Podcasts: March 2009

Diving Deeper: Nautical Charts — Mar. 23, 2009

Learn about nautical charts in this interview with Tom Loeper from the Office of Coast Survey.  The discussion highlights the importance of nautical charts, how they are developed, and the many people who use these charts every day. (15 minutes)

Making Waves Episode 21: Caribbean Research Cruise; New Online Game for Kids — March 23, 2009

Ocean service scientists are heading out to sea on the NOAA ship Nancy Foster for a two-week Caribbean mission to study coral reef ecosystems and fish habitats. And NOS launches a new Flash-based online game for kids called Waterlife; Where the Rivers Meet the Sea. (8:40 minutes)

Making Waves Episode 20: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill 20th Anniversary Special — March 13, 2009

Twenty years ago this month, nearly 11 million gallons of crude oil spilled into Alaska's Prince William Sound after the oil tanker Exxon Valdez grounded on a reef. It was and still is the single largest spill to ever occur along the coastal U.S. Join us in this special podcast as we talk with Dr. Alan Mearns, senior staff scientist with NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration. Mearns was involved in the initial spill response for the Exxon Valdez accident, and spent years leading a project that continues to monitor the long-term impact of the huge oil spill. (12:00 minutes)

Diving Deeper: Integrated Ocean Observing System — Mar. 9, 2009

Learn about the Integrated Ocean Observing System in this interview with Jennie Lyons of NOAA’s Integrated Ocean Observing System Program. The discussion covers more about ocean observing as well as how data are collected and used. (12 minutes)

Making Waves Episode 19: New Study Links Sea Foam to Unexplained Seabird Deaths and Strandings — March 6, 2009

In 2007, hundreds of birds were found stranded or dead in California’s Monterey Bay, coated with an unknown yellow-green substance that was eating away at the protective covering on their feathers. A new study partly funded by NOAA reveals what happened. We talk with one of the researchers involved in the effort. (10:40 minutes)