(First airdate: February 17, 2021) This week’s Coastal Cafe is a fascinating discussion with the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Captain Matt Arny. Captain Arny and host Aaron Barnett talk about NAS Whidbey Island’s history and it’s legacy of contamination from training ordnance, petroleum products, and fire fighting materials. Listen and learn how the US Navy and Department of Defense have been cleaning things up at their installations.

(First airdate: February 3, 2021) Join Coastal Café host MaryAnn Wagner as she interviews two marine science and policy professionals who have dedicated much of their careers to creating a more Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive (DEI) working environment for marine and environmental professionals – and for the communities they serve.
Find out what Melissa Watkinson-Schutten, Equity, Access and Community Engagement Lead with WSG, and Michael Chang, an associate and racial equity lead with Cascadia Consulting Group, are doing to make our communities along the Salish Sea more welcoming for all.

(Airdate: January 5, 2021) This week on Coastal Cafe, host Aaron Barnett speaks with the manager of Washington State’s Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Program, Troy Wood. We last spoke with Troy in Sept of 2020 and this update on the last year’s activities and legislative priorities for the program should be informative and interesting.

(First airdate: January 6, 2021) Today we talk with Jake Beattie, the Executive Director of the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend. Jake details how the Maritime Center has had to adapt to challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen in to hear about the new 360 Race and other exciting events and programs.

(First airdate: December 23, 2020) Shellfish aquaculture is a banner industry in Washington – but growing oysters in the state is surprisingly complex. In this episode, we talk with shellfish hatchery manager Lizzie Nelson as she tells us about her journey to becoming a shellfish biologist, what her job involves, and the challenges that face the industry.

(First airdate: December 9, 2020) The European green crab is considered one of the world’s worst invasive species. Emily Grason and Jeff Adams are both experts in aquatic invasive species and as marine ecologists with the UW College of the Environment and Washington Sea Grant, they oversee a comprehensive program focused on early detection, monitoring and control of the green crab. Learn more about this invasive crab and what is being done to keep the crab out of Puget Sound.

Note: The repeat episode is rescheduled to air Tuesday 12/22 at 5:30pm (preempting Bioneers that day).

(First airdate: November 25, 2020) Erin Meyer is director of conservation programs and partnerships at the Seattle Aquarium, where she builds partnerships and advances innovative, long lasting solutions for our ocean from restoring coral reefs to saving endangered shark species.  Erin represents the aquariums of today… and of the future, where conservation along with education is a primary function.

(First airdate: November 11, 2020) This week’s Coastal Cafe is the second part of a conversation on shellfish growing activities at the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe with tribal member and grower Kurt Grinnell and UW shellfish researcher Brent Vadapoulos. Brent and Kurt dig deeper into the differences between the Pacific and Olympia oysters and some of the pros and cons related to each species.

(First airdate: October 28, 2020) This week’s conversation on Coastal Café focuses on the latest shellfish growing activities of the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe. Kurt Grinnell from Jamestown S’klallam and Brent Vadapolous, the sustainable aquaculture specialist from Washington Sea Grant talk about how a floating upweller system is used in the early stages of oyster farming and how sustainable aquaculture fits with tribal goals.

(First airdate: October 14, 2020) The Pacific Northwest has a long history of offering educational beach walking tours on its beaches and along its shores, where families and naturalists alike learn about the wonders of our sea life. Marine Ecologist, Jeff Adams, with the University of Washington and Washington Sea Grant, works on a wide range of aquatic and watershed issues with colleagues from Washington State University and numerous other partnerships and particularly Jeff develops beach naturalist and watershed stewardship programs. Learn how Jeff and his colleagues continued their work and adapted beach tours during the COVID-19 pandemic.