This episode explores the US Coast Guard’s internal transition from traditional pyrotechnic flares to electronic Visual Distress Signaling Devices (eVDSDs) and highlights California’s decade of leadership on expired marine flare disposal. Experts from state agencies, counties, and the Coast Guard discuss safety performance, environmental risks, new statewide data, and what boaters need to know as distress‑signal technology evolves. To help us unpack all of this, we were joined by:

• Doug Leavell, Recreational Boating Program Specialist, US Coast Guard Southwest,
• Vivian Matuk, California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission Environmental Boating Program Manager,
• Virginia McCormick, Senior Associate with the California Product Stewardship Council
• Bruce Fritz, chief of the Alameda County Health Household Hazardous Waste Division, , and
• Kathy Rico/Wall, Senior Planner with Marin County Household Hazardous Waste

Resources

• https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/marineflares
• Upcoming marine flare collection events
• Join the listserv to get updates about the upcoming marine flares collection events.
• Flare video: https://youtu.be/eTwvp0Kbil4?si=b4KdpURuFZqmhtVa
• US Coast Guard Boating Safety
• ABCs of California Boating Laws

California’s salmon are making a comeback — and we’re diving into how it’s happening. California Department of Fish and Wildlife hatchery expert join us to explain the innovations, monitoring, and on‑the‑groundwork behind this year’s encouraging numbers. A clear, grounded look at the science and strategy supporting salmon recovery.

Additional Resources

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6f45105f8a10460286db5b20582d344e https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Hatcheries

In this episode we talk to Merijn Tinga — the Plastic Soup Surfer who paddles thousands of kilometers to fight plastic pollution. From crossing the North Sea on a board made of bottles to using AI and citizen science to map waste, Merijn turns extreme adventures into real change. This episode dives into his missions, his data‑driven activism, and what you can do to protect the waters you love. Additional Resources:

• https://www.plasticsoupsurfer.org/
• California Coastal Cleanup Day
• Clean Swell App

In this episode we will talk with the International Bird Rescue about what they do, services they offer, their history, important contact information for the public and also about the widespread starvation event affecting Brown Pelicans, Brandt's Cormorants, and Common Murres.

Additional Resources:

• International Bird Rescue website: https://www.birdrescue.org/
• 1-866-SOS-BIRD (866-767-2473) is the emergency toll-free Help Line managed by International Bird Rescue. It is designed to assist the public with aquatic birds, seabirds, and other wildlife in distress across California and beyond.

Olympian, world‑class coach, and newly appointed Director of Olympic Sailing, Molly Vandemoer, joins our podcast for a deep and energizing conversation about grit, leadership, and the future of American sailing. From her early days on the water to representing the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics, Molly shares the moments that shaped her, the mentors who guided her, and the lessons she now brings to the national program.

We explore youth development, accessibility, environmental stewardship, and what it means to build a culture that supports both elite performance and lifelong love of the sport. With the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles on the horizon, Molly offers a candid look at the opportunities ahead for Team USA — and the vision she hopes to bring to the next generation of sailors.

US Sailing – The National Governing Body For the Sport of Sailing

Millions of gallons of motor oil are used annually in California, but what happens if it gets dirty and drained? Today we are going to learn why "used oil" is an environmental problem as well as a useful resource in this episode. We'll look at how recycling operates, what new items are emerging, and the free programs that assist Californians in closing the loop, from auto shops and marinas to do-it-yourself changes. We'll explain how oil recycling fits into California's larger climate picture—and why it matters for everyone—with insights on legislation, innovation, and future objectives. Let’s welcome Senior Environmental Scientist Emily Wang with CalRecycle. Additional Resources:

http://irecyclesmart.com/ Earth911 - More Ideas, Less Waste

In this episode, We will learn about the non-profit California Trout, which works to revitalize waters for resilient wild fish and a better California. We will learn what they do to advocate for a future where freshwater ecosystems flourish and native fish thrive, leaving a legacy of clean water and healthy rivers for current and future generations. Today, we will talk with Redgie Collins, Director of Legal and Government Affairs of CalTrout and Damon Goodman, Mount Shasta -Klamath Regional Director of CalTrout

Additional Resources: CalTrout https://caltrout.org/

In this episode, we visit with the State Lands Commission about their behind-the-scenes role in conserving public lands, regulating maritime activity, and preventing invasive species from entering our waterways. Discover how this agency helps balance global trade with environmental protection.

Resources: https://www.slc.ca.gov/misp/

https://westernregionalpanel.org/

https://www.westernais.org/ballast-water

Previous Dockside Episode, The Golden Mussel: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9r6qx-18be560