Marine Conservation Happy Hour

International Whaling Commission Update 2024

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about the latest news from the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Dr Craken is just back from the IWC...

The language of whales

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about recent studies on whale communication - do they really have a "language"? Or is it all media hype? F...

Can you swim the Dead Sea?

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat to Oded Rahav about his adventures swimming across the Mediterranean and Dead Seas to raise awareness abou...

Science & education outreach opportunities in the Bahamas

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat to Dr Ancilleno Davis from the University of the Bahamas. They talk about the impact of Hurricane Dorian, ...

The Greenland shark - the oldest fish in the sea

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about the fascinating Greenland shark, which may be one of the longest living ocean animals. If you liked ...

Anne Bonny - pirate queen

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat  about the infamous female pirate Anne Bonny, her fascinating life and swashbuckling exploits. If you lik...

Mary Read - pirate queen

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat about the infamous female pirate Mary Read, her fascinating life and swashbuckling exploits. If you liked ...

Baleen whales calling

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat to Julianne Wilder about the whale calls, the effects of climate change and underwater sound research. The...

Dolphin and manatee chat

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's citizen science month! Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat to Emma Giles and Bob Hirshorn from SciStarter about dolphin chat and manatee ...

A fishy noise in Florida

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What were the strange noises heard in Tampa that drove people and pets crazy? Find out in this week's episode when Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCr...

The old man of the sea - Hemmingway and Booze

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat to Jim Martin of the Key West Trading Company about the Old Man of the Sea Ernest Hemingway and his secret...

Is absinthe illegal in the US?

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat to Jim Martin of the Key West Trading Company about the history of that favourite tipple of pirates, write...

The White Vault - Ocean science and horror

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An oceanography research vessel working to collect Antarctic deep-sea sediment cores pulls up something unexpected from the depths of the Southern Oce...

Florida dolphins and toxic plastic chemicals

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat with Miranda Dziobak about the toxic chemicals from plastics that are being found in Florida's dolphins, a...

Right whale stranding at Martha's Vineyard - grave concerns for an endangered species

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss the recent right whale stranding in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts and the continuing threat that shi...

Crabeater seals in Antarctica

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat to Dr. Luis Huckstadt about his research in Antarctica on the crabeater seal. What is it like to do resear...

The physiology of marine mammals

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat to Dr Mike Tift about his research on the physiology of marine mammals and the effects that their deep-div...

Great white Baby Shark do do do do

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic  talk about the recent (allegedly) sighting of a baby Great white shark. Is it really the first sighting of a ...

Osprey decline in the Chesapeake Bay

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic are in Colonial Williamsburg visiting taverns and Dr Smash is four sheets to the wind. In this episode they tal...

Ghosts, pirates and university funding

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic are recording a special episode in the haunted King's Arms Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg. In this episode the...

The pirates of the Chesapeake Bay

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic are joined by special guest Jamie Goodall - an expert in the history of pirates! They talk about pirate history...

History of Pirates

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic are joined by special guest Jamie Goodall - an expert in the history of pirates! They talk about Jamie's favour...

Antarctic Fun Facts

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As they are in the depths of winter, Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic share some fun ocean science facts about the Antarctic, and some not so fu...

Fun Arctic Facts

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic share some fun ocean science facts about the Arctic. Winter is coming!  If you liked this show please support ...

The Climate Change Science drinking game returns

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic play their "climate change science drinking game" again as they go through some of the recent science about glo...

New Year Resolution Ideas

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's the end of the year and Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about New Year's resolutions and what they plan to do to be more mindful, hap...

The strange feeding habits of gray whales

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Clara Bird about the strange feeding behaviours of Pacific Coast feeding group (PCFG) gray whales. Why ...

The Pacific Coast Feeding Group of gray whales

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Clara Bird about the Pacific Coast Feeding Group of gray whales - a newly discovered population of whal...

Whale behavior

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to about Mithriel MacKay from the Marine & Coastal Ecology research Center (https://www.marine-eco.org/) a...

The environmental impacts of Brexit

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Constance Schéré about the impacts that BREXIT has had on environmental regulations and marine prote...

Oyster catchers, mudflats and marine protected areas

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to this week's guest Constance Schéré (constanceschere.com) about the ecological importance of mudflats ...

The 2024 conservation job outlook

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about what the current and upcoming job market looks like for those in the wildlife science, environmental...

Wind farms and whale strandings - Who is really behind the wind farm protests?

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about the science behind claims that wind farm construction is causing whale strandings? Is it true? Who i...

Halloween Special part 3: Atlantis!

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For Halloween Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic have three episodes on spooky ocean mysteries and legends. In this episode they talk about tthe l...

The Bermuda Triangle

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For Halloween Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic have three episodes on spooky ocean mysteries and legends. In this episode they talk about the in...

Ghost ship: The Flying Dutchman

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For Halloween Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic have three episodes on spooky ocean mysteries and legends. For the first episode they talk about ...

Climate change science news update

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about some of the latest science and discoveries about ocean climate change. As this is often very depress...

Ocean Gliders

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat to Jesse Joy about a new research project involving high-tech ocean gliders to study oceanographic conditi...

Unsustainable cruise ship tourism

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Jesse Joy about community opposition to cruise ship tourism in the Florida Keys. The MCHH team chat wit...

Environmental Crisis in the Virgin Islands

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Jesse Joy about a number of major environmental issues current affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands. Why d...

Sustainable Aquaculture

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Lauren Shea about aquaculture and sustainability. They also discuss the controversial issue of fish bei...

Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, pt 2

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Lauren Shea, who is part of a 4 woman team of marine scientists who are planning to row across the Atla...

Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, pt 1

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Lauren Shea, who is part of a 4 woman team of marine scientists who are planning to row across the Atla...

Humpback Whale Facts

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about one of the most popular marine mammal species (both with the public and scientists) the humpback wha...

The Witcher and Ocean Science

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about the history of sea monsters and the sea creatures that appear in the game, books and TV show of the ...

Climate Change News

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about some of the latest science and discoveries about ocean climate change.  If you liked this show plea...

Ecocide

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about new laws that countries are introducing making ecocide illegal. What is ecocide? Tune into the show ...

The best environmental groups to work for

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about a new ranking of the best (and worst) environmental groups to work for. Who treats their employees w...

Lolita the orca

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about the history and recent passing of the orca Lolita, or Tokitae, at the Miami Seaquarium and the contr...

Good news for Rice's whale

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about some good news about the Gulf of Mexico whale or Rice's whale - some new conservation measures for t...

Right whale Facts

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about the various species of right whales. Why are right whales called right whales, what's so right about...

Return of the shark quiz

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about sharks again ... how much does Dr Craken know about sharks? Dr Smash quizes him on his knowledge of ...

Oldest Living Mammal

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss the oldest living mammal - a hint, you find it in the ocean! If you liked this show please support us s...

Climate change update

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss some recent scientific studies on climate change and how it's impacting the marine environment. If you ...

The largest whale?

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss new fossil evidence of a prehistoric whale that may dwarf the largest whales of today. Find out more on...

Bond, James Bond

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss Bond, James Bond. What has the world's most famous secret agent got to do with marine biology and envir...

Minke Whales facts

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic continue their summer series on whales and dolphins with a discussion the smallest species of rorqual whales: t...

Superpod - an orca extravaganza

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss the recent Superpod event. Superpod is a big gathering of orca scientists, naturalists and enthusiasts,...

We're in hot water!

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss the record temerpatures both on land and in the ocean this summer. They also discuss new science about ...

Cocaine sharks

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss news from shark scientists in Florida (why is it always Florida?) that sharks may be becoming addicted ...

Shark quiz

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic continue talking about sharks this week. Craken tests Smash on her shark knowledge - how will you do in this sh...

Bryde's and Sei whales

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about the difference between sei and Bryde's whales. They also talk about the newly discovered Omura's wha...

Shark Attacks

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about an increased in global shark attacks and discuss the possible scientific reasons behind this. They a...

The science of Black Panther - Wakanda Forever

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about the ocean science in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Dr Craken discusses whether the science is bett...

Blue Whales Facts

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic continue their series on whales and dolphins by discussing the biology and ecology of the blue whale, the large...

Whale Earwax

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss a sticky subject - whale earwax. In this episode teh MCHH team discuss the nature of whale ears and how...

The science behind the movie: Avatar 2

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss the science and the conservation message in the recent movie Avatar 2: The Way of Water. If you liked t...

Dolphins in space!

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss "cetacean ops" - whale and dolphin crew members on Star Trek spaceships!  If you liked this show pleas...

Porpoises of the world

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss the various species of porpoises. What's the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise? How many spec...

River Dolphins

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss the various types of river dolphins. They talk abut the unique ecology and biology of these fascinating...

Baleen and toothed Whales

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss the difference between baleen (or filter feeding) whales and toothed whales. If you liked this show ple...

Whale Evolution

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss whale evolution. The MCHH crew will be talking about aspects of whale and dolphin biology, ecology and ...

Science Lesson on Whale Classification

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about aspects of whale and dolphin biology, ecology and conservation. In today's episode they talk about t...

Hvaldimir the whale

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about Hvaldimir, the friendly beluga whale. What is Hvaldimir's story - was he a spy? What's the current i...

Gladiator whales

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about how boat-attacking orcas have been called "Gladis" and how they got this name. On this episode we go...

Vikings and Climate Change

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about how climate change impacted the viking colony on Greenland. There are many parallels to what happene...

Orcas attack

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about how orcas (killer whales) are attacking and sinking boats off the coast of Spain. If you liked this ...

The Lagoon - a tale of whales

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash and Dr Craken are joined by author James Michael Dorsey who shares his latest book: The Lagoon: Encounters with the Whales of San Ig...

Rice's whale

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat with Michael Jasny (from the Natural Resources Defense Council) about the most endangered whale in the wor...

A new law threatening marine life in the US

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat with their guest Michael Jasny (from the Natural Resources Defense Council) about a new law that could cau...

Underwater noise

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat with their guest Michael Jasny from the Natural Resources Defense Council, about the threat that underwate...

Penguin quiz

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash quizes Dr Craken MacCraic about penguins - how many of the amazing facts does he know about these sea birds?  If you liked this sho...

Fin whale facts

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about fin whales and share some amazing facts about this sizeable mammal. If you liked this show please su...

Dracula's castle & whale science

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic chat about the recent IWC (International Whaling Commission) Scientific Committee meeting in Slovenia. Craken c...

Living in mangroves

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Karly McMullen from the University of British Columbia what it is like to live in a community in the ma...

Penguins and Plastic

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Karly McMullen from the University of British Columbia about her research on the impacts of plastic on ...

The Pirate Queen

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about the pirate queen "The Lioness of Brittany". A story of love, revenge and piracy. Hear about her lege...

Saw Shark Facts

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about saw sharks. They share some fascinating facts about this little-known group of sharks, and talk abou...

Sawfish vs Sawshark

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic discuss the differences between saw fish and saw sharks and some fascinating facts about their biology. If you ...

Sea otter conservation

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic continue talking to Heather Barrett from Sea Otter Savvy about sea otter conservation and the threats these key...

What to do if you see a sea otter!

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic continue talking to Heather Barrett about the need to be aware of sea otters, and the impacts that human distur...

Sea otter watching

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic continue talking to Heather Barrett from Sea Otter Savvy about how to watch sea otters without disturbing them....

Sea otter savvy

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic continue talking to Heather Barrett about the NGO Sea Otter Savvy,  the need to be aware of sea otters, and th...

Sea otter quiz

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic continue talking to Heather Barrett, Science Communication Director for Sea Otter Savvy. Quiz master Heather ca...

Sea otters

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk to Heather Barrett, Science Communication Director for Sea Otter Savvy. Heather quizzes the MCHH crew to ...

The ocean at night

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about what the ocean looks like at night when you're underwater. What do marine species do at night? Do th...

Humpback whale strandings in New York & New Jersey

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about the high number of humpback whale strandings in New York and New Jersey - what is the likely cause, ...

An elephant seal & a big climate change discovery

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about an elephant seal who discovered some surprising impacts of climate change If you liked this show ple...

Jolly shore leave!

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about Sea Shanties with Jolly Shore Leave. If you liked this show please support us so we can keep providi...

What are sea shanties?

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about Sea Shanties with Jolly Shore Leave. If you liked this show please support us so we can keep providi...