Sentinels of the Sea

Beyond the Scope -- The Laboratory

Tune into the fourth episode of the Sentinels of the Sea Podcast as we step behind the scenes into one of the most essential — yet often unseen — parts of The Marine Mammal Center: the laboratory. Guided by longtime Clinical Laboratory Senior Manager Carlos Rios, we explore how the team he oversees processes thousands of samples each year, delivering rapid diagnostics that help veterinarians make lifesaving decisions. With advanced tools that detect emerging diseases and ocean toxins, the lab also manages one of the world’s largest marine mammal sample banks, powering collaborations with researchers and agencies around the globe.

Emerging Disease

What do scientists mean when they say "emerging disease"? How complex, challenging and real is the issue in marine mammals? Tune into the third episode of a new six-part Sentinels of the Sea Podcast series as we take a deep dive on how experts are defining, documenting, responding and researching emerging diseases. We'll also take a closer look at how technology is helping make a difference, what this means for ocean health, and why WE should care.

Wildlife Disturbance and Behavior Change

Creating behavior change to deal with the real issue of marine mammal disturbance along the California coast is a complex but important challenge. Tune in to the second episode of a new six-part Sentinels of the Sea Podcast series as we take a deep dive on how experts at The Marine Mammal Center are looking to address the issue and the impact human interaction has on marine life.

Cetacean Observation and Research

How does The Marine Mammal Center study whales? Why are large whales increasingly entering San Francisco Bay? How can we keep them safe? These are among the many questions that our Cetacean Conservation Biology Team's research focuses on as we learn from these sentinel species. Tune in to the first episode of a new six-part Sentinels of the Sea Podcast series as we take a trip along the Bay Area coast with experts to learn more.