Time and Tide

A century ago, vast reefs of Eastern Oysters, Crassostrea virginica, stretched across Great Bay cleaning the water, sheltering fish, and forming one of New Hampshire’s most important coastal habitats. Today, a fraction of those wild oyster beds remains. But across the bay, a quiet movement is underway to bring them back one shell and a few baby oysters at a time. In this episode of Time and Tide, we’re focusing on a small animal with an outsized impact, the Eastern Oyster. We’ll start with the basics: what oysters are, how they live, and why they matter so much to estuaries like Great Bay. From there, we look back in time at the natural history of oysters in granite state waters, to understand why they’ve experienced a 90% decline. But don't worry, this is ultimately a story about restoration. Brianna Group and Kelsey Meyer from The Nature Conservancy describe how in classic New Hampshire fashion, people from all walks of life are working together to see oysters thrive. Researchers, farmers, volunteers, restaurants, nonprofits, and consumers are all part of the restoration equation. Some of these oyster restoration projects are big, requiring a football field worth of oyster shells. Dave Beattie and Dale Pike from the Coastal Conservation Association of New Hampshire explain how restaurants can turn their waste into the foundation for tomorrow’s reefs. In the final act of this story, we hear why restoring wild oysters matters to two sisters working in the oyster business. Laura Brown and Krystin Ward are part of this restoration network and enjoy being able to provide their large, ‘ugly’ oysters for a greater purpose. Full episode transcript is available below. Guest Speakers: Kelsey Meyer-Rust, Ph.D., Coastal Conservation Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy New Hampshire Brianna Group, Great Bay Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy New Hampshire Capt. David Beattie, Oyster Recycling Coordinator, Coastal Conservation Association Dale Pike, Secretary, Coastal Conservation Association and Ocean Conservationist Volunteer with the Nature Conservancy Laura Brown, Owner and Operator, Fox Point Oysters Krystin Ward, Laboratory Research Supervisor at the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and Owner of Choice Oysters Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant Co-Hosted by: Erik Chapman, Executive Director, New Hampshire Sea Grant Produced by: Brian Yurasits Further reading: Restoring Oyster Reefs in New Hampshire’s Great Bay – The Nature Conservancy Oyster Recycling Project - Coastal Conservation Association New Hampshire Sea Grant – Oyster Aquaculture Fox Point Oysters - Laura Brown Choice Oysters - Krystin Ward University of New Hampshire Oyster Research New Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.edu University of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement

In part two of this month's two-part series on surfing in New Hampshire, we explore how the sport of surfing can create community, a sense of responsibility to protect the natural world, and monetary value for coastal towns. What is the value of clean water? And just because you surf, does that mean you’re more likely to support healthy coastal ecosystems? Becs O’Brien and Christina Dubin are two surfer friends who have formed a community of female surfers along the seacoast and are actively involved with marine conservation organizations, including Surfrider New Hampshire and Beyond Plastics. In an age where our screen-time is quickly outpacing our face-time with one another, we discuss how the antidote might just be something as simple as floating on boards with friends in the ocean. Becs and Christina also share their thoughts on how to meaningfully engage the surfing community with the issues facing our coast. Last but not least, Scott Lemos, a Research Economist and Senior Lecturer at University of New Hampshire, gives us a lesson on surf-onomics. How much money is clean water worth, and how can a sport like surfing impact a local economy? Scott also coins the term ‘positive localism’ as we speak about how surfing can become less extractive from the natural world and leave people with a lasting connection to the natural world instead. Full episode transcript is available below. Guest Speakers: Becs O’Brien, Volunteer, Surfrider New Hampshire Christina Dubin, Major Gifts Manager, Beyond Plastics Scott Lemos, Research Economist and Senior Lecturer, University of New Hampshire Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant Co-hosted by: Erik Chapman, Director, New Hampshire Sea Grant Produced by: Brian Yurasits Further readingSurfrider New Hampshire Beyond Plastics Scott Lemos’ Research New Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.edu University of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement

From major storms to daily tides, the sandy shores of New Hampshire are constantly moving — gaining sand in some places and losing it in others. But how do scientists and volunteers actually track those changes over time? In this episode of Time and Tide, we dig into the world of beach profiling — a simple yet powerful method that measures the contour of the shoreline month after month to reveal patterns of erosion and accretion along our coast. By taking regular measurements of beach elevation and slope, the NH Volunteer Beach Profile Monitoring Program contributes to long-term coastal monitoring efforts that inform local decision-making, coastal resilience planning, and scientific research. Learn how citizen scientists — also referred to as participatory scientists — use two measuring poles to collect this important data, while researchers interpret the meaning of this for your favorite New Hampshire beaches. What better way to explain beach profiling, than to take you for a walk along the beach in Seabrook, NH, where a small group of researchers and volunteer citizen scientists meet on a windy winter day to measure the beach.Guest Speakers: Alyson Eberhardt, Ph.D., Coastal Ecosystems Extension Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant Larry Ward, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, UNH Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping Wells Costello, Citizen Science Program Manager, New Hampshire Sea Grant Rachel Morrison, Research Assistant, UNH Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant Produced by: Brian Yurasits Further reading: Beach Resilience Data Citizen Science in Shifting Sands (StoryMap) Storm Report Series New Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.edu University of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement

Show notes: Beneath the thin blue line of the ocean’s surface lies an underwater meadow of grass. In Great Bay and coastal New Hampshire, these flowing fields of green are nurseries for young fish, an anchor for sediments, and a sign that our ecosystems are healthy. However, these life-supporting aquatic pastures face new threats. Here, in the constantly moving waters where rivers meet the sea, scientists, students, and communities are working together to bring back one of New Hampshire’s most vital—but also fragile—coastal habitats: eelgrass. These underwater meadows once stretched far and wide across the bay, but recently, storms, changing water temperatures, and pollution are having an impact on our local eelgrass species, Zostera marina. A new restoration project—backed by local towns, oyster farmers, and researchers at the University of New Hampshire—is testing innovative ways to help these plants return and thrive. From transplanting shoots to exploring seed-based restoration, the work happening here could shape the future of eelgrass recovery across the country. Act 1: What’s slender like an eel, and requires clear, cold water to thrive? Explore eelgrass 101 with Trevor Mattera, Habitat Program Manager with the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP), as he takes us through the past, present, and future of Zostera marina in New Hampshire waters. Act 2: Strap on your snorkel and float through an eelgrass meadow with Matthew Allen, New Hampshire Sea Grant’s Undergraduate Doyle Fellow, who spent this past summer spending as much time as humanly possible in a wetsuit, assisting Trevor and the team at PREP with their Great Bay Estuary Oyster & Eelgrass Restoration project. Experience a day in the life working to restore eelgrass and hear a harrowing story about mating horseshoe crabs. Act 3: You can’t have thriving eelgrass without clean water. Gretchen Young, the Deputy Director of Technical Services at the City of Rochester, New Hampshire, explains how this restoration project came to be funded, and why municipalities are joining forces to address nitrogen pollution in Great Bay. Guest Speakers: Trevor Mattera, Ph.D., Coastal Ecosystems Extension Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant Matthew Allen, Undergraduate Doyle Fellow, New Hampshire Sea Grant Gretchen Young, Deputy Director of Technical Services, City of Rochester, New Hampshire Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant Co-Hosted by: Erik Chapman, Director, New Hampshire Sea Grant Produced by: Brian Yurasits Further reading: Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship Municipal Alliance for Adaptive Management New Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.edu The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) is a collaboration-driven, local organization and National Estuary Program. Through community collaboration with NH and Southern ME Towns, researchers, and local organizations, they work to monitor, restore, and protect the health of the lakes, rivers, streams, and the Great Bay and Hampton-Seabrook estuaries in the Piscataqua Region Watershed. The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. UNH, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and New Hampshire counties cooperating. Direct inquiries to unh.civilrights@unh.edu.

What happens when the growing marine economy meets efforts to protect threatened and endangered seabirds? Elizabeth Craig and her team are mapping the journeys of common and roseate terns (Sterna hirundo and Sterna dougallii) to ensure both conservation efforts and development can move forward together in the Gulf of Maine. Join us in the bird blind on this episode of Time and Tide as we uncover how seabird researchers are able to track the movements and feeding behaviors of terns in the Gulf of Maine, and why these movements matter to us. Act 1: Step onto White and Seavey Islands with Elizabeth Craig, Director of Seabird Science at Shoals Marine Laboratory, as she describes the threats faced by common and roseate terns in a changing Gulf of Maine, and why we as humans should care about the fate of these agile birds that spend their lives at sea. We dodge dive-bombing birds, and side-step freshly hatched chicks while discussing the importance of data-driven conservation efforts and her team's latest Sea Grant-funded research. We also address hard-hitting questions such as: why do seabird researchers wear wide-brimmed hats? And what is seabird poop bingo? Act 2: We join Caitlin Panicker, an undergraduate student at Bowdoin College, in the bird blind to learn what it's like to live on the Isles of Shoals for a summer, watching the same birds fly in and out of a nesting colony. Caitlin explains what a tern 'neighborhood' looks like and shares some advice for college students looking to gain field experience. Act 3: So, where does all of this information go, and how does it impact us non-birds? We sat down with Katy Bland, a Research and Engagement Manager working with Sea Grant and NERACOOS, to talk through the uses of Elizabeth's tern research with us. Katy focuses on the interaction between coastal communities and offshore renewable energy development in the Gulf of Maine. Making her the perfect guest to help us understand how Liz’s seabird research can be used to inform decisions about how we use our ocean. Guest Speakers: Dr. Elizabeth Craig, Director of Seabird Science, Shoals Marine Laboratory Affiliate Faculty, Department of Biological Sciences, UNH. Caitlin Panicker, undergraduate student intern currently attending Bowdoin College. Katy Bland, Research and Engagement Manager, NERACOSS, New Hampshire Sea Grant, Maine Sea Grant. Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant. Produced by: Brian Yurasits Further reading: Seabirds as Indicators of New Hampshire’s Fisheries The Science of Seabirds – Seacoast Science Center NERACOOS New Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.edu University of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement

A new workshop called Living With Water is designed to help realtors navigate these turbulent times, by equipping them with resources on flood risks in New Hampshire.Show notes: The housing market is a hot topic in the Granite State and across the US, to say the least. A part of this conversation relates to how insurance companies are dropping coverage for homeowners due to the increased risk of natural disasters. In New Hampshire, flooding risks are of particular concern, from the White Mountains to the Gulf of Maine. A new workshop called Living With Water is designed to help realtors navigate these turbulent times, by equipping them with resources on flood risks in New Hampshire. Learn from the workshop's creators about how realtors can navigate flood risk with their clients, and why conversations during the home buying and selling experience are a great time to talk about stewarding the future of our natural spaces.Act 1: Turning ideas into reality with Lisa Wise and Lynn Vaccaro, both members of the New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup. When realtors in the seacoast community identified the need to learn more about flood risks, this dynamic duo stepped up to the challenge. Act 2: Talia Sperduto shares her personal journey from sustainability to real estate, and why flooding has become an everyday concern in her work. Guest Speakers: Lisa Wise, Coastal Resilience Extension Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant and UNH ExtensionLynn Vaccaro, Coastal Training Program Coordinator, Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and NH Fish and GameTalia Sperduto, owner of Whole Heart Homes, real estate professional specializing in coastal and historic home sales in the communities of greater Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, ME. Member of the Seacoast Board of Realtors.Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant.Co-Hosted by: Erik Chapman, Director, New Hampshire Sea Grant.Produced by: Brian YurasitsFurther reading:Living With Water: Resources for RealtorsNew Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.eduUniversity of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement

A preliminary study by Dr. Paula Mouser and her team of researchers and citizen scientists in New Hampshire has found that foam on the surface of water can contain elevated levels of PFAS contamination, compared to the surface water below. Show notes: PFAS are contaminants of emerging concern and have rapidly become a focal point for everyone working in the field of clean water. These ‘forever chemicals’ are impactful in very small amounts (parts per trillion), have negative impacts on humans, and are present within a wide variety of consumer products.Because PFAS are odorless, tasteless, and microscopic, it is difficult for people to visualize this threat to human health. However, residents in New Hampshire have recently expressed concern that surface foams forming in known PFAS-contaminated water bodies may contain elevated levels of these ‘forever chemicals’. This prompted a team from University of New Hampshire, Temple University, and local citizens to join together in testing foam from these locations. Here, we discuss their preliminary findings, and what will come next.Act 1: Dr. Paula Mouser describes the story behind exploring PFAS concentrations in surface foam at sites known for their PFAS exposure. Act 2: Gabby Deangelis, a Master’s student at UNH, shares her personal experience being affected by PFAS, and her creativity in developing methods to sample surface foams. Gabby also shares her experiences as a graduate student working in the field of environmental science. Act 3: Andrea Amico discusses her family’s exposure to PFAS, and how this sparked her journey to raise awareness and take action to address this contaminant in our waters. Andrea describes her work as a citizen scientist with Paula’s team while explaining the impact of including community members in research. Guest Speakers: Paula Mouser, Ph.D. Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New HampshireGabby Deangelis, Graduate Student in Environmental Engineering, University of New HampshireAndrea Amico, Clean Water Activist, Citizen Scientist, Founder of Testing for Pease, and Portsmouth, NH ResidentHosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant.Co-Hosted by: Lauren George, Graduate Student, University of New HampshireProduced by: Brian YurasitsFurther reading:UNH Research Team Finds Concentrated PFAS in Watershed FoamsNew Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.eduUniversity of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement

Time and Tide is a new podcast from New Hampshire Sea Grant, based at the University of New Hampshire, that explores the science, stories, and people behind our changing coastlines.Show notes: What does the saying – time and tide wait for none – mean to you? Those with a connection to the coast understand that tides are a certainty in life; they are something that we have no control over, just as time is always fleeting. It’s a familiarity that connects all of us, and sometimes, is a starting point for conversation. Time and Tide is a new podcast from New Hampshire Sea Grant exploring the science, stories, and people behind our changing coastlines.Hosts Brian Yurasits and Erik Chapman share one story each month, covering the coastal and marine topics that you might read about in your local news. These stories are told by both researchers and community members in a way that anyone can relate to. Whether you’re a surfer, fisher, seafood lover, enjoy long walks on the beach, or simply someone who cares about the future of our coastal places—this podcast is for you.In this introduction, you'll hear why talking about the tides is a great ice-breaker, learn why you should care about the issues facing the Granite State’s small, but mighty coastline, and take a trip down memory lane with Brian and Erik. Float along with us as we navigate these tides of change together. Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant.Co-hosted by: Erik Chapman, Director, New Hampshire Sea Grant.Produced by: Brian Yurasits with assistance from Talia Katreczko, New Hampshire Sea Grant Doyle Fellow.New Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.eduUniversity of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement