Washington Sea Grant to Launch New Radio Program on KPTZ 91.9 FM: Coastal Cafe

— from MaryAnn Wagner, Washington Sea Grant —

First program airs Thurs., Feb.  21 @ 12:10 a.m. and Thurs., Feb 28 @ 5:35 p.m.

Washington Sea Grant, in partnership with KPTZ 91.9 FM in Port Townsend, will launch a science-based radio program called “Coastal Cafe” focusing on regional marine science news on Thurs., Feb. 21 and Feb. 28, 2019.

The program brings the latest in marine science information directly to communities on and near the water in Washington State. Hosts Aaron Barnett and MaryAnn Wagner with Washington Sea Grant, will explore issues impacting Washington State coastal communities and the natural environment with researchers, policy experts and people who live and work on the coast.

The first broadcast can also be streamed as it is broadcast at KPTZ.org. The taped interview program will air twice-monthly and be available as a podcast on KPTZ and Washington Sea Grant websites. The program is produced by KPTZ’s Jared DuFresne with support from KPTZ Station Manager Kate Ingram and KPTZ Director of Programming Larry Stein.

The first topic features the historical Elwha dam removal and the changes that have occurred since. Dr. Ian Miller, coastal marine expert with Washington Sea Grant, will talk about his research on the Elwha River, the dramatic changes to the river delta, and what scientists have learned so far.

Future topics will include:

• Boating safety for fishermen and recreational boaters: Rob Sendak, director of the Washington State Boating program talks about current boating safety issues and the state’s Clean Vessel Act Program.
• Washington’s derelict fishing gear removal project:  Jason Morgan, Marine Programs Manager with the NW Straits Foundation, shares the problems created by derelict fishing gear and a program geared to remove it.
• Saving seabirds: Ed Melvin, marine fisheries scientist with Washington Sea Grant talks about saving seabirds and fishermen headaches through a seabird bycatch program responsible for saving about 170,000 albatrosses and other seabirds over the 17 years since Melvin’s “streamer lines” were adopted in the commercial fishing industry.
• Puget Sound Pilots – 100 years of service: Eric Von Brandenfels, with the Puget Sound Pilots: talks about their crucial 100-year role keeping Puget Sound waters safe – and what the Pilots would do in a tsunami.
• Alaskan artist Ray Troll talks fish: An artist, fisherman and musician well-known to Port Townsend shares his latest projects.
• Shellfish growers in Washington: Teri King, aquaculture and marine water quality specialist with Washington Sea Grant talks about small business shellfish growers and their challenges (and where to get the best oysters!)

Podcasts may be accessed at:  https://kptz.org or wsg.washington.edu.