NOAA Science Seminar Series

NOAA Science Seminar Series
Title: The Ecological and Economic Impacts of Estuarine Habitat Change in the Middle Peninsula, Virginia: Approach, Metrics, & Relevance

NOAA Library EBM/EBFM Seminar Series

Presenter(s): Dr. Tom Ihde, Research Assistant Professor at the Morgan State Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory

Sponsor(s): NMFS Ecosystem Based Management/Ecosystem Based Fishery Management Seminar Series (EBM/EBFM) and NOAA Library.

Seminar Contact(s): Corinne Burns (corinne.burns@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: https://vimeo.com/event/5223175

Abstract: Two ecosystem models were developed to represent tributaries where oyster restoration has been completed in Virginia. Project goals were to estimate harvest changes expected to result from the restoration efforts. Concurrent habitat loss of eelgrass was also simulated, since eelgrass is another foundational habitat in these waters, but one that has been in steady decline in recent years. Habitat loss and restoration are explored for each habitat, both singly and in combination. Oyster restoration is impactful in terms of both commercial harvests of other valuable species and regional economic impacts; however, the positive effects of oyster restoration could be overshadowed by the continued loss of seagrass habitat.

Accessibility: Captions are available during the live presentation and once uploaded to the NOAA Central Library YouTube Channel automatic captions are added. Sign language interpreting services and closed captioning are available, but need to be requested at least 5 days before the event.

Recordings: Recordings will be shared 24 hours after the event on the NOAA Library YouTube channel.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Sargassum 101: Origins, Biology, and Ecology

NOAA's Southeast & Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team 2025 Sargassum Webinar Series

Presenter(s): Felix Martinez, Ph.D., Program Manager, NOAA National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Competitive Research Program

Sponsor(s): NOAA's Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team (SECART)

Seminar Contacts: Max Brown, Program Analyst, Contractor of CSS for NOAA NCCOS Program Coordination and Communications (maximillian.brown@noaa.gov); Katharine Egan, Southeast and Caribbean Regional Coordinator, NOAA's Regional Collaboration Network (katharine.egan@noaa.gov); Josie Galloway, Environmental Scientist, NOAA NCCOS (josie.galloway@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5327072712126827867

Overview: NOAA's Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team (SECART) is launching a webinar series to raise awareness about key issues surrounding Sargassum. Each webinar will highlight different aspects of Sargassum research, management, and its impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems. The goal of this series is to foster knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration across affected areas. This webinar, presented by Dr. Felix Martinez, is the first in a series of five webinars looking at the recent issue of Sargassum Inundation Events. In this webinar, Felix will present a general overview of what Sargassum is and why it has gone from a charismatic macroalgae to harmful algal bloom. Once considered an essential, sometimes critical, habitat to valuable and endangered species that occasionally caused headaches at some tourist beaches, Sargassum now causes havoc to coastal communities across the Greater Caribbean Sea, Southeast Florida, the Gulf of America, and the Central West Coast of Africa. In this talk and the rest of the series, we will explore how this charismatic floating algae has become The Great Conundrum and what we may be able to do about it.

Bio(s): As a Program Manager, Dr. Felix Martinez develops, implements, and administers a multi-million dollar portfolio of extramural research programs addressing issues impacting the nation's coastal and ocean ecosystem. His responsibilities include development and oversight of research and outreach activities for all phases of the federal grants process such as identifying research priorities, developing program announcements, conducting peer review processes, communicating funding recommendations to senior management, leading program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, and responding to Congressional inquiries with respect to the activities and funding of these programs. He is the lead of the Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms Program.

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: Webinar recordings will be uploaded to the SECART YouTube channel with English and Spanish subtitles and made available on SECART's website.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar SeriesRESCHEDULED FROM MAY

Title: Visualizing the Economies within Coastal Inundation ZonesNOAA Library Seminars

Presenter(s): Polina Dineva, NOS OCM, Economist. Charlotte Tierney, Affiliate supporting NOAA

Sponsor(s): NOAA Library and NOS

Seminar Contact(s): library.seminars@noaa.gov

Remote Access: https://vimeo.com/event/4989010

Accessibility: Captions are available during the live presentation and once uploaded to the NOAA Library YouTube Channel automatic captions are added. Sign language interpreting services and closed captioning are available, but need to be requested at least 5 days before the event.

Abstract: In early 2025, the NOAA Office for Coastal Management released the Employment in Coastal Inundation Zones (ECIZ) Visualization Tool showing data on businesses in coastal hazard areas. The tool includes coastal hazard footprints for FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), hurricane storm surge, sea level rise, and tsunamis. It accompanies the ECIZ data that includes the number of businesses and employment in inundation zones by county and state. This information can be used by states, counties, floodplain managers, emergency managers and coastal managers to identify industries most at risk and the potential economic impact from interrupted economic activity as a result of coastal hazards.

Recordings: Recordings will be shared 24 hours after the event on the NOAA Library YouTube channel.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Bleaching-resilient, marginal inshore patch reefs of the Florida Keys: Ecological, reproductive, and molecular patterns of coral heat tolerance (RECORDED)
Coral Collaboration Monthly Seminar

Presenter(s): Derek Manzello, NOAA Coral Reef Watch

Sponsor(s): NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program

Seminar Contact(s): Caroline Donovan, caroline.donovan@noaa.gov

Accessibility: Closed captioning available through Google Meet platform

Abstract: Most Florida Keys reefs have low coral cover, but some inshore, marginal reefs have maintained higher coral cover and exhibit significant bleaching resilience. These observations motivated further research on the ESA-listed coral Orbicella faveolata to understand: 1) the molecular mechanisms underlying this heat resistance and 2) whether this thermal resistance is heritable. This presentation will summarize > 2 decades of research on the paradox' of higher coral cover on inshore Florida Keys reefs, highlighting the complexities and tradeoffs associated with coral thermal tolerance and the challenges of capitalizing on thermal refugia to restore degraded reefs.

Recordings: Seminar recording will be available afterward, as requested.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail:
Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Deep Water AUV/ROV Surveys for WWII Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Saipan Channel

NOAA Library Seminars

Presenter(s): Dr. Andrew Pietruszka, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Underwater Archaeologist

Sponsor(s): NOAA Library and NOAA Ocean Exploration

Seminar Contact(s): library.seminars@noaa.gov

Remote Access: https://vimeo.com/event/5215817

Accessibility: Captions are available during the live presentation and once uploaded to the NOAA Library YouTube Channel automatic captions are added. Sign language interpreting services and closed captioning are available, but need to be requested at least 5 days before the event.

Abstract: In February 2022, members of Scripps Institution of Oceanography conducted an exploratory ocean survey using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to locate and document multiple U.S. WWII B-29 aircraft that crashed offshore Tinian and Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The airbases, constructed in the final year of WWII, played a pivotal role in the war's outcome by supporting thousands of B-29 long range missions to Japan, with 13 losses reported in the nearby waters. This talk explores the historical context of the CNMI in WWII, project methodology, and results with an emphasis on the use of AUVs and other marine technologies for deepwater archaeological survey.

Recordings: Recordings will be shared 24 hours after the event on the NOAA Library YouTube channel.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Tracking the Drift and Origin of the Great Atlantic Sargassum BeltNOAA's Southeast & Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team 2025 Sargassum Webinar Series

Presenter(s): Dr. M. Josefina Olascoaga, Professor, University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Department of Ocean Sciences, Miami, FL

Sponsor(s): NOAA's Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team (SECART)Seminar Contacts: Max Brown, Program Analyst, Contractor of CSS for NOAA NCCOS Program Coordination and Communications (maximillian.brown@noaa.gov); Katharine Egan, Southeast and Caribbean Regional Coordinator, NOAA's Regional Collaboration Network (katharine.egan@noaa.gov); Josie Galloway, Environmental Scientist, NOAA NCCOS (josie.galloway@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8657877162218764377Overview: NOAA's Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team (SECART) is launching a webinar series to raise awareness about key issues surrounding Sargassum. Each webinar will highlight different aspects of Sargassum research, management, and its impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems. The goal of this series is to foster knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration across affected areas. This webinar, presented by Dr. M. Josefina Olascoaga, is the second in a series of five webinars looking at the recent issues surrounding Sargassum Inundation Events. Sargassum has historically been concentrated in the subtropical north Atlantic gyre, providing crucial habitat for sea life. However, since 2011, an extensive stretch of this seaweed, known as the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, has extended across the tropical Atlantic, resulting in substantial amounts accumulating on shores in West Africa and the Caribbean Sea. These events seriously affect ecosystems, local economies, and public health. To forecast the destinations of Sargassum, we must understand the movement of these floating masses in the ocean. Unlike tiny particles that move along the ocean currents, Sargassum rafts are substantial buoyant structures that are affected by a combination of ocean currents, winds, and waves. In this talk, we will present a novel model that describes the movement of Sargassum. Using this model, we also track the origin of this new blooming area. Our conclusions are derived from an integration of theoretical insights, field observations, and laboratory experiments. This work was done in collaboration with F. Javier Beron-Vera, Gage Bonner and Philippe Miron.

Bio(s): Professor Maria Josefina Olascoaga, specializing in Ocean Sciences at the University of Miami, uses nonlinear dynamical systems theory, including Lagrangian Coherent Structures and probability theory, to investigate the effects of ocean currents on biogeochemical processes. Her research includes predicting oil slick dynamics, exploring harmful algae blooms (HABS), examining larval dispersal, and studying Sargassum movement and distribution. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, she received her degree in oceanography from Instituto Tecnologico Buenos Aires (ITBA) and went on to obtain a Master's and Doctorate in physical oceanography from Centro de Investigacin Cientfica y de Educacin Superior de Ensenada (CICESE, Mexico). She did her postdoctoral research at RSMAS and became part of their faculty in 2008.

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: Webinar recordings will be uploaded to the SECART YouTube channel with English and Spanish subtitles and made available on SECART's website.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: July NOAA NWS Alaska Climate Outlook Briefing


Presenter(s): Rick Thoman, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy

Sponsor(s): NOAA/OAR/Climate Program Office and the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP)

Seminar Contact(s): Alison Hayden (abhayden@alaska.edu) & Genie Bey (genie.bey@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: https://uaf-accap.org/event/july25-alaska-climate-outlook/

Abstract: During this month's Climate Outlook Briefing, we will review recent and current climate conditions around Alaska, discuss forecasting tools, and finish up with the Climate Prediction Center's forecast for August and the fall season. Join the gathering online to learn what's happened and what may be in store with Alaska's seasonal climate.

Bio(s): Rick Thoman is the ACCAP Alaska Climate Specialist and has many years of experience producing reliable Alaska climate information and graphics describing Alaska's changing environment. His work spans the bridge between climate modeling, Alaska communities, and the media.

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: Slides, links shared during the presentation, and a recording may be found after the meeting at the URL listed above.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: JPSS: Recent Visits to Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs), Training Resources, and Data Access Updates
LEO Science Seminar Series

Presenter(s): Jorel Torres, RAIII " JPSS Satellite Liaison, Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) / Colorado State University (CSU)

Sponsor(s): NOAA NESDIS Office of LEO Observations

Seminar Contact(s): Amy Leibrand, amy.leibrand@noaa.gov

Remote Access:
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/mmp-btos-gsz
Or dial: (US) +1 720-526-2612 PIN: 270 864 864#


Accessibility: N/A

Abstract: The Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) constellation currently has three polar-orbiting satellites (SNPP, NOAA-20, and NOAA-21) that orbit the globe and produce near-real-time imagery and data for National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters to employ in the operational environment. This presentation will focus on the recent in-person and virtual visits to Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) that the JPSS Satellite Liaison (along with additional CIRA and NOAA personnel) conducted within the past year and half. The visits included interactions with NWS forecasters, the collection of forecaster feedback on the usage of satellite data in operations and discussions about the challenges that forecasters encounter within their respective County Warning Areas (CWA). Additionally, updates will be provided on the latest JPSS training materials that forecasters can access online to learn more about the utility of the datasets and applications. Near-real-time JPSS data webpages will also be highlighted to show forecasters how to access the operational and experimental JPSS products online and in the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System " II (AWIPS-II).

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: Request from Seminar Contact

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail:
Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar SeriesDate & Time: 23 July 2025, 3 - 4 pm ET

Title: Partnering Science and Practice: Using Genomics to Guide Resilient Eelgrass Restoration

Presenter(s):

• Jessie Jarvis, University of North Carolina Wilmington
• Stephanie Kamel, University of North Carolina Wilmington
• Erin Shields, Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia

Sponsor(s): This webinar is sponsored by the NERRS Science Collaborative

Seminar Contact(s): Doug George (douglas.george@noaa.gov) or Nick Soberal (nsoberal@umich.edu)

Remote Access: https://umich.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SPnA5OukSNaWb-tfv53uvQ Abstract
In recent years, rising summer temperatures have caused large-scale diebacks of eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows in parts of the lower Chesapeake Bay, shifting these once-stable habitats toward lower-density, ephemeral states. These losses threaten the vital ecosystem services that eelgrass provides, from supporting fisheries to stabilizing shorelines. With climate change accelerating, coastal managers and restoration practitioners increasingly recognize that long-term eelgrass restoration success must account for the species' resilience to thermal stress. However, critical knowledge gaps remain about which eelgrass populations may be best suited for future restoration under warming conditions.To help fill these gaps, this project compared eelgrass populations in Virginia and North Carolina to identify traits and genetic markers associated with thermal resilience. The team conducted genomic analyses and reciprocal transplant experiments to evaluate how different populations respond to heat stress and to test which seed sources might perform better under future climate scenarios. In this webinar, project collaborators will share key findings from this work and introduce several practical products developed through the project, including an eelgrass restoration decision-making framework, a standard operating procedure (SOP) for seed-based restoration, and guidance for integrating genomic data into management decisions.

Bio(s): Please visit here for more information about the webinar.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Where does snow become rain with atmospheric warming?

Presenter(s): Jennifer E. Kay

Sponsor(s): Global Monitoring Laboratory

Seminar Contact(s): Peter Effertz, NOAA-GML,peter.effertz@noaa.gov

Remote Access: GML Seminar: Dr. Jen Kay (CIRES, CU-Boulder)
Wednesday, July 23 1:00 " 2:00pm
Time zone: America/Denver
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zcv-mejy-ork
Or dial: (US) +1 401-366-4576 PIN: 616 502 824#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/zcv-mejy-ork?pin=5224681747236

Abstract: A sharp phase transition occurs when snow becomes rain in the atmosphere. When rain falls instead of snow, it decreases the land surface albedo, decreases land surface water storage, enhances ice sheet melt, and has impacts on human infrastructure. In this work, we assess this atmospheric snow-to-rain transition using high-frequency outputs from earth system models and spaceborne radar observations. To be conservative and focus on impactful precipitation events, we use the 275 K air temperature isotherm in the bottom atmospheric level during large (>5 mm/day, > 1 dBZ) precipitation events as a proxy for snow-to-rain transitions. Over Greenland, we find present-day rain observations consistent with rain are rare, occurring only along the coasts and during the summer. Applying warming alone we can constrain possible additional rain that could fall. We find rain doubles with 2.3 degrees C of near-surface warming. Next, we assess the snow-to-rain transition during the northern hemisphere water year (October to April). During the early 21st century, this isotherm spans 10 degrees of latitude. Starting at 44 degrees North in October, it moves equatorward to 34 degrees North in January/February and then returns poleward to 42 degrees North in April. Under ~3 degrees of global warming, the isotherm moves poleward by 4.4 degrees latitude (~500 km). The 21st poleward isotherm shift exceeds the climatological month-to-month isotherm migration, especially during the coldest months (January, February). Additional analysis is focused on geographic variations and on the sensitivity of these results to conditioning based on precipitation occurrence. Overall, these results provide new insights into where snow becomes rain during impactful atmospheric events.

Bio(s): Dr. Jennifer Kay (she/her/hers) is an Professor with tenure in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) and a CIRES Fellow at the University of Colorado at Boulder. With her research group and scientific collaborators around the world, Dr. Kay works at the nexus of observations and modeling to connect physics-based models with observed cloud, precipitation, radiation, and sea ice processes.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Introduction to the Metop-SG constellation and METImage


Presenter(s): Curtis Seaman, Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University

Sponsor(s): NOAA/OAR/Climate Program Office and the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP)

Seminar Contact(s): Alison Hayden (abhayden@alaska.edu) & Genie Bey (genie.bey@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: https://uaf-accap.org/event/vaws-metop-sg-constellation/

Abstract: The first satellite of the next-generation polar-orbiting satellite program developed by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) is currently scheduled to launch in August 2025. This upcoming constellation of satellites is known as Metop-Second Generation (Metop-SG), and the first satellite to be launched is Metop-SG-A1. Thanks to an international partnership known as the Initial Joint Polar-orbiting System (IJPS), NOAA is planning to acquire and distribute this data to the user community in a manner similar to the data provided by NOAA's Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). One of the new instruments to be flown in this constellation is METImage, an optical imager with many similarities to VIIRS and MODIS. This talk will provide an overview of the Metop-SG constellation, and will preview the capabilities of its new imager, METImage, with a focus on similarities and differences with VIIRS as well as some new capabilities that will be available on NOAA's future generation geostationary satellite program, GeoXO.

Bio(s): Curtis Seaman is a research scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University. He is a member of NOAA's VIIRS Imagery Team, GOES-R AWG Imagery Team and the non-federal lead of the METImage Imagery Team. He has been involved in the post-launch checkout and evaluation of imagery from three different VIIRS instruments and all four GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager instruments. For almost 15 years, he has supported NOAA's LEO and GEO programs by developing new/novel satellite imagery products for the detection and monitoring of environmental hazards, including wildfires, snow and ice, clouds and aerosols. And, he works with a variety of groups, including GINA, to provide this imagery to users. He also manages and produces the majority of imagery on CIRA's SLIDER website - a widely popular resource for global satellite imagery in near-realtime.

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: Slides, links shared during the presentation, and a recording may be found after the meeting at the URL listed above.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Multifaceted Impacts of Sargassum Accumulation Events on Coasts and Coastal Communities

NOAA's Southeast & Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team 2025 Sargassum Webinar Series

Presenter(s): Jos A. Martnez Ortiz, John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington DC

Sponsor(s): NOAA's Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team (SECART)

Seminar Contacts: Max Brown, Program Analyst, Contractor of CSS for NOAA NCCOS Program Coordination and Communications (maximillian.brown@noaa.gov); Katharine Egan, Southeast and Caribbean Regional Coordinator, NOAA's Regional Collaboration Network (katharine.egan@noaa.gov); Josie Galloway, Environmental Scientist, NOAA NCCOS (josie.galloway@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6782369809994272341

Overview: NOAA's Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team (SECART) is launching a webinar series to raise awareness about key issues surrounding Sargassum. Each webinar will highlight different aspects of Sargassum research, management, and its impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems. The goal of this series is to foster knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration across affected areas. This webinar, presented by Jos Martnez, is the third in a series of five webinars looking at the recent issues surrounding Sargassum Inundation Events. Sargassum blooms and subsequent accumulations have become an increasing concern for coastal regions that affect marine ecosystems, local economies, and public health. This presentation will explore various impacts of Sargassum blooms which include hypoxia-induced ecological damage, declines in tourism, and negative health risks from toxic emissions (e.g. hydrogen sulfides).

Bio(s): Jos Martnez is a Knauss Fellow at the House of Representatives working on energy, environment, and Puerto Rico issues. He received a master's in Chemical Oceanography from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagez where he completed his thesis titled, Hypoxia driven by Caribbean Sargassum accumulation events. He is particularly interested in the intersection of climate change, environmental challenges, and policy, demonstrated by his master's thesis and his current role as a Knauss Fellow. He is committed to sustainable coastal and ocean management and increasing the role of science in policy making.

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: Webinar recordings will be uploaded to the SECART YouTube channel with English and Spanish subtitles and made available on SECART's website.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: FathomVerse: community science meets gamingNOAA Library Seminars

Presenter(s): Lilli Wakinekona Carlsen, FathomNet Engagement Coordinator, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI)

Sponsor(s): NOAA Library and NOAA Education

Seminar Contact(s): library.seminars@noaa.gov

Remote Access: https://vimeo.com/event/5223308

Accessibility: Captions are available during the live presentation and once uploaded to the NOAA Library YouTube Channel automatic captions are added. Sign language interpreting services and closed captioning are available, but need to be requested at least 5 days before the event.

Abstract: FathomVerse is a free mobile game that invites ocean enthusiasts and casual gamers to work alongside scientists, labeling images of marine animals while having fun. Every identification in the game helps grow a vast library of labeled imagery that trains AI to identify marine life. By tapping into our collective curiosity and leveraging the power of gaming, FathomVerse engages a passionate community of ocean enthusiasts. Players explore real underwater imagery and unlock new depths while making meaningful contributions to ocean science. With FathomVerse, community science meets gaming to transform ocean exploration and discovery.

Recordings: Recordings will be shared 24 hours after the event on the NOAA Library YouTube channel.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: ECoastal Migratory Pelagics in the US SE and Gulf of America

Presenter(s): Brendan Turley, University of Miami - CIMAS and NOAA SEFSC

Sponsor(s): U.S. Climate-Fisheries Seminar Series; coordinator is
Vincent.Saba@noaa.gov Location: Webinar

Abstract: TBD

Bio(s): TBD

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the One NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information.

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Methods Currently Being Used to Address Sargassum Inundations in the U.S. Virgin Islands - Issues, Successes and Failures

NOAA's Southeast & Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team 2025 Sargassum Webinar Series

Presenter(s): Amy Claire Dempsey, M.A., President, Bioimpact, Inc.

Sponsor(s): NOAA's Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team (SECART)

Seminar Contacts: Max Brown, Program Analyst, Contractor of CSS for NOAA NCCOS Program Coordination and Communications (maximillian.brown@noaa.gov); Katharine Egan, Southeast and Caribbean Regional Coordinator, NOAA's Regional Collaboration Network (katharine.egan@noaa.gov); Josie Galloway, Environmental Scientist, NOAA NCCOS (josie.galloway@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7774562505834611036

Overview: NOAA's Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team (SECART) is launching a webinar series to raise awareness about key issues surrounding Sargassum. Each webinar will highlight different aspects of Sargassum research, management, and its impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems. The goal of this series is to foster knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration across affected areas. This webinar, presented by Amy Dempsey, is the fourth in a series of five webinars looking at the recent issues surrounding Sargassum Inundation Events.

As Sargassum inundations intensify across the Caribbean, coastal communities and resort operators face mounting challenges in managing the environmental and economic impacts. This presentation explores current best practices and technologies for Sargassum collection and containment, both onshore and offshore, with a focus on environmental and regulatory considerations. Drawing on successful deployments of floating barriers in St. Thomas, we will detail how resorts, once forced to close for weeks due to overwhelming accumulations, are now using containment systems to efficiently capture and remove Sargassum while minimizing beach erosion and sand loss. Case studies from two distinct resort sites illustrate how site-specific variables such as habitat type, sea state, and wind conditions influence anchoring methods and barrier design. We will share practical lessons learned, evolving installation strategies, and highlight what's working in the ongoing effort to better control and collect Sargassum with minimal environmental disruption.

Bio(s): Ms. Dempsey founded Bioimpact, Inc. in 1986 and has been doing environmental consulting since that time. Trained as a marine biologist, Ms. Dempsey came to St. Croix, USVI as an aquanaut for NOAA's undersea habitat. She has been working with resorts to address the Sargassum issue over the last five years, and helped produce the Sargassum Blueprint for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: Webinar recordings will be uploaded to the SECART YouTube channel with English and Spanish subtitles and made available on SECART's website.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar SeriesDate & Time: 5 August 2025, 3 - 4 pm ET

Title: Aquatic Acoustics: Listening to Fish in the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Presenter(s):

• Aaron Rice, Cornell University
• Maija Niemist, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• Rebecca Cohen, Cornell University

Sponsor(s): This webinar is sponsored by the NERRS Science Collaborative

Seminar Contact(s): Doug George (douglas.george@noaa.gov) or Nick Soberal (nsoberal@umich.edu)

Remote Access: https://umich.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ri6zN5LkT-i6JSvtC_pBnw Abstract
The Hudson River Estuary is a dynamic and complex environment that supports a wide range of fish, including a number of migratory and endangered species. Advances in marine ecosystem technologies, which include the use of passive acoustic monitoring, have enabled the Hudson River Reserve to address critical management challenges including understanding how fish species use the Hudson River Estuary, monitoring species population dynamics of protected and endangered animals, and creating engaging communication tools that inspire public stewardship of key fish species. The management of key fish within the estuary is a priority for the Hudson River Reserve; several key species remain data deficient and critical questions remain, particularly regarding phenology and spatial patterns of habitat use. To address these needs, this collaborative research project implemented a passive acoustic monitoring approach to target information gaps related to focal fisheries ecology and management within the reserve sites and adjacent estuarine habitats. In this webinar, members of the project team will share findings from their project, including their characterization of a diverse range of soundscapes across latitudinal and salinity gradients along the Hudson River, and comparisons of sounds from tributary and wetland habitats to those of the main channel of the river. They will also discuss their collaborative approach and how the project has strengthened relationship-building efforts among regional partners, students, and intended users.

Bio(s): Please visit here for more information about the webinar.Subscribe to the OneNOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email:Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Golden Tide Opportunities " New product development as a function of availability, collection, and stabilization

NOAA's Southeast & Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team 2025 Sargassum Webinar Series

Presenter(s): Dr. Bradley Wahlen, Group Lead Biological Preprocessing, Idaho National Laboratory; Dr. Ira Levine, Professor Emeritus and CEO of the Algae Foundation

Sponsor(s): NOAA's Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team (SECART)

Seminar Contacts: Max Brown, Program Analyst, Contractor of CSS for NOAA NCCOS Program Coordination and Communications (maximillian.brown@noaa.gov); Katharine Egan, Southeast and Caribbean Regional Coordinator, NOAA's Regional Collaboration Network (katharine.egan@noaa.gov); Josie Galloway, Environmental Scientist, NOAA NCCOS (josie.galloway@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2330966198617675872

Overview: NOAA's Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team (SECART) is launching a webinar series to raise awareness about key issues surrounding Sargassum. Each webinar will highlight different aspects of Sargassum research, management, and its impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems. The goal of this series is to foster knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration across affected areas. This webinar, presented by Dr. Brad Whalen and Dr. Ira Levine, is the fifth and final in a series of five webinars looking at the recent issues surrounding Sargassum Inundation Events.

The availability of 5-50 million tons of landed Sargassum biomass represents an opportunity for the development of new products throughout the Caribbean and surrounding areas. Collection, stabilization and transport remain a challenge which has been the topic of intense efforts along with the commercial conversion of Sargassum biomass into valuable products. Products range from food, feed, fuels, construction material, dyes, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, etc. Investment in collection and processing facilities is dependent on the reduction of risk surrounding biomass availability. The development of feedstock logistic systems for Sargassum are essential for realizing its potential as a feedstock for a variety of commercial applications. Approaches are needed for harvesting and collecting Sargassum that minimize costs and prioritize stability and quality. With its high moisture and ash content, transportation distance is an important consideration to produce any bioproduct. Sargassum availability varies from location, day to day, seasonally (April " October) and annually. Biorefinery operations rely on a constant supply of feedstock. Effective storage solutions can ensure that high quality biomass is available throughout the year. Current research addressing these concerns will be presented as well as existing research gaps.

Bio(s):

Dr. Brad Wahlen has been developing biomass preprocessing approaches within the Feedstock Technologies Department at Idaho National Laboratory for the past 11 years. His focus has included enzyme technologies to improve biomass processing, storage approaches for agricultural residues, ash reduction in both microalgae and seaweed and preservation techniques for stabilizing wet feedstocks like micro- and macroalgae.

Dr. Levine was awarded 2016-2017 U.S. State Department's Distinguished Chair Fulbright and the 2009-2010 Fulbright New Century Scholar. His 45 years of algae farming and cultivar enhancement experience includes work in Canada, Chile, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, and USA. Dr. Levine authored 36 publications, 105 presentations in 46 countries (including the United Nations, US Congress, & NBC TV), 4 book chapters, 3 books and 29 grants ($ 10,025,000).

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: Webinar recordings will be uploaded to the SECART YouTube channel with English and Spanish subtitles and made available on SECART's website.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: August NOAA NWS Alaska Climate Outlook Briefing


Presenter(s): Rick Thoman, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy

Sponsor(s): NOAA/OAR/Climate Program Office and the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP)

Seminar Contact(s): Alison Hayden (abhayden@alaska.edu) & Genie Bey (genie.bey@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: https://uaf-accap.org/event/aug2025-alaska-climate-outlook/

Abstract: During this month's Climate Outlook Briefing, we will review recent and current climate conditions around Alaska, discuss forecasting tools, and finish up with the Climate Prediction Center's forecast for September and the fall season. Join the gathering online to learn what's happened and what may be in store with Alaska's seasonal climate.

Bio(s): Rick Thoman is the ACCAP Alaska Climate Specialist and has many years of experience producing reliable Alaska climate information and graphics describing Alaska's changing environment. His work spans the bridge between climate modeling, Alaska communities, and the media.

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: Slides, links shared during the presentation, and a recording may be found after the meeting at the URL listed above.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Evaluating the Impacts of Data Uncertainty on Management Strategies to Support Climate-Ready Fisheries Management

Presenter(s): Roger Brothers & Lisa Kerr, University of Maine

Sponsor(s): U.S. Climate-Fisheries Seminar Series; coordinator is
Vincent.Saba@noaa.gov Location: Webinar

Abstract: TBD

Bio(s): TBD

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NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: An integrated approach to ecosystem based climate scenarios through the incorporation of socioeconomic data

Presenter(s): Kiera Morrill and Joe Caracappa, NOAA NEFSC

Sponsor(s): U.S. Climate-Fisheries Seminar Series; coordinator is
Vincent.Saba@noaa.gov Location: Webinar

Abstract: TBD

Bio(s): TBD

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the One NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information.

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Best practices, barriers, and necessary conditions for climate adaptation in U.S. fisheries management: Insights from scientists and managers

Presenter(s): Abigail Golden, NOAA NWFSC

Sponsor(s): U.S. Climate-Fisheries Seminar Series; coordinator is
Vincent.Saba@noaa.gov Location: Webinar

Abstract: TBD

Bio(s): TBD

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly e-mail: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the One NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information.