Seaside Chats
Seaside Chats is an annual speaker series about ocean science and conservation topics associated with Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. These presentations take place on Wednesday evenings in February, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Central Time).
- Presentations are free and presented via webinar. Our speakers include sanctuary staff and guests from partner organizations.
- Anyone is welcome to attend, but presentation content is most suited to those in middle school and above. Please register for the webinars below.
- We are happy to provide attendance certificates for all participants and continuing professional education (CPE) hours for teachers.
For more information, contact Kelly.Drinnen@noaa.gov
Seaside Chats 2025
February 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CT) - Beachcombing Along the Gulf of Mexico
The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi conducts weekly beach surveys to see what is washing up along Texas shorelines, then shares this information to educate the public. Jace Tunnell will talk about some of the odd and interesting things he has found during his beach surveys, including over 40 messages in a bottle, a live alligator, a prosthetic leg, illegal fishing gear, creepy dolls, money, and much more. The overall message is that debris in the ocean has real consequences for marine life in and out of the ocean. (Photos courtesy of Jace Tunnell)
Presented by Jace Tunnell, Director of Community Engagement, Harte Research Institute
February 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CT) - Fostering Coral Science in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Join two NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars studying coral habitats from shallow to mesophotic depths in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Discover how their science on historic coral carbon chemistry and present environmental baselines can help inform and guide sanctuary management decisions as we try to help these critical ecosystems remain resilient in a changing climate. Learn all about coral cores and benthic landers, and how you can study coral ecosystems too! (Photos courtesy of NOAA Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities Project and Amanda Croteau)
Presented by Amanda Croteau, California State University, Sacramento; Philip Yang, University of Rhode Island
February 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CT) - Coral Reef Revival: New Solutions for a Changing Ocean
Coral reefs are in crisis, but we’re not giving up! From citizen science tools to ocean alkalinity solutions, we’re tackling the threats head-on. Come discover the exciting new techniques we’re exploring to help slow the decline of these vital ecosystems. (Photos courtesy of Keisha Bahr)
Presented by Dr. Keisha Bahr, Chair for Coral Reef and Ocean Health, Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies
Past Chats
Seaside Chats began in 2012 and have been offered almost every February since. Topics range from sanctuary wildlife, research, and expansion, to shipwrecks, whale strandings, and ocean exploration.
A brief summary of our previous Seaside Chats is provided below:
2024
Virtual
February 7 - Climate Monitoring in Flower Garden Banks and Florida Keys
Discussion of what we've learned from studying the mass coral bleaching event of 2023.
Presented by Nicole Besemer, Oceanographer, NOAA AOML Coral Program
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
February 21 - Fish, with Chips: Tracking Fish Movement at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Introduction to how a network of instruments is being used to track fish around the sanctuary and some of the interesting findings.
Presented by Marissa Nuttall, Research Specialist, FGBNMS
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
February 28 - Chasing Microbes: Diving into the Mystery of Coral Disease
Discussion of how scientists have worked to identify the mystery disease that affected sanctuary reefs in 2022.
Presented by Adrienne Correa, University of California – Berkeley; Laura Mydlarz, University of Texas Arlington; Dan Holstein, Louisiana State University
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
2023
Virtual
February 1 - The Best Job Ever!
Highlights of a career in scientific diving and exploration that led to Steve Gittings becoming the first FGBNMS sanctuary manager.
Presented by Steve Gittings, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
February 8 - Reconstructing the Flower Garden Banks from the Inside Out
Discussion of the fossil reef discovered beneath the existing reefs at the Flower Garden Banks in 2006-2007.
Presented by Bill Precht, Dial Cordy and Associates, Inc.
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
February 15 - Exploring a Future Sanctuary
Highlights of research and exploration (1960-1990) leading to the designation of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
Presented by Tom Bright, retired, Texas A&M University
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
February 22 - Coral Forensics in the Deep Flower Garden Banks
Introduction to environmental DNA (eDNA) and what it can tell us about mesophotic corals, even when we can't see them.
Presented by Luke McCartin, Graduate Researcher, Lehigh University
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
2022
Virtual
February 2 - Sex Lives of Corals: From Spawning to Conservation
Introduction to the fascinating reproductive behavior of coral and what scientists are learning about their adaptability and resilience.
Presented by Sarah Davies, Boston University
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
February 9 - Paradise Lost? Future Fisheries in a Climate-Driven Gulf
Discussion of potential climate impacts to the Gulf of Mexico fisheries and possible interventions to reduce those impacts.
Presented by Sepp Haukebo, Environmental Defense Fund
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
February 16 - Discovering Climate History in Coral Skeletons
Discussion of how scientists study coral skeletons to chronicle how the ocean and the coral reef have changed over time.
Presented by Kristine DeLong, Louisiana State University
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
February 23 - How Humpback Whales Feed Hawai'i
Discussion of the importance of whales to the entire ocean food chain around Hawai'i.
Presented by Jeannine Rossa, Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale NMS
Webinar Recording (English and Spanish captions available)
2021
Virtual
February 3 - Mission: Iconic Reefs - An Ambitious Plan to Restore 7 Sites in the Florida Keys
Highlights of an ambitious approach to restore corals at seven ecologically significant sites in the Florida Keys.
Presented by Sarah Fangman, Sanctuary Superintendent, Florida Keys NMS
Webinar Recording
February 10 - Manta Rays: The Mysterious Giants in our Backyard
Discussion about what scientists are learning about manta rays in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
Presented by Dr. Joshua Stewart, Associate Director, The Manta Trust
Webinar Recording
February 24 - Remarkable Algae in FGBNMS
Introduction to rhodoliths and their role in the life cycle of algae, as well as their ecological importance in mesophotic habitats.
Presented by Suzanne Frederiq, Professor of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Webinar Recording
2020
at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
February 5 - Undersea Robotics
Introduction to how remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) support ocean exploration at depth.
Presented by Eric Glidden, University of NC Wilmington-Undersea Vehicle Program
February 12 - Mysteries of Black Corals
Discussion of black corals in the Gulf of Mexico through DNA, structure, and age studies, including collections from a live telepresence trip in August 2019.
Presented by Mercer Brugler, NYC College of Technology (CUNY), Black Coral Lab
February 19 - R/V MANTA, 11 Years of Service
Highlights of this multi-faceted research vessel used for ocean exploration and research in the Gulf of Mexico.
Presented by Melissa Trede, Vessel Operations Coordinator, FGBNMS/NOAA Corps
February 26 - What's New in the Blue?
Discussion of 2019 sanctuary research, monitoring, and expansion activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
Presented by G.P. Schmahl, Sanctuary Superintendent, FGBNMS
2018
at Texas A&M Galveston, Waterfront Pavilion
February 21 - Corals: More Than Your Garden Variety
Discussion of the differences between various types of coral (hard, soft, octo, black) found in and around the sanctuary.
Presented by Marissa Nuttall, FGBNMS
February 28 - Okeanos Expedition 2017: Surprising Finds in the Gulf of Mexico
Highlights of the interesting discoveries encountered by NOAA's ship Okeanos Explorer during a December 2017 expedition in the Gulf of Mexico.
Presented by Charles Messing, Nova Southeastern University
March 7 - Reef Resilience: Bleaching, Mortality and Hurricanes, Oh My!
Introduction to the impacts of coral bleaching, a mass mortality event, and hurricanes on our precious reefs.
Presented by Dr. Michelle Johnston, FGBNMS
2017
at Sea Star Base Galveston
Webinar recordings available by request. Email flowergarden@noaa.gov.
February 8 - Manta Rays and More!
Introduction to manta rays, whale sharks and other big visitors to the sanctuary.
Presented by Marissa Nuttall, FGBNMS
February 15 - Celebrating 25 Years!
Discussion of the sanctuary's history from its humble beginnings in 1992 to a sanctuary on the verge of expansion in 2017, followed by a tour of R/V MANTA.
Presented by G.P. Schmahl, FGBNMS
February 22 - Reef Romance
Discussion of underwater romance and reproduction on the reef.
Presented by Kelly Drinnen, FGBNMS
2016
at Sea Star Base Galveston
February 10 - Managing Invasive Lionfish
Discussion of the invasive lionfish problem followed by a lionfish dissection demonstration.
Presented by Dr. Michelle Johnston, FGBNMS
February 17 - Why Do Whales & Dolphins Strand?
Discussion of marine mammal strandings and updates on the recent whale stranding in Galveston, with a marine mammal artifact display.
Presented by Heidi Whitehead, Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
February 24 - What's News at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary?
Presentation about the latest sanctuary activities and the upcoming proposal for sanctuary expansion, followed by tours of R/V MANTA.
Presented by G.P. Schmahl, FGBNMS
2015
at Moody Gardens Aquarium
February 4 - Taking the Reef on the Road
Introduction to the new Reef on the Road Traveling Exhibit, including a visit with the exhibit while it was on display at the Moody Gardens Aquarium.
Presented by Kelly Drinnen, FGBNMS
February 11 - What's In a Name?
Discussion of ocean exploration around various banks of the northern Gulf of Mexico and the origins of the bank names.
Presented by Kelly Drinnen, FGBNMS
February 18 - Expanding Sanctuary Horizons
Discussion of the recently released Notice of Intent for Sanctuary Expansion.
Presented by G.P. Schmahl, FGBNMS
2014
at Moody Gardens Aquarium
February 5 - What are National Marine Sanctuaries?
Background on the National Marine Sanctuary System and each of the sites within it.
Presented by Kelly Drinnen, FGBNMS
February 12 - Deep Water Tools & Technology
Discussion of the tools and technology used for exploration in deep areas around the sanctuary, including a display of ROV technology used by NOAA.
Presented by Emma Hickerson, FGBNMS
February 19 - Shallow Water Tools & Technology
Discussion of the tools and technology used along with scuba for exploration in shallow areas around the sanctuary as NOAA divers in the South Pacific exhibit demonstrated the use of those tools.
Presented by Michelle Johnston, FGBNMS
February 26 - Remotely Tracking Sealife
Discussion of techniques and technology used for tracking sharks and rays in the Gulf of Mexico.
Presented by David Wells, Texas A&M University-Galveston
2013
at Texas Seaport Museum
January 30 - Coral Reefs of Texas
Introduction to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
Presented by Kelly Drinnen, FGBNMS
February 6 - Sanctuary Science
Discussion of the various science activities taking place in the sanctuary.
Presented by Emma Hickerson, FGBNMS
February 13 - Expanding Sanctuary Horizons
Discussion of the Sanctuary Expansion Action Plan.
Presented by G.P. Schmahl, FGBNMS
February 20 - Shipwrecks of Galveston
A look at various shipwrecks in the Galveston area, including recent mapping of the USS Hatteras wreck.
Presented by Amy Borgens, Texas Historical Commission
February 27 - Fish Do the Strangest Things
Discussion of unusual behaviors and life cycles of sanctuary fish species.
Presented by Kelly Drinnen, FGBNMS
2012
at Galveston Fishing Pier
February 8 - Coral Reefs of Texas
Introduction to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
Presented by Kelly Drinnen, FGBNMS
February 15 - Romance on the Reef
Discussion of the annual mass spawning of corals in the sanctuary.
Presented by Shelley DuPuy, FGBNMS
February 20 - The New Krewe in Town
Discussion of new species in the sanctuary, both good and bad, including the invasive lionfish.
Presented by Dr. Michelle Johnston, FGBNMS
February 27 - A Diver's Eye View
An underwater perspective on the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.
Presented by Jesse Cancelmo, diver/photographer
March 7 - Manta Rays, Whale Sharks & Turtles, Oh My!
Discussion of research in the sanctuary focused on manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles.
Presented by Marissa Nuttall, FGBNMS