Racing Tides

Product: https://www.nps.gov/maps/stories/racing-tides.html

Role: Author & Creative Lead

Client(s): California Ocean Protection Council, UC Santa Barbara - Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, National Park Service, Southern California Research Learning Center

Artform: StoryMap

Collaborators: Dr. Stephen Whitaker, Dr. Keith Lombardo, Michael Ready

Description:  Over 30 years of long term intertidal monitoring on the California Channel Islands has revealed a significant decline of the seaweed species Silvetia compressa. This decline is troubling as the species provides foundational habitat and protection for a diverse assortment of intertidal creatures. Several hypotheses are under investigation as to the disappearance of Silvetia from its native habitat and restoration treatments are underway to best understand how to manage the species and its future. This restoration and the corresponding scientific investigation provide a unique narrative and opportunity for public engagement with the scientific process on public lands.