Fish ON AIR

As California's Marine Protected Area Network goes through it's first update, or adaptive management process, there's a lot of chatter about deal-making and the upstanding process by which they were originally designated. Marcela Gutierrez-Graudins, founder and Executive Director of Azul, takes us back to what actually happened and who got to participate. The discussion explores the challenges of representation in ocean conservation and the need for a more equitable approach to managing marine resources. Anupa and Marcela delve into the complexities of environmental justice, particularly in relation to marine protected areas and the opportunity for marginalized communities. It highlights the need for equitable access to ocean resources and the importance of recognizing historical injustices in conservation efforts.Learn more:Free the Beach, Robert GarciaSpeak up for California's MPAsWhat do you want to learn next? Send your questions to [email protected] our work: fishon.us

Scientist, fisherman and shark expert, Brendan Talwar teaches us all about sharks. From what makes a fish a shark, to their morphology and behavior. The discussion covers threats to shark species around the world, conservation success stories, as well as safe handling and etiquette to protect both ourselves as fishers and the sharks we may encounter.Learn more: semmenslab.orgNetflix: All the Sharkssharkdocs.orgWhat do you want learn next? Drop us a line at [email protected] our work: fishon.us

Andrew Leising, a NOAA Fisheries research oceanographer teaches us the science behind El Niño, the signs, the impacts, and what we might expect in the coming months. The discussion provides insights into the effects of El Niño on marine ecosystems and the methods used to predict and track its development. The conversation delves into the impact of warm conditions on marine life, the effects on kelp and rockfish, the shift in squid movement, adapting fishing strategies, marine heat waves and ecosystem resilience, and of course, opportunities for anglers and divers. Learn more: Andy’s workEl Niño info and visualizationsNOAA Fisheries article: 7 Ways El Niño and Large Marine Heatwave Could Affect West Coast Marine SpeciesThe Coriolis Effect videoBlob trackerThe OOS’sClimate prediction centerWhat do you want to learn next? Send your questions to [email protected] our work: fishon.us

Southern California shore fishing guides, Kaspar and Gary Kazazian give us their hot tips for summertime fishing. The conversation covers ideal features and conditions for shore fishing, the dynamic nature of surf fishing, identifying fishing spots and overlooked conditions, and suggested gear setups for the angler just getting started. It also highlights the impact of environmental changes on fishing experiences and the need for more voices to ensure balanced policies that can support conservation.Learn more: NOAA - El Nino is herewww.californiasurffishing.netKaspar and Gary's InstagramWhat do you want to learn next? Send questions and suggestions to [email protected] Support our efforts: www.fishon.us

April 13, 2026 marked the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, or MSA. Meredith Moore, Senior Director of the Fish Conservation Program at Ocean Conservancy, discusses the successes and limitations of the MSA, emphasizing the need for improved rebuilding plans and a stronger commitment to fisheries management. The conversation covers a range of challenges and opportunities in fisheries management, including the need for improved monitoring, the impact of underfunding and understaffing, the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge, the slow pace of technology adoption, and the implications of climate change. It also addresses governance issues, habitat loss, prey species management, and the role of recreational fishing. The conversation emphasizes the need for political will, diverse representation, and public engagement in addressing these issues.Learn more:Ocean Conservancy’s report, Drifting Off Course: Challenges in U.S. Fisheries Management and Charting the Path Forward Fish ON AIR MSA 101 episodeWhat do you want to learn next? Send your questions to [email protected]