Kelp, Seagrass, Crabs, and Conservation along California's Coastline with Dr. Brent Hughes, Sonoma State University Professor & Marine Biologist
Description
Dr. Brent Hughes takes us on a fascinating journey through California's coastal ecosystems, revealing the unexpected ways sea otters transform their environments. As an Associate Professor at Sonoma State University with a background spanning from the center of landlocked Kansas to the rugged Pacific coast, Hughes brings unique perspective to marine conservation.
The conversation explores how foundation species like kelp, seagrass, and salt marshes create the physical structure that supports entire ecosystems. Hughes shares his groundbreaking discovery that sea otters prevent coastal erosion by consuming burrowing shore crabs – research so significant it earned the cover of Nature magazine. These "crab condos" weaken marsh banks, but when otters remove the crabs, the marshes stabilize. It's a perfect example of how restoring natural food webs can solve environmental problems that human intervention struggles to fix.
California's sea otter population faces a precarious future, stalled at just 3,000 individuals despite historical numbers likely reaching 20,000-30,000. The culprit? What Hughes calls the "white shark gauntlet" preventing otters from expanding their range north or south of central California. His research suggests San Francisco Bay alone could support twice the state's current population, reveali
Media for a Healthier Planet: Elevating The Interconnectedness of Life & Value of Natural Resources.
Mendonoma Whale & Seal Study
Founded by Scott & Tree Mercer to document the occurrence, diversity, & behavior of marine mammals.
Sea Storm Studios, Inc.
An audio/visual production company in the Sea Ranch, CA (US)
Foreign Policy's The Catch Podcast
As the fishmeal industry grows, local communities’ food security suffers, communities are impacted.
Flukes International Whale Tours
Multi-day marine mammal education, research and conservation tours to exotic places with Zack Klyver
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for listening, subscribing, & supporting Resilient Earth Radio!
Leigh Anne Lindsey, Producer Sea Storm Studios, The Sea Ranch, North Sonoma Coast
Scott & Tree Mercer, Co-hosts/Producers, Mendonoma Whale & Seal Study, Mendocino and Sonoma Coasts.
Planet Centric Media is Media for a Healthier Planet. Resilient Earth is a project of this 501 (c) (3) non-profit that is developing & producing media to elevate awareness of the interconnectedness of all living things.
Follow us!
We still have time to make a positive impact on the future of life on this planet.
United States
