Short Attention Span Science Theater

In collaboration with Garthwait and Griffin Films, PISCO scientist Steve Palumbi developed a series of short films about marine ecology and conservation. These "reality science" films address important questions through field and laboratory research. Each 3-minute film provides an overview of a single topic, which is developed through images filmed on location and narration provided by PISCO scientist Steve Palumbi. To view the films, please click on the links below.

Photo by Steven R. Fisher

Reef Resilience. Filmed at Ofu Island - American Samoa
Dr. Palumbi introduces the concept of ecological resilience with an example from coral reefs at Ofu Island in American Samoa. He considers the factors that make coral reefs resilient to disturbance and he offers some suggestions about how to maintain healthy coral reefs.

What is a Coral? Filmed at Ofu Island - American Samoa
Dr. Palumbi explains what is a coral. He uses concrete analogies to introduce the different components of a coral, including the individual polyp and the coral colony, and the process of erosion of coral to sand.

The Sea is Green. Filmed at San Salvador Island - The Bahamas
Dr. Palumbi asks why the sea is green. He provides an overview of the ecological roles of different species in the maintenance of healthy marine ecosystems. He demonstrates the ecological importance of marine herbivores (plant-eaters), such as sea urchins and some fish. Dr. Palumbi offers suggestions about how to protect coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.

Field Biology. Filmed at San Salvador Island - The Bahamas
Dr. Palumbi describes field research at San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. He explains why the field research is so important to help us understand coral reef communities. Dr. Palumbi introduces the members of the field research team, who describe their roles in the study of fish, invertebrates, and corals.

Marine Parks. Filmed at San Salvador Island - The Bahamas
Dr. Palumbi explains his research on marine parks in the Bahamas. He describes the problems associated with deteriorating coral reef systems, including reduced potential for fishing and tourism. Dr. Palumbi asks how far marine animals can travel, one of the key questions that will help determine the best design marine parks for reef conservation in the Bahamas.

How many whales were there?
Dr. Palumbi uses genetics to figure out how many whales existed before hunting of whales during the last two centuries. His estimates suggest that whale populations were 10 times larger than historical records indicate. The genetic data can be used to evaluate recent proposals to hunt whales. Dr. Palumbi discusses opportunities for whale watching as part of a proactive plan for marine stewardship.

Shark Forensics
Dr. Palumbi brings his population genetics class to Chinatown in San Francisco to find shark fins. The class assignment is to buy shark fins from merchants in Chinatown and to figure out where the shark fins originated. Students provide short descriptions of their experiences in Chinatown.