commission, jetskis in Crescent City and Coastal Cleanup Day.

Larry speaks with Tami Trump and Susan Elliott of the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust regarding a local art fundraiser.

Larry and Delia chat with Jeffrey Steinkamp who runs Moonstone Beach Surf Camp.

Larry speaks with Sarah Green regarding the Critter Crawl, and open-sea swim event.

Delia and Larry speak with Mike Zeppegno about Explore North Coast, a sea kayaking club.

Delia and Larry speak with Kevin Harter from California State Parks regarding a junior lifeguard program and with Melinda Bailey regarding the Natural History Museum's Summer Science Program.

Delia and Larry talk with Jennifer Kalt, Director of Humboldt Baykeeper, regarding presence of fecal bacteria in local streams. Note: recording joins episode already in progress.

Delia and Larry chat with Madison Peters, Coastal Programs Coordinator at NEC, regarding Coastal Cleanup Day.

Larry and Delia chat with Don Allan, Senior Project Manager for Redwood Community Action Agency and board member for the Trinidad Land Trust

Delia and Larry speak with HSU Professor P. Dawn Goley about the whales that annually visit Humboldt's waters.

Delia and Larry chat with Carol Vander Meer from Friends Of The Dunes about an upcoming meeting regarding climate change preparations.

Delia and Larry speak with surfer, attorney, and environmental conservationist hero Mark Massara regarding efforts to remove Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester.

Guest host Jennifer Savage and Larry discuss a move to oust Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester

Delia and Larry talk waves and weather with Brian Garcia from NOAA.

Delia and Larry talk with Mike Wilson from the Harbor Commission about quick action that led to the cleanup of the old pulp mill site, averting a potentially serious situation.

Delia and Larry talk with Madison from NEC about beach cleanups focusing on identifying tsunami debris and with Kelsey from The Shop about an upcoming surf competition.

Delia and Larry chat with Skipper Eric Hall and learn about the Sea Scouts, a program that helps older kids learn about our bay and ocean. For some reason, they also chat about the Mr. Humboldt pageant.

Delia and Larry chat with HSU Professor Emeritus Lori Dengler regarding her new book that tells the story of a boat that washed up in Crescent City after having made a post-tsunami trek across the Pacific Ocean

Delia and Larry chat with Steve Shimek, Chief Executive of The Otter Project regarding, well, otters.

Delia and Larry speak with Dr. Brian Tissot, Director of the HSU marine lab regarding the lab's mission and accomplishments over a 50-year period.

Jennifer Savage, Delia Bense-Kang, and Larry talk with Beth Frink regarding the Wine By The Sea event.

Jen Savage and Larry discuss the problems associated with microbeads that are found in some beauty and personal care products.

Jen and Larry talk with Tibora Girczyc-Blum about upcoming Scrap Humboldt event.

Jen and Larry talk to BayKeeper's Jen Kalt about decommissioning the former nuclear power plant.

Jen and Larry are joined by Monte Merrick of Humboldt Wildlife Care Center and Bird Ally X, and they discuss, among other topics, the documentary “Pelican Dreams”

Jana Hennessy, a master's student at HSU, discusses a disease afflicting west coast sea stars.

Shaun Tomson is a hero in the surfing world, known for his style, aloha spirit and environmental activism. Always the optimist Tomson talks about his history with Surfrider, his favorite wave, and one thing surfers can do every day make the world a better place. [This episode is founding co-host Mike Dronkers' final episode and things get a little bit weepy at the end. ]

Feat. Hugh Holt, Jen Savage, Jason Self, Jen Savage.

The Crescent City Harbor District's Charlie Helms talks about the new bike trail and why CC is America's most Tsunami-proofed harbor.

Filmmaker Jennifer Eckstrom explores what looks to be a colossally bad plan in her documentary “Last Rush for the Wild West.” It'll be screened tonight at the Arcata Theater, 6:30 pm.

The NEC's Dan Ehresman, along with a coalition of volunteers and government agencies, trekked into the woods to clean up some trespass grows. What they found was not good.

Surfrider's legal director Angela Howe discusses how, seemingly suddenly, California is on the cusp of landmark antiwaste legislation.

Justin Boyes and Jessica Hall explain why keeping rainwater runoff close to where it fell is a win/win for builders and bees.

Marcy Cravat, director of Angel Azul, joined Jen & Mike to talk about her stunning documentary.

Jasmin Segura of the NEC/Baykeeper wants to get you on a motorboat or kayak or whatever. Who cares. It's free! Guest host Dan Ehresman presides.

Today's Coastal Currents topic is the Humboldt Bay Critter Crawl, a 4.5-mile swim from the Coast Guard Station to Woodley Island Marina on July 13. We'll check in with Taylor Daniels and Sarah Green, swimmers and co-organizers for the event.

Dr. John Chapman is a rare bird: he's a scientist BUT he's a good communicator. He was also magnificently wrong about boat-bound critters surviving the quake-induced voyage from Japan to North America. These stray craft and their accidental passengers, pulled out to sea by the tsunami, are landing on North American shores at the rate of almost one a day. But now what? Chapman explains.

Rep. Jared Huffman doesn't think current drought-management bills serve our district very well. And he's probably a pretty boring web surfer, too.

The legendary photographer is coming to town.

Carol Vander Meer & Suzie Fortner, known dune friends, invite you to clear out your garage, rip out some invasives, and get educated on wildlife. Not all at once, of course.

Michael Jasny of the Natural Resources Council updates us on the Navy's sonar testing, and why wildlife advocates oppose it.

Learn how to identify the nocturnal noises in the dunes on January 28th. Hear the difference between an Northern Red-Legged and Pacific Chorus frogs on today's show.

So your kooky uncle keeps posting on Facebook that the west coast is getting fried by Fukushima radiation. Sure, he was right about aliens living beneath Mt. Shasta, but is he right about this? Also, Jen Savage questions the legality of the billboards on the safety corridor, but unlike some vandal(s), she did NOT chop one down.

One guy. 17 years. A mountain of garbage.

Victoria Taylor is one of the most decorated coxswains in the Coast Guard.

Local whale chaser Jeff Jacobsen dishes on these exceptionally intelligent animals.

Coastal Currents presents a one-sided discussion (thanks a lot, gov't shutdown) about the BLM's proposed rules for the wild and windy King Range. If you wanted to, say, spend three weeks on the Lost Coast, listen up. Wes Smith of Surfrider explains.

Arcata is about to pour less garbage into the Pacific, maybe.

The Humboldt Bay Harbor District has acquired the old pulp mill in Samoa. How much? Why? Jack Crider answers these questions and more.

This might be a Coastal Currents record: most content in least amount of time. Dip in!

Carol Vander Meer, Executive Director of Friends Of The Dunes joins us for Coastal Currents to talk about the upcoming Sand Sculpture event; Jessica Hall also discuss a recent meeting regarding the proposed East-West railroad.

You want to learn to row? The Humboldt Bay Rowing Association is way down, despite those boats' lack of cupholders.

Vanessa Vasquez of Humboldt Baykeeper wants you to take what is rightfully yours: a free boat ride on the long, blue watery road that is Humboldt Bay.

Described as a “rock star” in the fluvial geomorphology, Ann Riley literally wrote the book on urban creek restoration.

Luke Besmer and Neil Kalson of the fledgling Humboldt Bay Outrigger Club discuss the history of Polynesian travel and the club's boat.

Patty Clary of Californians For Alternative To Toxics reminds us that, in this time of gardening, try not to spray your children with Round Up.

The Harbor District's Dan Berman discusses those massive cement cubes that litter the bay and ocean shore.

A visit from local high schoolers proves inspiring.

Humboldt Bay Bald Eagle webcam! Monte Merrick, co-director of the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center, explains what happens when a male bald eagle brings a stick up to the nest.

Coastal Currents founding host Pete Nichols just got arrested in front of the White House protesting the Keystone Pipeline. He calls in after just having been sprung out.

Author Jon Humboldt Gates discusses his book “Night Crossings”, recounting harrowing true tales of rogue waves, poor visibility, and the entrance to Humboldt Bay.

Center Activities at HSU is doing their best to give you something to do. Want to learn how to kiteboard? Never been sea kayaking? Need to rent a wetsuit for something? Today on Coastal Currents, Victoria Anweiler explains how.

The county suggests you avoid those Mussels, because you can get violently ill on the double.

Dave Feral (MRA) and Andrew Orahoske (EPIC) discuss some of the long-term challenges facing NoHum's main drinking-water source. Also, why are environmentalists asking us to power-use our tap water?

Stanford's Dr. Ken Caldeira discusses our options if/when Earth is faced with a climate emergency.

After years of process, the Marine Protected Areas are finally in effect. Ocean Conservancy's Jen Savage comments.

Guest host Jennifer Savage and NEC's Dan Ehresman discuss coastal cleanup efforts, Underwater Parks day, King Tides, and when, if ever, it's appropriate to use social media for environmental purposes.

The movie “Ikkatsu” follows three kayakers traveling the roadless coast of the Olympic Peninsula, documenting the debris from the tsunami as it washes ashore on remote Northwest beaches. Kayaker/moviemaker Ken Cambpell talks about his journey. More info: http://khum.com/2012/dec/5/coastal-currents-tsunami-debris-exploration/

Humboldt Bay has invasive plants attacking its marshes and dunes. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge's Andrea Pickart explains why it matters while Mike learns that botany jokes are never successful.

A plan is emerging to build an on-shore seafood ranch on the Samoa peninsula that aims to create jobs, take the pressure off our native fisheries, remove greenhouse gas from the air, and grow some vegetables. This is a real thing, and it's moving forward.

So these ultra-high tides we're seeing this week are a glimpse into sea-level rise, which looks like a total pain in the ass financially and environmentally.

Scott Greacen from Friends of the Eel and Jessical Hall from Humboldt Baykeeper look at mysteriously low flows in the Eel. Could agriculture upstream really be diverting that much water?

During the week of the Clean Water Act's 40th Birthday, we meet Humboldt Baykeeper's new executive director, Jessica Hall. Admittedly, she has a “little bit of kickass” in her. Watch out, polluters.

The National Weather Service is shedding arcane ocean-forecasting terminology for clearer, more useful nomenclature in its daily reports. Will mariners abide by the new changes? NWS' Troy Niccolini explains.

Bobby Shearer and Vanessa Vasquez discuss this weekend's free nature conference at Humboldt State.

Episode from 7/18/12 - - Explore Six Rivers paddlers are finishing up their journey this Sunday. - Juvenile Brown Pelicans and fish oil - Brent Whitner from Humboldt Waste Management Authority updates us on the Single-use plastic bag ban in Humboldt

Researcher Tobias Schultz of Sustainable Surf discusses the environmental impact of the surfing lifestyle and Beth Werner reveals her genetic identity.

Beth Werner checks in from yet another government meeting in which she and other trail advocates are in the bizarre position of having to prove how sensible a bay trail could be. Larry Goldberg previews the 2012 Plan It Green conference and discusses Humboldt's strengths and weaknesses for future changes. Beth talks about the Crescent City harbor and it's post-tsunami progress.

Casi Calloway of Mobile Baykeeper shares her thoughts on the Restore Act, BP's current activities, and the unparalleled softness of Alabama's beach sand. Beth reminds us all to bring a garbage bag to the beach for fireworks cleanup.

Ocean Conservancy's Jennifer Savage discusses today's make-or-break Marine Life Protection Act meeting just minutes before it commences. Will NorCal's unified voice be formally heard by Fish & Game? Baykeeper's Beth Werner high-fives the Eureka City Council for getting started on a new bay trail. Ocean Night and the Sand Sculpture Festival are enthusiastically plugged.

Eureka City Council is faced with an easy decision to put a multi-purpose trail along another stretch of Eureka waterfront. Will they do it? Also, sin-absolvement opportunities abound for recovering littererbugs.

Troy Niccolini of the National Weather Service walks through the machinations of today's Tsunami Warning Test. What worked, what didn't, and how to help improve the system.

Local marine biologist Adam Brown has been tagging & tracking Great White Sharks on the north coast & around the world. Turns out, they're in some surprisingly inconvenient places for people. Also, he addresses the claim that sharks are attracted to human urine.

A crash course in our local crab fisheries, led by Humboldt Bay Harbor District Harbor District conservation biologist Dan Berman. Why was the season delayed? How important is crabbing to Humboldt Bay's harbor? Can it be sustained? Why can you only eat the legs of crab?

Jen Kalt exalts the people working to fix McKinleyville's Widow White Creek. Much of its watershed is in “dense urban” development. As such, it no longer hosts spawning Coho, Steelhead, or Cutthroat. Between HSU's “all star” restoration expert Allison Purcell-O'Dowd, heavy lifting by RCAA, and monitoring by Humboldt Baykeeper, Widow White Creek is on a path to its former glory. Deadhead Bonus Points: Find out if Beth Werner or Jen Kalt are familiar with “The Phil Zone.”

Arcata uses three to five MILLION plastic bags a year? What the what?! Today's Coastal Currents featured Humboldt Baykeeper's Vanessa Vasquez and Humboldt Surfrider's MJ Mazurek. Tomorrow is Day Without a (disposable) Bag. From 11AM – 1PM, Humblodt Baykeeper and Surfrider will have tables at four grocery stores in Humboldt asking shoppers to forgo disposable bags. According to an HSU study: “The amount of energy used for 3,000,000 bags is equal to over 1,000 one way trips to San Francisco in a 2010 Chevy Tahoe.”

Cliff and Emily talk with Merrit Perry about progress and challenges on the Annie And Mary Rail Trail

Chuck DeWitt of Humboldt Baykeeper and Project Tortuga invites you, the do-gooding, sun-loving, turtle enthusiast south of the border for a good cause. project-tortuga.org

So, the Safety Corridor isn't safe enough, which means CalTrans has to fix it with stoplights and an overpass, which means they have a plan that might kinda smash some bayside marsh turf and disenfranchise the bike community. Right?

Charles “Flip” Nicklin is giving a presentation tonight at the Van Duzer Theater. Widely regarded as the world’s leading cetacean photographer, Flip Nicklin grew up around his father’s small dive shop on the California coast. He went on to become National Geographic’s premiere whale photographer and marine mammal specialist. Over the last quarter century Flip has photographed more than thirty species of whales and dolphins, some so endangered their very survival is in question. In 2001 he co-founded Whale Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to research and public education.

HSU professor Dawn Goley & her students were with the Klamath whale almost daily since June. She talks frankly about the recovery effort, the calf, the whale's final hours, and lessons learned.

So, what's Mike Thompson's view on maybe exempting pesticide usage near public waterways from the Clean Water Act? Also, and any chance we could maybe exempt logging road sediment from the Clean Water Act, too? Find out if Beth Werner can persuade a lazy DJ to write to Senator Boxer.

Camel Rock/Houda Point: CCC, Surfrider Humboldt, & Trinidad Coastal Land Trust were about to mortar a new patio during their improvement jamboree. Mysteriously, the requisite rocks vanished, & with them the dreams of a boffo place for a sunset picnic. The rocks really would've tied the patio together, & TCLT just wants them back, please.

Pete & Mike wax nostalgic on Pete's tenure with Coastal Currents/Humboldt Baykeeper while HR changes the alarm codes & burns his security badge. Have times changed in the seven years since Baykeeper launched? Do people finally care about dioxin or know what “MLPA” stands for? What will Pete do for the Waterkeeper alliance? BONUS: find out who Pete (a redhead) thinks is the most attractive (non-Pete) redhead.

HBMWD prez/non-hippie Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap and Baykeeper's Beth Werner discuss renewed outside interested in Mad River Water. (Engineering note: KSB's phone is distorted for the first minute, then fixed. Our bad.)

Baykeeper's Beth Werner updates us on the MLPA process, the proposed Styrofoam ban, and Baykeeper boat rides!

 

Recently

---

• FoPD: ABANDONED VEHICLE -- 500 Block of N FORTUNA BLVD
  11:42 a.m.
• FoPD: ABANDONED VEHICLE -- 500 Block of N FORTUNA BLVD
  11:42 a.m.
• EPD: 911 FROM A CELL PHONE -- 1000 Block of W DEL NORTE ST
  11:36 a.m.
• EPD: FOLLOW UP -- 3100 Block of H ST
  11:19 a.m.
• FoPD: SUSPICIOUS PERSON -- 2300 Block of REDWOOD WAY
  11:14 a.m.
• EPD: NARCOTIC OFFENSE REPORT -- 1000 Block of BROADWAY ST
  11:13 a.m.
• FoPD: DISABLED VEHICLE -- 1800 Block of MAIN ST
  10:54 a.m.

MORE →