I had a blast chatting with David and Vicki about ocean biodiversity and my new book, The Ocean’s Menagerie! This episode is special because we got to dive into the very relevant topic of sea star wasting disease, and the bacteria responsible for the epidemic that my team recently discovered. I hope you enjoy listening!
In the latest episode of ‘Rising Tide, the Ocean Podcast,’ hosts David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein of the Inland Ocean Coalition interview Dr. Drew Harvell, an esteemed professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell University. The discussion delves into the recent breakthrough in identifying the bacteria responsible for sea star wasting disease, which has decimated starfish populations and kelp forests on the West Coast. Dr. Harvell reveals her journey into marine biology, highlights her research on marine ecosystem health, and discusses her influential books, including ‘A Sea of Glass’ and ‘The Ocean’s Menagerie.’ Dr. Harvell emphasizes the impact of pathogen pollution on marine life, the interconnectedness of human and environmental health, and the therapeutic potential of marine organisms. The episode underscores the critical need for better ocean management and the role of art in translating scientific knowledge to foster public interest and understanding.
