Tide gauges are a critical yet often overlooked tool in our fight to understand and respond to climate change. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Thaler returns to the podcast to share a powerful story about installing a tide gauge in his hometown of St. Michaels, Maryland. He breaks down how this simple device provides crucial data for flood risk, sea level rise, and community resilience, bringing science closer to home.

Community science is at the heart of Dr. Thaler’s work. We examine how grassroots efforts, low-cost technology, and open-source tools enable local residents to monitor and respond to environmental changes independently. Whether you’re a policymaker, scientist, or citizen concerned about the impacts of coastal flooding, this episode will deepen your understanding of how data can drive change from the bottom up.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: Tide Gauges and Community Science
01:17 - Dr. Thaler’s Tide Gauge Project in St. Michaels
03:58 - Why Local Data Matters for Coastal Communities
07:08 - Sea Level Rise and Flooding Trends in Maryland
10:14 - Tools and Tech: Building a DIY Tide Gauge
13:13 - Community Engagement Through Science
16:52 - Collaborating with Local Government
20:30 - Challenges and Unexpected Discoveries
24:10 - What the Data Is Telling Us So Far
27:36 - Scaling the Project to Other Communities
31:30 - Final Thoughts: Empowering Locals with Knowledge

#oceanconservation #MarineBiology #SaveOurOceans #ProtectTheOcean #OceanAwareness #BluePlanet #ConservationMatters #ScienceForChange #SustainableOceans
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.

Do you want to join my Ocean Community?
Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp

Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter

Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI
Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc
YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube