Your Two Sea Fans are back—just in time to talk about tiny turtles! In this episode, Joe and Hayley catch up with Dr. Jake Lasala of Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation &amp; Research Program in this midst of his busy fieldwork season, when he spends nights on the beach collecting and releasing sea turtle hatchlings various studies. One study is helping to investigate whether climate change might affect hatchlings' sex ratio—the number of males vs. females. Scientists know that cooler nests produce more male turtles and warmer ones produce more females. Will our changing climate make females more prevalent—and if so, will that make it harder for future generations to reproduce? We'll delve into serious questions like these, along with  sillier ones—including which hatchling species is the cutest—during this exciting episode. We also have a special treat for you: Check out this video of sea turtle hatchlings emerging from a nest studied by Mote!

Sea turtle hatchlings are back—and so are we!

Today’s episode makes us twice as happy because we have two excellent topics in store! Our guest, Jasmin Graham, has studied some of the most unusual-looking, endangered animals in the sea—sawfish, aka “danger snoots”—and she’s now advancing a critical mission: helping marine science become a more diverse field by increasing its accessibility to underrepresented minority students and researchers. Jasmin serves as Project Coordinator of MarSci-LACE (Marine Science Laboratory Alliance Center of Excellence), a multi-partner effort led by Mote and supported by a National Science Foundation grant as part of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. Today, she helps hosts Joe and Hayley get ready and get excited for International Sawfish Day (Oct. 17) and #BlackInMarineScience week (Nov. 29-Dec. 5) celebrated with Mote’s Empowerment Panel event! In addition to sharing her work at Mote, Jasmin tells us about her leadership of the organization Minorities in Shark Science.

Why Sawfish Day and #BlackinMarineScience week should be on your calendar

Imagine a hole in the ocean floor with a bottom stretching to 350 feet deep, or deeper. That’s the type of environment Mote scientists and colleagues are exploring as they visit the Gulf of Mexico’s blue holes—underwater caves, springs and sinkholes. In this episode, one of our partnering scientists shares what lives in the depths of a blue hole. Dr. Nastassia Patin, Postdoctoral Associate at the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies from University of Miami/NOAA, just published a paper on the strange microscopic life found in one of these deep, dark, chilly, acidified and low-oxygen environments: the blue hole known as AJ Hole. When this episode was recorded, Dr. Patin was visiting Mote for yet another sampling expedition to explore the tiny life forms in an even deeper blue hole called “Green Banana.” Join Dr. Patin and podcast hosts Joe and Hayley to discover the “alien” lifestyles of microbes in these deep environments, how blue hole research relates to our lives, and which fun fact blew Joe’s mind…

The bizarre lives of deep-dwelling microbes

Today we welcome back our favorite “ocean chemistry nut,” Dr. Emily Hall, manager of Mote’s Ocean Acidification Research Program and Chemical &amp; Physical Ecology Program. Dr. Hall and her colleagues have been scoping out the challenges of acidification—water chemistry changes partly driven by humans—across ocean environments of the U.S. southeast. Acidification is a concern for shellfish, crabs, corals and other marine species populations that support livelihoods. Dr. Hall updates hosts Hayley and Joe on the possible—and sometimes bizarre—impacts of acidification, and how we can help deal with them. That’s the topic of a new research synthesis that she and her partners authored on behalf of the Southeast Ocean &amp; Coastal Acidification Network (SOCAN).Before diving into acidification in the southeast, Dr. Hall shares the latest on another project making international headlines: Exploring the chemically unique “blue holes” in the Gulf of Mexico together with Mote’s Jim Culter and multiple partners who are curious about these deep, naturally acidified environments.

Today we welcome back our favorite “ocean chemistry nut,” Dr. Emily Hall, manager of Mote’s Ocean Acidification Research Program and Chemical &amp; Physical Ecology Program. Dr. Hall and her colleagues have been scoping out the challenges of acidification—water chemistry changes partly driven by humans—across ocean environments of the U.S. southeast. Acidification is a concern for shellfish, crabs, corals and other marine species populations that support livelihoods. Dr. Hall updates hosts Hayley and Joe on the possible—and sometimes bizarre—impacts of acidification, and how we can help deal with them. That’s the topic of a new research synthesis that she and her partners authored on behalf of the Southeast Ocean &amp; Coastal Acidification Network (SOCAN).Before diving into acidification in the southeast, Dr. Hall shares the latest on another project making international headlines: Exploring the chemically unique “blue holes” in the Gulf of Mexico together with Mote’s Jim Culter and multiple partners who are curious about these deep, naturally acidified environments.

We’re learning about ocean acidification, and ‘SOCAN’ you!

Marine ecotoxicologists investigate some of the toughest challenges we must overcome to protect the ocean—in particular, how toxic substances harm marine animals and the ecosystem. Today we meet Dr. Aileen Maldonado, a Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellow who studies natural toxins and human-produced toxicants in the marine environment. In this episode, Dr. Maldonado gives hosts Joe and Hayley insight into toxic substances that concern scientists, environmental regulators and communities, and she discusses her Mote research focused on mitigation of the toxin-producing Florida red tide and on improving methods to assess the health of corals at risk from pollution and many other stressors.

Toxic topics, beneficial research

In nature, many fish eat other fish—and some naturally engage in cannibalism, eating members of their own species. However, fish farming (aquaculture) operations strive to reduce that behavior and aim to raise as many healthy fish as possible to meet important needs for sustainable seafood and environmental restoration. Common snook, a Florida sportfish raised by Mote Marine Laboratory to enhance wild fisheries, are capable of snacking on their fellow snook as they grow up in aquaculture systems. Mote Postdoctoral Scientist Dr. Flavio Ribeiro is studying how to curb this behavior by investigating its biology and environmental causes. In this episode, Dr. Ribeiro tells hosts Hayley and Joe about tackling cannibalism, also known as "intraspecific prediation," during his career with multiple aquaculture-raised species.

Aquaculture in a fish-eat-fish world

Sea turtles are currently nesting on southwest Florida beaches: laying eggs that will hatch to produce babies known as hatchlings. On April 15, as Mote began its annual routine of monitoring these nesting beaches for research and conservation, our new Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr. Jake Lasala joined the "Two Sea Fans" team to describe the new research projects he is launching with Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation &amp; Research Program. Dr. Lasala studies sea turtle mating systems and other population features to support conservation and management of these endangered and threatened reptiles. In this episode he explains why we need to investigate sea turtle mating and estimate how many females and males might be contributing to a population. He also shares why sea turtles are nicknamed  "hot chicks and cool dudes."

Where do baby turtles come from? Sea turtle mating systems

In this episode, Adam Dolman tells hosts Hayley and Joe about the continuing animal care duties Mote Aquarium biologists carry out even while the Aquarium is closed temporarily to protect public health amid COVID-19. In particular, he shares a few highlights on taking excellent care of corals, including the rescued corals Mote Aquarium is hosting through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project.Please note: The sound quality of this episode is rough because it's a remote recording made during a time of social distancing. Your Two Sea Fans are working to improve the audio for future remote recordings. We can't wait until we're able to get back to the studio, and we especially can't wait until we're able to see your smiling faces in the Aquarium again. Stay well, everyone!

In this episode, Adam Dolman tells hosts Hayley and Joe about the continuing animal care duties Mote Aquarium biologists carry out even while the Aquarium is closed temporarily to protect public health amid COVID-19. In particular, he shares a few highlights on taking excellent care of corals, including the rescued corals Mote Aquarium is hosting through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project. Please note: The sound quality of this episode is rough because it's a remote recording made during a time of social distancing. Your Two Sea Fans are working to improve the audio for future remote recordings. We can't wait until we're able to get back to the studio, and we especially can't wait until we're able to see your smiling faces in the Aquarium again. Stay well, everyone!

Animal care is essential during Aquarium closure

Our Medical Care &amp; Rehabilitation Coordinator Lynne Byrd returns to the podcast to share stories of the sea turtles being treated in Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital!During this recording on March 31, 2020, many were working from home because of COVID-19, while marine wildlife responders like Lynne and her team continued their essential roles of treating animals in critical condition. Hosts Hayley and Joe joined Lynne for a wonderful conversation—sitting a good distance apart but enjoying the amazing shared experience of talking about sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation and release. Lynne and her colleagues in Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital and Stranding Investigations Program are a ray of light even in the most challenging times. Tune in for this fun, fascinating conversation, and get ready for more episodes of Two Sea Fans in the coming weeks!

Our Medical Care &amp; Rehabilitation Coordinator Lynne Byrd returns to the podcast to share stories of the sea turtles being treated in Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital! During this recording on March 31, 2020, many were working from home because of COVID-19, while marine wildlife responders like Lynne and her team continued their essential roles of treating animals in critical condition. Hosts Hayley and Joe joined Lynne for a wonderful conversation—sitting a good distance apart but enjoying the amazing shared experience of talking about sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation and release. Lynne and her colleagues in Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital and Stranding Investigations Program are a ray of light even in the most challenging times.  Tune in for this fun, fascinating conversation, and get ready for more episodes of Two Sea Fans in the coming weeks!

Marine wildlife rescue mission never stops

Dr. Jim Locascio is studying common snook along beaches that experienced major fish kills due to Florida red tide in 2018, to help understand the status of these popular sportfish following this major challenge. Lately, that research has included an uncommon tool: a flying drone that offers a bird's-eye view of these fish in the shallows. In this episode, Dr. Locascio tells hosts Joe and Hayley how he's applying this tool and others, and he shares what he's learning about snook in the wake of red tide.

After red tide, are snook showing up?

Hear true stories of marine research! In each episode of "Two Sea Fans,"     Mote Marine Laboratory scientists and their partners have fun and educational conversations with hosts Joe Nickelson and Hayley Rutger,     who love communicating marine science to help listeners become more ocean-literate. New episodes are available every two weeks.

This is a fun podcast that also provides interesting insight into different marine issues. I’ve listened to the coral reefs, manatees, Blue Hole researchers, shark researchers and other episodes (listen to the one on sexual reproduction in corals! I was lol’ing while riding my bike! The manatee one was also really interesting). 

The hosts have a good rapport, although occasionally get caught up and get off track a bit. Additionally, their or their guest’s tones aren’t the clearest at times, but that isn’t unusual in a podcast. They do try to come prepared with questions that keep the show moving if it isn’t flowing organically. But besides these small technical issues, I really enjoy the podcast. I love snorkeling and am the type of person that goes to aquariums when I’m on vacation, and like the increased emphasis on how the information can be taken to the next step by every listener (don’t forget how many vaca in FL too).

Like taking a guided tour through a marine lab

I love listening to this podcast! It’s casual, fun to listen to and very informative!

Great listen!

Hear true stories of marine research! In each episode of "Two Sea Fans," Mote Marine Laboratory scientists and their partners have fun and educational conversations with hosts Joe Nickelson and Hayley Rutger, who love communicating marine science to help listeners become more ocean-literate. New episodes are available every two weeks.

Two Sea Fans: Mote Marine Laboratory Podcast

Front

The world's third-largest barrier coral reef is losing its battle with an unprecedented coral disease outbreak, and Mote Marine Laboratory scientists are determined to do something about it. Dr. Erinn Muller, Science Director of Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research &amp; Restoration, is on the front lines of the response to the stony coral tissue loss disease outbreak on the Florida Reef Tract. She updates hosts Hayley and Joe on the intensive efforts by Mote and numerous partners to study the disease and investigate how coral restoration can help the reef bounce back.

On the front lines of a coral disease epidemic

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.

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.

Fish and their billions of “friends”

Coral reefs are critical to Florida’s economy, ecology and natural beauty, but reefs around the world are declining due to multiple threats. Mote staff scientist Erich Bartels tells Joe and Hayley about the latest efforts to monitor and restore coral reefs of the lower Florida Keys — including how you can help report reef conditions — and describes Mote’s coral nursery for reef restoration. He also shares experiences from working underwater: Guess which fish mistook his fingers for a snack...

Losing corals? Not on our watch!

Dr. Emily Hall, manager of Mote's Ocean Acidification program, shares how the harmful chemistry change called ocean acidification (OA) is a growing challenge for marine ecosystems, including vital coral reefs. OA happens when excess carbon dioxide enters the ocean, causing the water to acidify. If you're a coral building a calcium carbonate skeleton: Watch out! OA may work like "osteoporosis of the sea" affecting your skeleton and your survival odds. Hall and colleagues want to know which marine life will be "winners" and "losers" in a more acidic ocean.

Investigating OA: The evil twin of climate change

Manatees can sicken or even die from cold-stress syndrome when winter temperatures plummet in Florida. Why are these big mammals so cold-sensitive, and how can we take their temperatures? On this episode, Dr. Nicola Erdsack shares some emerging answers; she and her colleagues are investigating new methods to detect temperature change in manatees, and those methods have the potential to benefit manatee rehabilitation and even research in the wild. Erdsack is an international Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Mote whose work is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Taking a manatee’s temperature: Trickier than it sounds!

When we spot a female sea turtle on her nesting beach or care for patients in Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, we get a snapshot of these animals' long, fascinating lives. However, once they return to sea, these turtles can migrate for hundreds of miles and are mostly hidden from humans. Mote Senior Biologist Kristen Mazzarella is shedding light on their journeys. She fits sea turtles with satellite tags to track where they go, including what threats they might encounter. Tune in as Kristen tells Hayley and Joe what she hopes to learn from the latest tracked turtles.

Tagging along with sea turtles

Florida manatees are iconic for the Sunshine State. They're on license plates, they're the focus of major conservation and management initiatives, and they delight residents and ecotourists who are lucky enough to watch these 1,000-pound-plus mammals from a safe distance in the wild. Mote's Manatee Research Program has studied wild manatees for decades, and their efforts are just as interesting as the animals they study. In this episode, hosts Joe and Hayley talk to Mote Senior Biologist Sheri Barton about how she and her colleagues recognize individual manatees in the wild, monitor them from boats and shore, count manatees from the air, study the habitats used by these threatened mammals, and more.

Manatee science by air, land and sea

Dr. Cindy Heil studies microscopic living things with huge impacts: phytoplankton. These ocean-dwelling, plant-like organisms are known for producing 50% of the oxygen we breathe along with food for other living things; a minority of species can produce toxins or have other negative impacts. Dr. Heil and her Mote colleagues focus on one of the most challenging phytoplankton: the Florida red tide algae species, Karenia brevis. In this episode, Dr. Heil tells hosts Joe and Hayley about her efforts to understand Florida red tide ecology and to test methods for mitigating and controlling the toxin-producing Florida red tide blooms that challenge coastal communities along the Gulf of Mexico. Tune in to learn how scientists are expanding the possible "toolbox" of technology for directly mitigating red tides, while continually working to better understand how red tides function. That knowledge is important for societal leaders working to protect the public and reduce possible water quality issues that may help "feed" a red tide after it forms offshore and moves to the coast. Dr. Heil is Director of the new Red Tide Institute at Mote, which formed to investigate red tide mitigation and control tools thanks to its Founding Donor, the Andrew and Judith Economos Charitable Foundation.

Toolbox for addressing red tide

Stone crabs are famous for their delicious claws, but Florida’s multi-million-dollar stone crab fishery has shown declines in recent years. Dr. Phil Gravinese, Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellow, shares his research focused on young stone crabs and the environmental changes that might affect them. Hayley finds a way to mention sea monkeys. Talk of a stone crab lab makes Joe hungry. But seriously: Stone crabs are critical to Florida’s culture and well deserving of the scientific spotlight. Tune in and learn more!

Delicious, declining stone crabs

Mote Senior Scientist Dr. Bob Hueter returns to discuss a highly successful research expedition focused on great white sharks off Nova Scotia. Seven white sharks were caught, tagged, sampled and released, supporting 15 projects by 25 scientists at 18 institutions, during this expedition conducted by the organization OCEARCH with Hueter as Chief Expedition Scientist during late September-early October 2018. Hueter discusses where the white sharks have been tracked, what other scientific questions are being asked about them, what conservation and safety questions scientist must answer as white shark populations rebound, and what it was like to work with a whopping, 15-foot-plus, white shark nicknamed “Luna.” Track white sharks tagged during OCEARCH expeditions at: ocearch.org

Mote Senior Scientist Dr. Bob Hueter returns to discuss a highly successful research expedition focused on great white sharks off Nova Scotia. Seven white sharks were caught, tagged, sampled and released, supporting 15 projects by 25 scientists at 18 institutions, during this expedition conducted by the organization OCEARCH with Hueter as Chief Expedition Scientist during late September-early October 2018. Hueter discusses where the white sharks have been tracked, what other scientific questions are being asked about them, what conservation and safety questions scientist must answer as white shark populations rebound, and what it was like to work with a whopping, 15-foot-plus, white shark nicknamed “Luna.” Track white sharks tagged during OCEARCH expeditions at: <a href="http://ocearch.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ocearch.org</a>

White shark scientists strike gold

In May and September 2019, Mote scientists and partners undertook their deepest explorations to-date into the Gulf of Mexico's blue holes, underwater caves, springs and sinkholes that attract diverse marine life. The team deployed a “benthic lander”—a framework holding multiple scientific instruments collectively weighing more than 600 pounds—into the offshore Amberjack Hole, whose bottom extends deeper than 350 feet. In this episode of Two Sea Fans, Mote scientists Dr. Emily Hall and Jim Culter share what the team discovered inside this deep, dark and fascinating blue hole. Tune in to hear what they learned!

Discoveries from 350 feet deep

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.

Blue hole explorer

When a fishery declines, can you release fish to aid its recovery – without unintended consequences? Mote Senior Scientist Dr. Ken Leber investigates how to raise and release fishes in ecologically sound ways, a process known as responsible stock enhancement and codified by Leber and colleagues. Learn how stock enhancement took hold in the U.S., why it became a research focus at Mote, how Leber has advanced responsible practices around the globe, and what Florida sportfish was the favorite of William R. Mote, the benefactor and namesake of Mote Marine Laboratory.

Taking stock of fisheries enhancement

Waterside residents: You probably have fishes in your backyard, whether you know it or not! Dr. Ryan Schloesser knows all about those fishes in southwest Florida, especially the treasured sport fish common snook. In this episode, he tells hosts Joe and Hayley how he and Mote colleagues release hatchery-reared snook to study their habitat preferences, likelihood of survival, ability to enhance the wild fishery, and more. Tune in for fish facts both practical and fun: How can southwest Florida anglers get involved in fisheries research, how are snook tagged for science, and how hard is it to catch a hatchery-reared fish with your hands? Stay for some nerdy discussion — for instance, why do scientists care so much about fish “otoliths,” or ear stones?Also, anglers should mark their calendars for the William R. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig on Sept. 28 and 29. This catch, sample and release tournament targets snook released by scientists from Mote’s Fisheries Ecology and Enhancement Program and colleagues at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Waterside residents: You probably have fishes in your backyard, whether you know it or not! Dr. Ryan Schloesser knows all about those fishes in southwest Florida, especially the treasured sport fish common snook. In this episode, he tells hosts Joe and Hayley how he and Mote colleagues release hatchery-reared snook to study their habitat preferences, likelihood of survival, ability to enhance the wild fishery, and more. Tune in for fish facts both practical and fun: How can southwest Florida anglers get involved in fisheries research, how are snook tagged for science, and how hard is it to catch a hatchery-reared fish with your hands? Stay for some nerdy discussion — for instance, why do scientists care so much about fish “otoliths,” or ear stones? Also, anglers should mark their calendars for the William R. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig on Sept. 28 and 29. This catch, sample and release tournament targets snook released by scientists from Mote’s Fisheries Ecology and Enhancement Program and colleagues at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Fishes in your backyard

From crocodilians to cuttlefish, Brian Siegel takes care of several species that capture our imaginations. Hosts Joe and Hayley especially wanted to hear about Brian's work with crocodilians - a group including alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gharials. Did you know that there are only two alligator species? Do you know how gators replace their teeth? Are you curious why Brian attended "Croc School"? That's the nickname for the Association of Zoos &amp; Aquariums' program officially called Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management. Brian, a Senior Aquarium Biologist at Mote, is learning new reptile facts all the time and loves engaging in croc talk.

‘Croc School’ graduate

Some coral reefs in the Middle East are strikingly beautiful and seemingly well-preserved, but will they stay that way as humans alter the environment? Dr. Emily Hall traveled to Israel to study stress on corals, including eutrophication – a big word you can say at parties to sound smart. But seriously, eutrophication (excess nutrients in bodies of water) could be challenging to corals already stressed by global climate change. Joe and Hayley ask Dr. Hall what she has learned about this challenge and what it's like to work in the Middle East, including diving for another project in the gorgeous Gulf of Aqaba. Dr. Hall also shares updates on her U.S.-based work as manager of Mote’s Ocean Acidification (OA) Program, including rebuilding her Florida-based OA research system to make it bigger and better after Hurricane Irma.

Coral reefs of the Middle East

A great way to help wild dolphins is to leave them alone - and we've got the research to back that up!  Dr. Katie McHugh of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, a Chicago Zoological Society program in collaboration with Mote Marine Lab, tells Hayley and Joe what she's learned as a scientist in the world's longest running study of a wild dolphin population. Sarasota Bay, Florida, is one of many places where people and wild dolphins share the environment. Tune in to learn about the lives of these marine mammals and how humans - including boaters, anglers and coastal residents and visitors - can be good neighbors. That includes never feeding wild dolphins.Resources:Dolphin-friendly fishing and viewing tips	Sarasota Dolphin Research Program: www.sarasotadolphin.org	Report injured, dead or distressed marine mammals and sea turtles:			In Sarasota and Manatee counties, Florida, Mote's Stranding Investigations Program: 888-345-2335		Anywhere in Florida: FWC Wildlife Alert hotline, 1 (888) 404-FWCC (3922).		Elsewhere: See NOAA's stranding network phone numbers or get the smartphone app Dolphin and Whale 911.

A great way to help wild dolphins is to leave them alone - and we've got the research to back that up!  Dr. Katie McHugh of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, a Chicago Zoological Society program in collaboration with Mote Marine Lab, tells Hayley and Joe what she's learned as a scientist in the world's longest running study of a wild dolphin population. Sarasota Bay, Florida, is one of many places where people and wild dolphins share the environment. Tune in to learn about the lives of these marine mammals and how humans - including boaters, anglers and coastal residents and visitors - can be good neighbors. That includes never feeding wild dolphins. Resources: Dolphin-friendly fishing and viewing tips 	Sarasota Dolphin Research Program: <a href="http://www.sarasotadolphin.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarasotadolphin.org</a> 	Report injured, dead or distressed marine mammals and sea turtles: 	 		In Sarasota and Manatee counties, Florida, Mote's Stranding Investigations Program: 888-345-2335 		Anywhere in Florida: FWC Wildlife Alert hotline, 1 (888) 404-FWCC (3922). 		Elsewhere: See NOAA's stranding network phone numbers or get the smartphone app Dolphin and Whale 911.

You wouldn’t feed a bear? Don’t feed wild dolphins!

After red tide caused serious fish kills along the Gulf of Mexico in 2018, three fish-friendly organizations joined forces in a science-based effort to help the popular sportfish common snook rebound faster in certain hard-hit areas. Mote Marine Laboratory, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) launched the Adopt-A-Snook program allowing the public to donate toward raising and releasing juvenile snook in a fisheries enhancement effort based on more than two decades of research. In this episode of “Two Sea Fans,” Mote Staff Scientist Dr. Ryan Schloesser tells hosts Hayley and Joe how many snook have been raised and released with special tags, and how often the snook been detected by scientific equipment since release. The answer might surprise you!

Helping snook rebound after red tide

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