This special Dockside Podcast episode breaks down what to expect from this year’s El Niño—higher sea levels, stronger storms, bigger waves, and increased flooding risks across California. Experts from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the California Coastal Commission, and California State Parks join us to explain the science, the engineering concerns, and the real‑world preparations communities should take before winter hits. This episode will help you stay informed and stay safe. Resources: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/el-nino

https://www.coastal.ca.gov/climate/extreme-weather/el-nino/

El Niño Preparedness: Recommendations for Boaters (PDF)

El Niño Preparedness: Recommendations for Marinas & Boating Facilities (PDF)

FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) Viewer https://www.coastal.ca.gov/kingtides/

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