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This Week’s Guest: Nicolas Drayton

This week's guest: Nicolas Drayton, Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)

Nicolas Drayton is program coordinator for VI EPSCoR, the Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, a territorial program housed at UVI, which builds the territory’s capacity for scientific research and education. As program coordinator Nick facilitates VI EPSCoR incubator grants for start-up research, from assisting with the selection of proposals through the tracking of funds. He also works closely on the major VI EPSCoR initiative of strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics in kindergarten through 12th grade in the territory through collaborations with the Virgin Islands Education Department and UVI’s departments of Education and Science and Mathematics.

Drayton holds a Master of Science degree in coastal biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Over his career he has been involved in a wide range of marine conservation-related roles, including training, advocacy, planning, management and administration of Caribbean marine parks and protected areas. Before joining UVI, he was the Ocean Conservancy’s Caribbean Ecosystems program director where his main duty was to “promote best management practices for coral reefs and marine parks and protected areas.”  Nick was one of the key players in the establishment of the East End Marine Park on St. Croix

VI EPSCoR is funded by a five-year $11.5 million Research Infrastructure Improvement grant from the National Science Foundation. The U.S. Virgin Islands received its first VI EPSCoR grant in 2004, making the territory the smallest jurisdiction to have ever received such an award and UVI the only Historically Black University ever awarded.

Additional information:

Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR)

Tip of the Week

Learn about reducing your plastic footprint!! Pluckfastic.org – Plastic Pollution Coalition

Plastic bag? No way! Use your Ocean Doctor tote!

The Ocean Doctor airs weekly on WebTalkRadio.net. Want to listen on your iPod, iPhone or mp3 player? Download the mp3 file or subscribe on iTunes and don’t miss a single episode. See the complete list of episodes.

Submit a question and I’ll try to answer it on the air. Even better, record your question or comment on our special message line and I might play it on the air. Call: (805) 619-9194. You can also leave questions and comments for this episode below.

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This Week’s Guest: David Helvarg

This week's guest: David Helvarg, President of the Blue Frontier Campaign

David Helvarg is President of the Blue Frontier Campaign and author of The War Against the Greens, Blue Frontier, 50 Ways to Save the Ocean, Rescue Warriors: The U.S. Coast Guard, America’s Forgotten Heroes, and his latest book, Saved by the Sea. He is editor of the Ocean and Coastal Conservation Guide, organizer of several ‘Blue Vision’ Summits for ocean activists, and winner of Coastal Living Magazine’s 2005 Leadership Award and the 2007 Herman Melville literary Award. Helvarg worked as a war correspondent in Northern Ireland and Central America and has reported from every continent including Antarctica. An award-winning journalist, he produced more than 40 documentaries for PBS, The Discovery Channel, and others. His print work has appeared in The New York Times, LA Times, Smithsonian, Popular Science, Sierra, and The Nation. He’s done radio work for Marketplace, AP radio, and Pacifica. He’s led workshops for journalists in Poland, Turkey, Tunisia, Slovakia and Washington DC. He is a licensed Private Investigator, body-surfer and scuba diver.

Additional information:

Blue Frontier Campaign

Tip of the Week

Read David Helvarg’s books! His latest is “Saved by the Sea: A Love Story with Fish”

The Ocean Doctor airs weekly on WebTalkRadio.net. Want to listen on your iPod, iPhone or mp3 player? Download the mp3 file or subscribe on iTunes and don’t miss a single episode. See the complete list of episodes.

Submit a question and I’ll try to answer it on the air. Even better, record your question or comment on our special message line and I might play it on the air. Call: (805) 619-9194. You can also leave questions and comments for this episode below.

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This Week's Guest: Everglades Champion, Shannon Estenoz, Governing Board Member of the South Florida Water Management District

This Week’s Guest: Shannon Estenoz

Shannon Estenoz is a fifth-generation native of Key West, who has dedicated her career to restoring the Everglades. She is currently a member of the governing board of the South Florida Water Management District, an appointee of Governor Charlie Crist in 2007. She previously served as national co-chair of the  Everglades Coalition and director of World Wildlife Fund’s Everglades office. Learn about why the Everglades are so special and why their restoration — the largest environmental restoration project ever undertaken in human history — is a key test for our species. Hear Shannon’s candid assessment of the progress of Everglades restoration and the good, bad and ugly of the political side. (And yes, she names names!)

Shannon’s recommendations for additional information:

South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

South Florida Water Management District

This Week’s Field Trip

We fire up the Time Machine to revisit July 17, 1997, a special day that brought Vice President Al Gore (L) and David E. Guggenheim (R) to Everglades National Park

Tip of the Week

Thanks to this week’s guest, Shannon Estenoz, for providing this week’s “Tip of the Week” — her terrific book recommendations:

The Ocean Doctor airs weekly on WebTalkRadio.net. Want to listen on your iPod, iPhone or mp3 player? Download the mp3 file or subscribe on iTunes and don’t miss a single episode. See the complete list of episodes.

Submit a question and I’ll try to answer it on the air. Even better, record your question or comment on our special message line and I might play it on the air. Call: (805) 619-9194. You can also leave questions and comments for this episode below.

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This week's guest is Shark Advocates International president, Sonja Fordham

Shark Advocates International is a new, nonprofit initiative dedicated to conserving some of the ocean’s most vulnerable, valuable, and neglected animals – the sharks.

With the benefit of nearly two decades of achievement on the front lines of shark fishing and trade debates, SAI will provide leadership in advancing science-based national and international shark conservation policies, and serve as a reliable source for related information.

SAI will use every available resource to be nimble and effective in the toughest policy arenas, defending existing safeguards and promoting the next most significant and urgently needed advances in shark conservation.

SAI puts a premium on accuracy and perseverance, and welcomes opportunities to collaborate with other interest groups, scientists, and governments.

Featured this week on "Tools of the Trade": The OtterBox Defender for iPhone 3G-S

The Ocean Doctor airs weekly on WebTalkRadio.net. Want to listen on your iPod, iPhone or mp3 player? Download the mp3 file or subscribe on iTunes and don’t miss a single episode. See the complete list of episodes.

Submit a question and I’ll try to answer it on the air. Even better, record your question or comment on our special message line and I might play it on the air. Call: (805) 619-9194. You can also leave questions and comments for this episode below.

Like the show? Learn how to become a sponsor.

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Photos of the Louisiana trip by Alan and David Guggenheim
PBS Newshour segment on dispersants, including interview with Dr. David E. Guggenheim
Smartsheet: Featured on this week's "Tools of the Trade"

Ushuaia to Cape Town
March 3, 2011 • 22 Days • Voyage 7106

Expedition Highlights:

Silversea's Expedition Ship, the Prince Albert II

• Follow in the footsteps of great Antarctic explorers
• See snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers and spectacular iceberg sculptures
• Encounter penguins: Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, macaroni, king, Adelie, and African (jackass)
• Watch for sea lions, seals, dolphins, and whales
• Identify seabirds including albatross, shearwaters and petrels
• Discover historic sites of the early explorers and the remains of whaling operations
• Visit the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world
• Savour world-renowned South African wines

Expedition Team:

Zodiac from the Silversea's Prince Albert II

Expedition Leader: Robin West
Asst Expedition Leader: Jarda Versloot
General Naturalist: Daniil Elterman
General Naturalist: Chris Srigley
Marine Biologist: Chris Cutler
Marine Biologist: Robin Aiello
Geologist: Juan Carlos Restrepo
Ornithologist: JJ Apéstegui
Botanist: Hans-Peter Reinthaler*
Photographer: Richard Sidey

*German-speaking lecturer

Dr. David E. Guggenheim, Special Guest Lecturer
Dr. David E. Guggenheim is a marine scientist, conservation policy specialist, submarine pilot and ocean explorer. He is president of 1planet1ocean, a project of The Ocean Foundation where he is a Senior Fellow and director of its Cuba Marine Research and Conservation Program. He is currently leading a major project to elevate collaboration in marine science and conservation among Cuba, Mexico and the U.S. to a new level and leading the first-ever comprehensive research and conservation program in Cuba’s Gulf of Mexico region, a joint effort with the University of Havana. Also known as the “Ocean Doctor” and host of “The Ocean Doctor” radio show and the “ExpeditionCasts” podcast series, Dr. Guggenheim is currently engaged in a special expedition to all fifty U.S. states visiting schools and bringing special programs about ocean exploration and conservation to young students. So far he has traveled more than 35,000 miles, visited 13 states, made 39 speeches and reached more than 10,000 students in schools ranging from the northernmost community in North America, Barrow, Alaska, to Macksville, Kansas, close to the geographic center of the lower 48 states, to the southern tip of Florida. In 2007 he served as a scientific advisor to Greenpeace for its expedition to map deepwater corals in the Bering Sea where he piloted the first-ever manned submersible dives into the Bering Sea’s largest underwater canyons. Guggenheim played a lead role in building the recently-formed Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a partnership among the U.S. Gulf states and 13 federal agencies and Mexico. Guggenheim is also working to introduce cutting-edge technologies for sustainable aquaculture practices to the Americas to reduce pressure on overfished wild fish stocks. Guggenheim previously served as Vice President at The Ocean Conservancy, President & CEO of The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, co-chair of the Everglades Coalition and president of the Friends of Channel Islands National Park.

ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT
David O. Frazier • Joe Garry • Marty Henne
~ Special Guest Entertainers to Illuminate our Days at Sea ~

Luxurious Accommodations Aboard the Prince Albert II

Theatre veterans, David Frazier and Joe Garry, will offer a series of original cabaret lectures reflecting the voyage destination through historical characters. For our voyage they have developed special plays relating the stories of Winston Churchill’s time in South Africa, Admiral Byrd and Ernest Shakleton’s exploration of the Falkland Islands, and Napoleon’s exile on St. Helena. David and Joe will also share stories of musical theatre from their unique behind-the-scenes perspective. They have worked with such luminaries as Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Vaughn, Rosemary Clooney and Marvin Hamlish. Their award-winning television show “Odysseys and Ovations” currently airs on PBS in the United States, and highlights travel and the arts.

Sophisticated. Warm. Funny. Intelligent. Entertaining. These are just some of the words that have been used to describe a performance by pianist, singer and raconteur Marty Henne. And what a performance it is. Marty shares not only well-known songs, but little-known stories about the writers who wrote them. Marty has accumulated a wealth of first-hand anecdotes about the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart and other world-famous songwriters and celebrities of the twentieth century. An evening spent with Marty is one filled with stories, smiles and, of course, great music!

Day 1 — Ushuaia, Argentina
Embark Prince Albert II and meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard. This evening, after settling in and setting sail, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team.

Day 2 — Cape Horn, Chile
This morning we cruise past the rocky promontory of Cape Horn – the southernmost point in South America and for many years an important navigational landmark. Its meridian point serves as a dividing line separating the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Approximately 49,000 km² of this extreme southern region has been declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Conditions permitting, we will go ashore to explore this bleak and beautiful landscape at the end of the world, and photograph the caretaker’s house set on the point surrounded by the last rocks of the American continent.

Day 3 — At Sea
Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure and to learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 4 —  West Point Island, Falkland Islands
Saunders Island, Falkland Islands
Watch for Peale’s dolphins and the distinctive black and white markings of the Commerson’s dolphin as we approach small West Point Island. Upon landing by Zodiac, we find photographic opportunities are everywhere as we walk across the rolling moorland. Our 1.25-mile hike takes us to Devil’s Nose, a rocky promontory where we hope to encounter a colony of approximately 14,500 pairs of black-browed albatross that nest side-by-side with feisty rockhopper and Magellanic penguins. Learn about the island’s unique vegetation including the rare Felton plant. After our hike, we will enjoy tea and cookies at the settlement. The hospitable island owners, Lily and Roddy Napier, are always happy to answer your questions and share their stories.

Following lunch, the Prince Albert II will anchor off Saunders Island – the second largest offshore island within the Falkland Islands archipelago. We plan to land our Zodiacs at The Neck, a narrow part of the island, where we will begin our explorations, hoping to encounter four different types of penguin species: king, gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic.

Day 5 — Stanley, Falkland Islands
Stanley is the capital of the remote Falkland Islands, and has a distinct British ambience. Stroll through the charming streets of this colourful little town, lined with quaint cottages and a variety of traditional pubs. Visit the 19th-century Anglican cathedral and wander through the small local museum. Some lingering reminders of the 1986 Falklands War between Britain and Argentina may still be seen though the island has settled back to its quiet business of raising sheep.

Days 6-7 — At Sea
Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Days 8-11 — South Georgia
This breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands attracts an astounding concentration of wildlife: Southern fur seals, southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including black-browed, light-mantled sooty, grey-headed and the spectacular wandering albatross, plus thousands of king and macaroni penguins.

South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship, theEndurance. Visit Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken.

Here are some of the places we may visit:

Cooper’s Bay

• An unforgettable view of huge icebergs can be seen surrounding Cooper’s Bay as we approach.
• Go ashore by Zodiac to see numerous breeds of penguins, such as macaronis and chinstraps, on the rocks and waters surrounding the island.

GoldHarbour

• A large king penguin colony can be found between Weddell Glacier and Gold Harbour.
• Seals can be seen resting on ice floes and sunning on the beaches.
• It is an unforgettable experience to cruise by Zodiac between the glaciers.

Grytviken

• An historic whaling station, all that remain are the rusted hulls of long abandoned whalers.
• Now a museum, guests can learn about past whaling techniques and view various exhibits on exploration and discovery.
• At the burial site of the famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, we will toast the great explorer and his many accomplishments.

Salisbury Plain

• A favourite breeding ground for king penguins, it is amazing to see how they completely cover the beaches and hills.

Days 12–15 — At Sea
As we cross the southern Atlantic, leisurely days at sea are yours to enjoy. Participate in discussions and onboard activities led by the Expedition Team, relax in one of the lounges with that book you’ve been meaning to read, and meet up with new friends for cocktails. Enjoy a performance by one of our guest entertainers in the evening. Perhaps listen to a special tale about the Falklands, or a recounting of Napoleon’s time in St. Helena. Before turning in for the night, take a stroll on deck to take in the solitude of the vast sea and sky.

Days 16-17 — Tristan Da Cunha, UK
We will watch for whales in the surrounding waters as we approach the volcanic Tristan De Cunha island group. Recognised as the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world, its closest neighbouring landmass is the island of St. Helena some 2,430 km away. The main island is home to fewer than 300 hardy residents. Today we enjoy guided walks with the local inhabitants of the village while our onboard geologist will lead a walk to the 1961 Volcanic cone and lava flow. Learn how the islanders were evacuated and how it affected their lives.  Once at the top, we will have a beautiful scenic view of the whole settlement – a photo opportunity not to be missed. We will meet with some of the island children and hear what Tristan life is like through their eyes during our visit to St Mary’s School.  Our onboard ornithologist will point out birdlife, hopefully including the Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross, sooty albatross, albatross, Tristan thrush, and Tristan wandering albatross – a critically endangered species with fewer than 1,500 breeding pairs left in the world. Tristan is also where 90% of the world’s northern rockhopper penguins come to breed.

Our itinerary calls for one and a half days exploring this remote archipelago, and (weather permitting) we hope to land on either the uninhabited Nightingale Islands or Inaccessible Island, a protected wildlife reserve and World Heritage Site. You will see the most magnificent wildlife, flora and fauna all unspoilt by people. All guests will receive a certificate verifying that they have indeed visited this extremely remote world destination.

Days 18–21 — At Sea
Enjoy a variety of onboard activities. Our days at sea are filled with educational lectures and interesting entertainment options. Attend a special performance by Marty Henne or a fascinating lecture by David Guggenheim. All accommodations feature an interactive television system allowing you to watch your choice of movies or documentary films and even recorded broadcasts from The Theatre in the comfort and privacy of your suite or stateroom.

Days 22-23 — Cape Town, South Africa
Before our arrival into Cape Town, we hope to cruise past Cape of Good Hope to complete our epic Cape to Cape Adventure. Tonight we enjoy an evening at leisure in Cape Town.

After breakfast on Friday, March 25, disembark the Prince Albert II.

Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition Team members as well as guest speakers and their lecture topics scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

POST-CRUISE OPTIONS
Extend your Silversea holiday with a post-cruise Silver Shore programme. From Cape Town, choose from two exciting 5-night Land Adventures:

Cape Town & KrugerPark
Highlights include the African (or Jackass) Penguin colony at Seal Island, the infamous Robben Island prison, and a three-day safari at the prestigious Sabi Sands where 4×4 vehicle take guests on a thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five: lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard. >>Read Full Description

Victoria Falls& Rovos Rail
Experience the best of Victoria Falls with a sunset cruise and by air aboard a scenic helicopter flight. A five-star Rovos Rail journey takes you by train through stunning landscapes to Pretoria for a tour of the Soweto Township and a visit to the Apartheid Museum.

Silversea's Expedition Ship, the Prince Albert II

The Ocean Doctor airs weekly on WebTalkRadio.net. Want to listen on your iPod, iPhone or mp3 player? Download the mp3 file or subscribe on iTunes and don’t miss a single episode. See the complete list of episodes.

Submit a question and I’ll try to answer it on the air. Even better, record your question or comment on our special message line and I might play it on the air. Call: (805) 619-9194. You can also leave questions and comments for this episode below.

Like the show? Learn how to become a sponsor.

123►
Photos of the Louisiana trip by Alan and David Guggenheim
PBS Newshour segment on dispersants, including interview with Dr. David E. Guggenheim
TIP OF THE WEEK: What do jellyfish and Adolph’s Meat Tenderizer have in common? Listen to the show and find out!

The Ocean Doctor airs weekly on WebTalkRadio.net. Want to listen on your iPod, iPhone or mp3 player? Download the mp3 file or subscribe on iTunes and don’t miss a single episode. See the complete list of episodes.

Submit a question and I’ll try to answer it on the air. Even better, record your question or comment on our special message line and I might play it on the air. Call: (805) 619-9194. You can also leave questions and comments for this episode below.

Like the show? Learn how to become a sponsor.

Revealed this week, the secret to the shark-taming powers of the Cuban “Shark Whisperer.” Watch the video!

The Ocean Doctor airs weekly on WebTalkRadio.net. Want to listen on your iPod, iPhone or mp3 player? Download the mp3 file or subscribe on iTunes and don’t miss a single episode. See the complete list of episodes.

Originally released in 1980, Steve Forbert's "The Oil Song 2010" includes verses about the Exxon Valdez, BP Deepwater Horizon, and many other oil spills since

Submit a question and I’ll try to answer it on the air. Even better, record your question or comment on our special message line and I might play it on the air. Call: (805) 619-9194. You can also leave questions and comments for this episode below.

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TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE CONTINUED USE OF CHEMICAL DISPERSANTS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO!

Marine toxicologist, Dr. Susan Shaw, director of the Marine Environmental Research Institute, Blue Hill, Maine

If you found this week’s interview with Dr. Susan Shaw troubling, please consider signing our petition and let the Administration know that you oppose the continued use of chemical dispersants, including the toxic Corexit, in the Gulf of Mexico.

Read more about this important issue:

• Toxicologist: Oil/Corexit mix caused heart trouble, organ damage, rectal bleeding (The Raw Story)
• Debate grows over impact of dispersed oil (Nature)
• Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI)

Also: See the YouTube video that accompanies this week’s episode: The Shark Whisperer of Cuba

The Ocean Doctor airs weekly on WebTalkRadio.net. Want to listen on your iPod, iPhone or mp3 player? Download the mp3 file or subscribe on iTunes and don’t miss a single episode. See the complete list of episodes.

Submit a question and I’ll try to answer it on the air. Even better, record your question or comment on our special message line and I might play it on the air. Call: (805) 619-9194. You can also leave questions and comments for this episode below.

Like the show? Learn how to become a sponsor.