In this episode, we are highlighting the work of one marine biologist in particular whose research gives us a better understanding of how fish evolved through their bone structure. Specifically Dr. Kory Evans of Rice University, a Doctor who has spent a LOT of time looking at fish bones and went viral a few years ago after sharing a scan of a surprising interaction between two species.  

For the last episode of 2024, we at Ocean Science Radio wanted to end things on a high note, something that could act as an inspiration for the going into the next year and beyond. Today's episode is on the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, the first-ever Indigenous-nominated and Indigenous-co-managed marine sanctuary in the United States. Join us as we speak with Violet Sage Walker, the chairwoman for the Northern Chumash Tribal Council  - the nominators for the now-designated National Marine Sanctuary Chumash Heritage Site.

Project 2025, otherwise known as the 2025 Presidential Transition Project. The Project aims to promote conservative and right-wing policies to reshape the United States federal government and consolidate executive power, under the premise that Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election. If you haven’t read it, we don’t blame you, it is literally 900 pages written in the most mind-numbing legalease and political speak that you can possibly imagine, but the contents have HUGE ramifications if they were enacted. Our guest, and long-time friend of the show, Dr. Andrew Thaler actually took the time to examine Project 2025 and look for what impacts the policy proposals would have on the ocean. 

Additional music "Convicted Felon Cult" by John Lopker

It is February and we once again have our seasonal episode of Ocean Lovin - covering cool and strange ways ocean creatures make little ocean creatures. We speak with  Dr. Christine Dudgeon, a senior research fellow at the University of Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast about sharks and a peculiar story of immaculate shark-ception.

As with every year, we want to remind our listeners that Ocean Lovin episodes cover adult themes not meant for children without supervision, please listen to the episode before sharing it with youngsters. 

Guest co-host:  Dr Skylar Bayer, a marine ecologist with expertise in shellfish population dynamics, invertebrate life history, fertilization ecology, and science communication.