This episode of the Tybee Marine Science Center Podcast (recorded at the Ship Watch Loft on Tybee Island) features award-winning marine biologist Dr. Chris Hintz, associate professor at Savannah State University.

Hintz recounts arriving at Savannah State in 2009, early NSF-funded coastal sampling along the Savannah River and Georgia coast, and his path from chemical/environmental engineering into marine science via coral aquaculture and filtration work, leading to a PhD at the University of South Carolina. He discusses receiving a Google Geo Good Impact award for documenting sea turtle hatchling misorientation linked to coastal light pollution affecting Ossabaw Island and other sites, plus efforts to estimate nest incubation temperatures using NOAA/NWS and NASA data without disturbing nests and to assess climate-related sex-ratio impacts.

He also describes collaborations on Ogeechee River microplastics and Gray’s Reef concerns, and research on oyster growth, reef restoration, and aquaculture’s environmental benefits.

Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

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Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome and Awards

01:19 Georgia Coast Origin Story

03:19 Engineering to Ocean Science

09:22 Sea Turtle Light Pollution

12:05 Tracking Nest Temperatures

15:01 Microplastics and Rivers

16:32 Oysters and Acidification

18:50 Aquaculture Benefits Explained

22:41 Microscopic Ocean Monsters

23:45 State of the Ocean Today

25:29 Relaxing on the Water

27:17 Closing and Support TMSC

The award-winning Tybee Island Marine Science Center Podcast kicks off season four from the Shipwatch Loft at North Beach with host Jessica Leigh Lebos and superstar guest Chantal Audran, Executive Director of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, to preview major updates.

Chantal highlights new exhibit clusters, including the center’s first cultural exhibit on Gullah Geechee coastal cultures featuring ethnobotany and medicinal plants, plus a maritime knot-tying exhibit incorporating a salvaged yardarm from the ship Barbara Negra.

The conversation also covers a newly arrived octopus (brought in through catch-and-release collection) and a new sea turtle hatchling, alongside upcoming releases. Chantal also shares some recent, wonderful news of her own!

They discuss diamondback terrapin rescue, mortality research on Highway 80, egg recovery and incubation with Georgia Southern, and announce the April 25 Turtle Trot 5K fundraiser supporting Tybee’s sea turtle nesting season and education programs reaching 80,000 visitors annually.

Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Resources:

Become a MEMBER

Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Partnership and Donation Opportunities

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:28 Season Four Guest

01:44 New Exhibit Unveiling

02:20 Gullah Geechee Culture

03:40 Maritime Knot Station

05:52 Octopus Arrival Story

08:02 Sea Turtle Hatchlings

08:44 Chantal New Mom

11:31 Terrapin Season Prep

12:45 Terrapin Rescue Research

15:16 Eggs To Headstart

18:07 Sea Turtle Season

18:58 Turtle Trot Details

22:21 Education Pillar

24:44 Why Our Water Green

26:07 80K Visitors Impact

29:16 Closing Thanks

In the final episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Podcast for 2025, the team reflects on a remarkable year. Host Jessica Leigh Lebos welcomes curators Sarah Alley and Rachel Cantrell to dive into the highlights from the Marine Science Center, including the much-anticipated Whale Week, turtle nest discoveries, birding adventures, and engaging in necropsies.

They also discuss upcoming plans for a new sea turtle hatchling and the release of Ossie the turtle. With a fun and informative tone, this episode captures the essence of marine conservation and the incredible work being done at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.

Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Resources:

Become a MEMBER

Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Partnership and Donation Opportunities

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:51 Meet the Guests: Sarah Alley and Rachel Cantrell

01:09 Recap of the Year at the Science Center

01:27 Whale Week: Protecting Georgia's Whales

04:20 Shorebird Season on Tybee Island

06:59 Turtle Season: Nesting and Hatching

08:57 Memorable Moments and Challenges

16:26 Westie the Sea Turtle: A Success Story

22:52 Fun and Unexpected Events

23:57 Weather Woes and Bingo Wins

24:17 Rattlesnake Encounters

24:38 Fish Release Adventure

26:44 Graduate School and Coast Guard Duties

27:36 Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance

31:21 Emergency Management in the Coast Guard

34:18 Master Birders Program

36:57 Necropsies and Conservation Efforts

40:44 New Residents at the Science Center

46:37 Looking Forward to 2026