SeaTalk Radio Series
A Public Service Announcement by the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program
2001 Scripts
January/February July/August
March/April September/October
May/June November/December

 


January/February 2002

60-Second Public Service Announcements

Seal Sightings (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Heading south for the winter? You may have company. More and more seals, including harbor seals, harp seals, hooded seals, and grey seals, are being seen along the Mid-Atlantic coast as they swim farther south from their normal winter habitat in the Gulf of Maine. The seals often haul out of the water to rest and will also come ashore if they are ill or injured. People are urged to use caution if a seal is spotted and observe it from a safe distance. Most seal species can be aggressive and may bite as well as transmit a disease to anyone who touches them. For more information about seals or to report a sighting, call the MERR Institute at (302) 228-5029. That's (302) 228-5029. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

" MERR" is pronounced mare

Creatures of the Deep (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

At hydrothermal vent sites over a mile below the ocean's surface, the temperature of the water ranges from scalding hot to freezing cold, the pressure is over 250 times what it is on land, and chemicals are present in toxic amounts. This seems to be a very unfriendly place to live. Yet scientists have found a myriad of life in this extreme environment. They have discovered tubeworms that use the toxic chemicals that rocket out of the vents as food, a worm whose bottom sits in water that is almost boiling hot while its head is in much cooler water, and clams that are the size of dinner plates. For more information about these creatures of the deep and the environment they live in, visit the Extreme 2001 Web site at www.ceoe.udel.edu. That's www.ceoe.udel.edu. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

"myriad" is pronounced mir-ee-add

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The Storm of '62 (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Every year, intense storms called northeasters can batter the eastern coast of the United States and cause many thousands of dollars in damage. The 40th anniversary of one of Delaware's worst coastal storms will be in March of this year. Over a three-day period, from March 6-8, 1962, a powerful northeaster hit the Delaware coast and left a trail of devastation in its wake. Six people drowned, dozens of oceanfront homes and businesses were destroyed, and coastal communities were flooded. To find out more about the storm of '62 and tips on how to keep yourself safe during a northeaster, call the Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service at (302) 645-4346. That's (302) 645-4346. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

Planting the Dunes (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

The winter months may keep you indoors, but they are a good time for Delaware's coastal residents and communities to start planning where and how to plant beach grass. Beach grass should be planted on bare areas of the dunes during March and April and then fertilized. A special kind of grass, called Cape American beach grass, grows naturally on the dunes and holds up well under continuous salt spray and summer heat. Planting beach grass in the spring encourages the development of a healthy root system that will help protect the dunes from the fierce winds and strong waves of the next year's winter storms. For more information about planting beach grass, call (302) 739-4411. That's (302) 739-4411. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

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March/April 2002

60-Second Public Service Announcements

Saltwater vs. Freshwater Fish (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Freshwater fish can't live in salt water, or can they? Although there are some fish that live their entire life in either fresh or salt water, there are some fish that are able to adapt to both environments. Fish such as the American shad, for example, are anadromous fish. They are born in fresh water and then migrate to estuaries where their bodies are able to adjust to the salt water. They then return to fresh water to spawn. In contrast, catadromous fish do the opposite -- they live in fresh water and spawn in salt water. The American freshwater eel found locally in tributaries of the Delaware and Chesapeake bays is an example of a catadromous fish. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

"anadromous" is pronounced a-nad-ruh-mus
"catadromous" is pronounced ka-tad-ruh-mus

 

Phragmites (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Phragmites is the bully of the salt marsh -- give it an inch and it will take a mile. Marine scientists at the University of Delaware are working to find ways to combat the tendency of this plant to invade and dominate area salt marshes. Phragmites can grow up to 15 feet tall and provides a very dense cover of vegetation with roots that fill in the creeks of the marsh. If Phragmites, or common reed as it is typically called, becomes dominant, then the plant and animal diversity of the salt marsh is decreased. Waterfowl find it difficult to take off and land in these clusters of reeds, and as the creeks are filled in, the use of the salt marsh as a nursery for fish is reduced. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

"Phragmites" is pronounced frag-mighties

 

Artificial Reefs (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

It's the ultimate recycling project! As part of the Delaware Artificial Reef Program, New York City subway cars are being transformed into a marine habitat. Delaware currently has eleven artificial reef sites in the Delaware Bay and along the Atlantic Coast, which are designed to attract reef fish such as tautog and sea bass. In addition, gamefish such as bluefish, striped bass, and weakfish are attracted to bait fish, which congregate around reefs. Artificial reefs are especially important in the Mid-Atlantic region where the bottom is usually featureless sand or mud. In addition to the subway cars, materials such as concrete pipe, tires, decommissioned military vehicles, and boats have also been deployed. For more information about Delaware's Artificial Reef Program, call (302) 739-4782. That's (302) 739-4782. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

Port of Wilmington (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Did you know that the Port of Wilmington is the number-one port in North America for fruit and produce imports? In fact, more than 400 ships unload over 5 million tons of cargo at the Port of Wilmington every year, including over a million tons of bananas and tropical fruit from Central and South America. From mid-December to May, apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, berries, avocados, and grapes are imported from Chile. Extra labor must be hired during this season to unload the ships -- often working 24 hours a day to keep up with the demand. Beginning in April and on through the summer months, the Port of Wilmington also imports New Zealand fruit, principally apples, kiwis, and pears. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

"Kiwis" are pronounced kee-wees

 

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May/June 2002

60-Second Public Service Announcements

Marine Worms (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Did you know that sandy or muddy beaches can be home to a worm -- not your common everyday earthworm, but a marine worm? Although some marine worms, called polychaetes, have segmented bodies with bristles or setae that are similar to earthworms, the similarity ends there. The most noticeable difference is that polychaetes have a distinct head that often has gills for respiration. They also have appendages on each body segment, which are used for crawling, swimming, burrowing, and tube building. Marine worms are an essential link in the food chain of marine ecosystems. In addition, the presence or absence of certain worm species can provide a good indication of the overall health of the ecosystem in which they live. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

"polychaetes" are pronounced polly keets
"setae” are pronounced see tee

 

College of Marine Studies Lewes Tours (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Free tours of the College of Marine Studies research complex in Lewes are available to the public. The tours are guided by trained volunteers, called docents, and typically begin with a 15-minute video that highlights many of the college's research activities. The video is followed by a one-hour walking tour of the college's labs where faculty and graduate students can often be observed conducting research on a wide variety of topics. The tours are available every Friday, from June through August, starting at 10:30 a.m. and should be scheduled one week in advance. For more information, please call (302) 645-4346. That's (302) 645-4346. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

'docents' are pronounced doe-cents

 

Coast Day Crab Cake Cook-Off (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Coast Day and crab cakes -- what a great combination! The Crab Cake Cook-Off is one of the most popular activities at the University's Coast Day festival. Although the contest is still a few months away, now is the time to start testing your recipe. All recipes are due on Friday, August 16. Doris Hicks, cook-off coordinator, and a select group of seafood professionals will choose eight recipes for the contest. These finalists will prepare their recipes for a panel of judges at Coast Day on Sunday, October 6, at the College of Marine Studies' campus in Lewes, Delaware. First- through third-place winners will receive cash prizes. For more information and a copy of the rules and registration form, call Doris Hicks at (302) 645-4297. That's (302) 645-4297. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

Instruments of the Deep (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Water samples are an important part of any marine expedition. But how do scientists get a sample when they are over a mile deep on the ocean floor? By using high-tech equipment such as "The Sipper." The Sipper has 12 syringes that are connected to long, thin tubes. The end of each tube is inserted into a wand that the submersible Alvin can place near a vent to "sip" seawater. For more information about the Sipper and other high-tech tools, visit the Extreme 2001 Web site at www.ceoe.udel.edu. That's www.ceoe.udel.edu. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

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July/August 2002

60-Second Public Service Announcements

Rip Currents (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

A rip current is a fast-moving stream of water that can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. It is typically formed in areas where there is a break in the underlying sandbar. The resulting current can move at speeds of up to 3 feet per second, which is as fast as an Olympic swimmer in a 50-meter sprint. Signs of an active rip current include a channel of choppy, muddy-colored water flowing out to sea; a line of foam, seaweed, or debris floating out to sea; a section of choppy water; or a break in the surf. Avoid swimming in these areas. If you should get caught in a rip current, the most important thing to remember is to not panic. Most rip currents are only 10 to 50 yards wide and dissipate as they flow into deeper water. Swim parallel to the beach or let the current carry you into deeper water. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

Safe Seafood (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Seafood can be a nutritious and tasty addition to any meal, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And there can't be a better time to have delicious, mouth-watering seafood than while you're visiting the beach. If you decide to cook it yourself, make sure you know how to prepare it properly to ensure food safety. Preventing food safety hazards from developing is easy if you know the appropriate steps. The Marine Advisory Service is offering a free brochure entitled "Seafood Safety: What Consumers Need to Know" that highlights the critical points for safe seafood preparation. To receive a copy, call the Marine Public Education Office at (302) 831-8083. That's (302) 831-8083. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

Beach Safety (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Are you vacationing at the beach this summer? Don't cut your vacation short by getting too much sun. Sunburn, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke could result, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest. Use plenty of sunscreen to not only protect your skin, but to help keep it moist. In addition to sunscreen, it is important to drink plenty of water to replace the fluids your body loses through perspiration. Get out of the sun if you should experience weakness, pale and clammy skin, or dizziness. Seek medical attention if you have a high fever, rapid pulse, and hot, dry skin. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

Shark Skin (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

The skin of a shark is covered with a layer of small tooth-like structures called dermal denticles, which are tiny bony projections implanted in the shark's skin. The denticles all point toward the tail, so the skin feels relatively smooth if you move your hand from head to tail. But in the opposite direction, they create a rough surface that feels like sandpaper. In fact, untanned shark skin was once used to sand and polish furniture. The denticles also help a shark swim more quickly because they decrease the friction of the water flowing along its body. The shape and arrangement of the denticles is so effective that scientists are now experimenting with shark-like skin surfaces for airplanes, race cars, boats, and even competitive swim suits. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

"denticles" is pronounced like tentacles

 

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September/October 2002

60-Second Public Service Announcements

Storm-Proofing Your Home (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Fall is a perfect time to "storm-proof" your home to withstand the rain, winds, and floods that often accompany winter storms. Using six nails on every roof shingle instead of four is just one technique you can use to minimize the possibility of damage. Other construction techniques and materials, such as metal fasteners or "hurricane straps" that hold the roof to the walls, are being showcased in Delaware's new coastal demo house -- a 6-by-16-foot house that is built on a trailer. For more information on making your home more disaster-resistant, call the Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service at (302) 645-4258. That's (302) 645-4258. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

Coast Day (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Come join the fun at the College of Marine Studies' annual Coast Day celebration! Coast Day will be held Sunday, October 6th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. People of all ages can enjoy a day packed with a treasure-trove of activities -- a crab cake cook-off, research demonstrations, boat tours, and much, much more. Admission is free, and parking is $2.00. For more information about this popular event, call (302) 831-8083. That's (302) 831-8083. Or visit our Web site at www.ceoe.udel.edu. That's www.ceoe.udel.edu. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

Extreme Environments (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

The freezing-cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean and the boiling hot waters that spew from hydrothermal vent sites on the ocean floor are two examples of "extreme environments" that support a plethora of marine life -- from sponges and sea urchins to bizarre-looking fish and worms that resemble giant lipsticks. How do these plants and animals survive in such "unfriendly" places? UD marine scientists are conducting research to answer this question and others. To learn more about extreme environments and the scientists who study them, visit www.ceoe.udel.edu and click on "Neat Stuff." That's www.ceoe.udel.edu. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

New this Year (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Did you know that bottlenose dolphins are really toothed whales? Or that they sleep with one eye open at all times? These facts and others are included in a new 6-page, full-color bulletin titled Bottlenose Dolphin, published by Delaware Sea Grant's outreach staff. Also included is information on how teachers can use this publication in the classroom to meet National Science Education Standards. For a free copy, call (302) 831-8083. That's (302) 831-8083. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

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November/December 2002

60-Second Public Service Announcements

Delaware's Marine Animal (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

In September, the horseshoe crab became the official marine animal of the state of Delaware, joining other such notables as the Blue Hen Chicken and the weakfish, which are Delaware's state bird and fish, respectively. This designation underscores the importance of the horseshoe crab to the ecology of the Delaware Bay. Horseshoe crabs come ashore in May and June to spawn and bury their eggs. These eggs are an important source of food for hundreds of thousands of shorebirds migrating to northern breeding grounds. The horseshoe crab is also very important to human health -- for example, a chemical in the crab's blood is used to test medicines for bacterial contamination. And, in addition, much of what we know about our eyes is thanks to the horseshoe crab. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

Warming Recipes (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

Tired of the same old thing? Spice up those dreary winter nights with a new selection of award-winning, mouth-watering meals! Rustle up a bowl of steaming-hot seafood chowder using the recipe that was voted number one by the public at the Great Seafood Chowder Challenge at Coast Day. Or begin a new tradition by preparing the winning recipe from this year's Coast Day Crab Cake Cook-Off. You could even amaze your friends with a tasty holiday centerpiece created from steamed shrimp. Free copies of these recipes are available from the Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service at (302) 645-4297. That's (302) 645-4297. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

The Past Is Before Us (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

In 1951, the Delaware Memorial Bridge had not been built yet and UD's College of Marine Studies was a program with just a handful of scientists housed in an old, deserted restaurant at Bunting's Landing in Lewes, Delaware. Find out how this fledgling program became the world-renowned institution that it is today in a two-book set titled Salty Memoirs, written by two of the college's first scientists -- Joanne Currier Daiber and Dr. Franklin C. Daiber. Published by the University of Delaware, Salty Memoirs includes many black-and-white photographs of the early years of the college. For more information, call the Marine Public Education Office at (302) 831-8083. That's (302) 831-8083. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

 

Extreme 2002 (0:60)

This is SeaTalk: Ocean News from the University of Delaware.

The "Ring of Fire" is named after a chain of active volcanoes that almost circles the Pacific Ocean. Located within some areas of the Ring of Fire are underwater geysers called hydrothermal vents, where super-hot fluids shoot through cracks in the ocean floor. Although the water that jets out of the vents can reach temperatures of 750° Fahrenheit, the water doesn't boil because it is under so much pressure from the weight of the ocean. Join UD marine scientists on their "Mission to the Abyss" as they investigate the extreme environments that surround hydrothermal vents. Dive into www.ceoe.udel.edu, and click on "On-line Expeditions." That's www.ceoe.udel.edu. This is SeaTalk, a public service announcement from the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and this station.

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For more information, please contact:

Tracey Bryant, Director
University of Delaware
Marine Public Education Office
Newark, DE 19716-3530
Phone: (302) 831-8185
E-Mail: tbryant@udel.edu