Science, Solutions, Santa Cruz

Senator John Laird on 50 Years of Conservation in California

Seymour Studios — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Imagine sitting by Mission Street for an hour and only seeing 5 cars pass through, or being in one of the first graduating classes from the “new” school of UC Santa Cruz. That’s the perspective Senator John Laird brings to this episode as shares his extensive experience across California’s local and state governments. As he reflects on the past 50 years of environmental policy, he highlights the long-term mindset needed to tackle looming problems when short-term budgets and election cycles cloud the decision making process. Approaching the end of his term limit as a Senator is not slowing him down, but fueling his fire to do as much as he can to set future generations up for success. Check out this episode with Senator Laird for a deep discussion on purpose, politics, and perseverance in the past half century of California legislation.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Senator John Laird's Environmental Journey

01:38 Senator Laird's Early Years and Connection to Santa Cruz

02:35 Involvement in Santa Cruz City Council and Environmental Initiatives

04:23 The Blue Wall and Anti-Oil Drilling Campaigns

07:41 Origins of Environmental Advocacy and Water Policy in California

10:25 Water Independence in Santa Cruz and State Water Issues

12:21 Water Bond and Infrastructure Challenges in California

15:04 Levee Repair and Flood Prevention in Pajaro Valley

18:06 The Pajaro River Levee Breach and Emergency Response

20:18 Innovative State Funding for Local Water Projects

22:57 Climate Change, Ocean Health, and Water Recycling

27:15 Saltwater Intrusion and Groundwater Management

29:31 Bridging Short-Term and Long-Term Environmental Planning

38:20 Role of Long-Term Monitoring and Science in Ocean Protection

43:06 Future Challenges and Opportunities in Santa Cruz

48:01 Final Reflections and Call to Action

Resources:

Senator John Laird - Official Website - https://sd23.senate.ca.gov/

California Ocean Protection Council - https://www.opc.ca.gov/

Save Our Shores - https://saveourshores.org/

Water Recycling in California - UCLA Study by Andy Fisher - https://www.uclalawreview.org/

Cap-and-Trade Program - California Air Resources Board - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/cap-and-trade

Keywords:

environmental policy, water management, climate resilience, Santa Cruz, ocean protection, levee repair, water recycling, coastal planning

CSI: Condors, Ep. 1 - “Guts Full of Lead” with Myra Finkelstein

Seymour Studios — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT

After chasing illegal fishing boats and skydiving to disrupt illegal wildlife hunts, Myra Finkelstein’s unique journey from the skies to the high seas led her to become a professor of environmental toxicology at UC Santa Cruz. Her research on lead poisoning has identified major threats to scavenging species, including the iconic California Condor, and helped inform a ban on lead ammunition in the state. Tune in to learn what an isotope actually is and discover how bird feathers can provide a toxin timeline. Myra also shares how, for once, a big problem actually has a simple solution.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to California Condors and Lead Poisoning

12:26 Myra Finkelstein's Journey to Environmental Activism

25:14 The Science of Environmental Toxicology and Condor Conservation

26:16 The Impact of Science on Policy Change

28:21 Community Engagement and Conservation Efforts

30:23 Challenges in Condor Recovery

33:11 The Role of Hunting in Lead Poisoning

37:46 Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Lead Ban

41:26 Future Directions in Conservation Efforts

Resources

Ventana Wildlife Society - Non-lead ammunition program - https://www.ventanaws.org

Hunting with Non-Lead.org - Institute for Wildlife Studies - https://huntingwithnonlead.org

California Fish and Wildlife - Lead Ammunition Ban - https://wildlife.ca.gov

The Story of Plastic (Documentary) - https://www.storyofplastic.org

Keywords

California condors, lead poisoning, environmental toxicology, wildlife conservation, policy solutions, ecosystem health, non-lead ammunition, environmental science, California wildlife, conservation efforts

Julie Packard, Live from Seymour Center

Seymour Studios — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Julie Packard shares her journey from a UCSC student to a global leader in ocean conservation, highlighting the importance of science, policy, and community action in protecting our oceans.

Resources:

Seafood Watch Program - https://www.seafoodwatch.org/

Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust - https://montereybayfisheries.org/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:54 Journey into Science and Conservation

06:05 The Role of Kelp in Ecosystems

09:59 Challenges in Kelp Restoration

14:48 The Southern Sea Otter Recovery Program

18:16 The Role of Science in Conservation Solutions

21:29 Hope vs. Fear in Environmental Advocacy

26:06 Taking a Stand on Conservation Issues

27:47 Exploring Ocean Conservation Initiatives

29:55 The Evolution of Public Awareness and Engagement

30:51 The Seafood Watch Program: A Global Movement

34:27 Innovative Solutions in Fisheries Management

37:08 Global Perspectives on Ocean Stewardship

40:33 Progress on Marine Protected Areas

43:29 The Recovery of Marine Ecosystems

51:21 A Legacy of Ocean Advocacy

FIELD DIARY: Gena Bentall on Sharing the Surf with Our Sea Otters

Seymour Studios — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

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 Biology

05:00 - Field Research and Sea Otter Tracking

09:19 - Human Disturbance and Sea Otter Savvy's Mission

13:22 - Energetic Costs of Human Interaction

21:10 - Entering the Field at Lighthouse Point

28:18 - Ecological Importance of Sea Otters

35:00 - Solutions and Certification Program

45:41 - Hope and Resilience in Conservation Efforts

Transforming the Pájaro River Levee with Andrew Fisher

Seymour Studios — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

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 Response

10:14 Understanding Flood Risk and Management Strategies

25:56 Exploring Co-Benefits of Flood Risk Mitigation

33:35 Innovative Flood Management Strategies

34:07 Community Engagement in Environmental Science

38:48 Balancing Flood Control and Habitat Preservation

44:35 The Complexity of River Management

50:51 Groundwater Recharge and Its Importance

54:27 Long-Term Environmental Restoration Efforts

UC 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/

The Puma Guy, Chris Wilmers, on the Science of Coexisting with Local Mountain Lions

Seymour Studios — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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 Guy

03:07 - Impact of Wolves on Scavengers

04:07 - Studying Mountain Lions in Human Landscapes

07:11 - Nocturnal Habits and Human Avoidance

10:10 - How Mountain Lions Choose Their Homes

13:19 - Scavenging and Hunting Near Humans

20:28 - Habitat Fragmentation and Its Effects

36:58 - Mountain Lions During the Pandemic

Mayor Fred Keeley on How Santa Cruz Reshaped California’s Ocean Protection Laws

Seymour Studios — Wed, 27 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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 Keeley

03:47 - Early Influences and Environmental Awareness

10:14 - Legislative Wins in Ocean Protection

19:19 - Building Coalitions for Marine Life Management

35:15 - Reflections on Monterey Bay's Progress

44:29 - Optimism for Future Ocean Policies

55:15 - Challenges in Environmental Legislation

63:28 - Transitioning Leadership and Future Plans

FIELD DIARY: Patrolling Peregrines on Site with Zeka Glucs

Seymour Studios — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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 Research

03:33 - Impact of DDT on Raptors

10:14 - Recovery Success Story

16:26 - Captive Breeding Strategies

26:34 - Threat of Bird Flu

35:24 - In the Field: Research Expedition

50:00 - Conservation and Community Involvement

52:05 - Finding Optimism Amidst Challenges

The April 2nd Wake-Up Shake: Santa Cruz’s Seismic Secrets with Emily Brodsky

Seymour Studios — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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 Earthquake

02:44 - Understanding the San Andreas Cycle and History

04:58 - The Mechanics of Faults and Plate Motion

09:20 - How Scientists Measure Friction and Take an Earthquake's Temperature

14:06 - Human-Induced Seismicity: Fracking and Geothermal Energy

23:33 - Global Chain Reactions and Triggering Patterns

36:28 - Comparing Local History: Loma Prieta vs. 1906 and Today

42:12 - Behind the Research: Living and Breathing Earthquakes

The Pavement Paradox: Why Narrowing Roads Might be the Secret to Mobility with Matt Miller

Seymour Studios — Wed, 06 May 2026 14:15:00 GMT

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-streets

00:00 - Introduction to Mobility Transformation

01:04 - Matt Miller's Role and Background

03:11 - Lessons from the Netherlands

06:29 - The Complete Streets Initiative

14:06 - Infrastructure and Safety Measures

17:10 - Economic and Environmental Impacts

22:08 - Community Engagement and Policy

43:21 - Future Vision for Santa Cruz

The Great Coastal Debate: Deciding the Next 30 Years of Santa Cruz’s Shores with Tiffany Wise-West

Seymour Studios — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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 Planning

01:04 - The Role of Tiffany Wise-West as a Sustainability and Resiliency Officer

03:11 - Understanding the 30-Year Plan

06:29 - Community Engagement and Policy Development

14:06 - Nature-Based Solutions and Infrastructure

17:10 - Challenges in Coastal Management

22:08 - The Importance of Triggers and Thresholds

43:21 - Future Vision and Community Support

Tunnels, Timber, and Trails: The Balancing Act of the Santa Cruz Wild with Eric Lombardo

Seymour Studios — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

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 Conservation

01:04 - Understanding Land Trusts

03:11 - Eric's Journey to the Land Trust

06:29 - The Importance of Public Access

14:06 - Challenges and Solutions in Land Management

17:10 - Balancing Biodiversity and Agriculture

22:08 - Sustainable Timber and Forest Management

43:21 - Community Support and Future Vision

Kelp Wanted: Marine Heatwaves, Zombie Urchins, and Kelp Restoration with Kristy Kroeker

Seymour Studios — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:15:00 GMT

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 Shocks

03:17 - Kristy Kroeker’s Research and Career Journey

04:14 - The Blob: 2014-2016 Marine Heat Wave

09:11 - Marine Heat Waves Affecting Kelp Recovery

12:53 - Sea Urchins' Zombie Behavior and Their Role in Kelp Decline

17:23 - Conservation Strategies and Community Involvement

26:26 - Predator Restoration and Ecological Leverage

39:55 - Science and Policy in Ocean Conservation

Why Shipping Companies are Competing to Save Whales (and Winning) with Jess Morten

Seymour Studios — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:30:00 GMT

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.org

00:00 - Introduction to Program and Impact

05:03 - Origins and Initial Program Goals

07:51 - Evolution from Financial to Recognition Incentives

10:22 - Environmental Benefits of Speed Reduction

17:07 - Data-Driven Compliance Strategies

23:07 - Program Growth and Industry Collaboration

32:22 - Multifaceted Benefits for All Stakeholders

42:33 - Future Plans for Global Expansion

DEEP DIVE: Rum-Soaked Fishes with Malin Pinsky

Seymour Studios — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:12:46 GMT

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 evolution

04:14 How fishing causes evolutionary changes, favoring early maturation

06:54 Evidence of size and age shifts in wild fish populations

10:23 The collapse of Atlantic cod and its evolutionary implications

14:11 Discovering no large genomic changes in cod despite phenotypic shifts

19:13 Implications of evolution for fishery recovery strategies

29:00 Strategies for managing fisheries within a changing climate landscape

35:03 Local research efforts in Santa Cruz focusing on kelp forest adaptation

The 12-Kilometer Whisper: Protecting the Soundscapes of Monterey Bay with Caroline Casey

Seymour Studios — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:19:20 GMT

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 Perception

00:33 Caroline Casey's Research and Background

02:32 Impact of Noise on Harbor Seals' Communication

04:59 Biological Hearing Data and Research Models

06:06 Visualizing Monterey Bay's Acoustic Environment

09:03 Human Noise Sources and Research Techniques

21:02 Conservation Efforts and Community Engagement

33:22 Policy Initiatives and Future Directions

Conservation vs. Fishing: Solving a Tough Tension in The Monterey Bay with Melissa Mahoney

Seymour Studios — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:46:47 GMT

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 Bay

03:56 - The collapse of groundfish fisheries and the shift toward sustainability

07:20 - Early perceptions of fisheries and the evolution of community relationships

13:35 - Defining what a fishery is and how it’s managed across federal and state agencies

26:21 - The sanctuary area controversy and fishermen’s involvement in decision-making

36:39 - Practical steps for consumers to support local seafood and sustainable fishing practices

The Myth of Coastal Control with Gary Griggs

Seymour Studios — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:42:51 GMT

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 Ocean

06:34 Transformative Moments in Coastal Awareness

16:30 Resilience and Community Decisions

34:00 Bridging Science and Solutions

43:52 Santa Cruz as a Case Study

Avian Flu in Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo with Patrick Robinson

Seymour Studios — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:36:06 GMT

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.

Introducing Science, Solutions, Santa Cruz

Seymour Studios — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:48:50 GMT

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.

Salmon Conservation 5 Years After CZU with Eric Palkovacs

Seymour Studios — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:13:26 GMT

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.

Offshore Drilling and the Blue Wall with Katie Thompson

Seymour Studios — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 01:31:20 GMT

The Fight Against Offshore Drilling in Santa Cruz and California’s Coastal Resistance

This 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 episode

The details of the federal proposal for offshore lease sales and its implications for California
The historical context of Santa Cruz’s leadership in ocean conservation and local ordinances like the Blue Wall
The environmental science behind oil exploration impacts, including seismic surveys and potential spills
How community members can participate and support local ordinances that protect coastal ecosystems
The importance of cross-sector collaboration, from grassroots organizations to corporate allies, in safeguarding our ocean