July 1st - July 15th, 2001

Mon., 7/2 Throwing Baddies out of Balast: The US Coast Guard is investigating ways to keep marine invaders at bay. It seems small plants, animals, even bacteria are hitching a ride --Trojan horse-style-- in the ballast water of ships.

Tues., 7/3 Walk Along the Strandline: A wavy string of debris is left behind on the beach after a storm hits--it's called the strandline.

Wed., 7/4 AMO: In recent years, the impact of El Nino hit both North America and the public's consciousness. Now, researchers have discovered a different climate event that occurs around every sixty-five to eighty years--the A-M-O.

Thurs., 7/5 Bioprospecting New Drugs: Doctors are learning to swim, donning dive gear and sailing out on the high seas. They are in search of new drugs to cure the world's ills. They're finding highly evolved biochemical adaptations in marine creatures.

Fri., 7/6 Ocean Generator: The world's oceans constantly mix and churn, forming a vital system for global life. Much of that energy comes from a cascade of heavy, salty and ultra-cold water from the most southern parts of the oceans.

Mon., 7/9 Robo-Lobster: How does a lobster become a crucial part of our national defense system? Researchers are modeling a robot hunting for dangerous mines after a lobster hunting for food.

Tues., 7/10 Altered States of Fish: Fish that have been altered genetically to be bigger or stronger are becoming more common. Now scientists are investigating if these souped-up fish could harm the ocean's wild populations.

Wed., 7/11 ASR: As the population of South Florida booms, demand for fresh water grows. A new system that captures and stores rainwater offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution to this problem.

Thurs., 7/12 Saving Seahorses: With their curling tails, arching necks, and long snouts, seahorses are distinctive ocean animals. But they are also on the decline.

Fri., 7/13 Sea Urchin Recovery: In March, a powerful earthquake shook the Pacific Northwest. Damage due to the quake was minimal, because of good risk planning. Most of the planet's earthquakes actually occur under the ocean. And, seismologists hope to learn more about earthquakes from the seafloor.