Pike Spector (he/him)
@baronvonurchin.bsky.social
Biodiversity Program Manager at the California Ocean Protection Council (@opc-california.bsky.social). #Kelp forest lover, Phycology In General; here for SciComm, ecology, open data, dad jokes, and natural history #phycyeah! He/him. MSc
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Coworker: “Only thing getting us through the day at this point is reckless optimism”
Hits better than espresso
Hits better than espresso
November 14, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Coworker: “Only thing getting us through the day at this point is reckless optimism”
Hits better than espresso
Hits better than espresso
And just in time for #phycologyFriday!
This is a big win for our efforts to restore California’s iconic kelp forests!
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
This is a big win for our efforts to restore California’s iconic kelp forests!
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
November 14, 2025 at 4:06 AM
And just in time for #phycologyFriday!
This is a big win for our efforts to restore California’s iconic kelp forests!
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
This is a big win for our efforts to restore California’s iconic kelp forests!
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Happy Whale Explosion Day to those who celebrate!
55 years ago officials decided to deal with a [dead] stranded whale that washed up near Florence, Oregon the only way they knew how, by attempting to blow it up
"What about my dynamite?"
-S. Zissou
www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6CL...
55 years ago officials decided to deal with a [dead] stranded whale that washed up near Florence, Oregon the only way they knew how, by attempting to blow it up
"What about my dynamite?"
-S. Zissou
www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6CL...
The Exploding Whale: An infamous moment in Oregon history creates a strangely beloved icon
YouTube video by KATU News
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Happy Whale Explosion Day to those who celebrate!
55 years ago officials decided to deal with a [dead] stranded whale that washed up near Florence, Oregon the only way they knew how, by attempting to blow it up
"What about my dynamite?"
-S. Zissou
www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6CL...
55 years ago officials decided to deal with a [dead] stranded whale that washed up near Florence, Oregon the only way they knew how, by attempting to blow it up
"What about my dynamite?"
-S. Zissou
www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6CL...
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
In the century leading up to 1975, nearly 6000 freighters went down in the Great Lakes.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
November 11, 2025 at 1:50 AM
In the century leading up to 1975, nearly 6000 freighters went down in the Great Lakes.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
What do California and the Amazon have in common❓Much more than you may know! Governor Newsom and key Brazilian Governor share more.👇🏼
www.newsweek.com/from-califor...
www.newsweek.com/from-califor...
From California to the Amazon—Local Leaders Are Changing the Climate Game | Opinion
The fight against climate change transcends national borders.
www.newsweek.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:34 PM
What do California and the Amazon have in common❓Much more than you may know! Governor Newsom and key Brazilian Governor share more.👇🏼
www.newsweek.com/from-califor...
www.newsweek.com/from-califor...
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Thinking only of Rosalind Franklin today, and what was stolen from her (and so many other female scientists alongside her).
Rosalind Franklin and the damage of gender harassment
Spurred by a recent report on sexual harassment in academia, our columnist revisits a historical case and reflects on what has changed—and what hasn’t
www.science.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Thinking only of Rosalind Franklin today, and what was stolen from her (and so many other female scientists alongside her).
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Zonaria farlowii (“banded fanweed”) is our seaweed of the week! #PhycologyFriday
November 7, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Zonaria farlowii (“banded fanweed”) is our seaweed of the week! #PhycologyFriday
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
It’s never been more important to build bridges internationally to tackle global climate change.
Join us for a live update📺 from the UN climate summit on Wed at 12 noon PT.
ca-water-gov.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join us for a live update📺 from the UN climate summit on Wed at 12 noon PT.
ca-water-gov.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
November 3, 2025 at 2:53 AM
It’s never been more important to build bridges internationally to tackle global climate change.
Join us for a live update📺 from the UN climate summit on Wed at 12 noon PT.
ca-water-gov.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join us for a live update📺 from the UN climate summit on Wed at 12 noon PT.
ca-water-gov.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Reminder: Tomorrow’s election closing times.
- 7 p.m. ET - Virginia
- 8 p.m. ET - New Jersey
- 9 p.m. ET - New York City
- 8 p.m. PT - California
- 7 p.m. ET - Virginia
- 8 p.m. ET - New Jersey
- 9 p.m. ET - New York City
- 8 p.m. PT - California
November 3, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Reminder: Tomorrow’s election closing times.
- 7 p.m. ET - Virginia
- 8 p.m. ET - New Jersey
- 9 p.m. ET - New York City
- 8 p.m. PT - California
- 7 p.m. ET - Virginia
- 8 p.m. ET - New Jersey
- 9 p.m. ET - New York City
- 8 p.m. PT - California
It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.
November 1, 2025 at 7:31 PM
It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Turkish towel (Chondracanthus exasperatus) is our seaweed of the week! #PhycologyFriday
October 31, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Turkish towel (Chondracanthus exasperatus) is our seaweed of the week! #PhycologyFriday
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Communities and tribes across CA can apply now for funding to plan and prepare for sea level rise. Join an office hour on 11/6 for the SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program (Track 1) and the Sea Level Rise Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program! Learn more opc.ca.gov/sb-1-funding
October 30, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Communities and tribes across CA can apply now for funding to plan and prepare for sea level rise. Join an office hour on 11/6 for the SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program (Track 1) and the Sea Level Rise Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program! Learn more opc.ca.gov/sb-1-funding
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
📢 Call for Tribal Representatives! The Marine Protected Area Statewide Leadership Team is seeking tribal representatives from California’s coastal regions.
Nominations close January 13, 2026.
Learn more ⬇️
www.opc.ca.gov/2025/10/mslt...
Nominations close January 13, 2026.
Learn more ⬇️
www.opc.ca.gov/2025/10/mslt...
Call for Tribal Representatives on the Marine Protected Area Statewide Leadership Team - Nominations close January 13, 2026 - California Ocean Protection Council
The Marine Protected Area Statewide Leadership Team (MSLT) is seeking nominations for tribal representatives to serve on this important advisory body that supports the management of California’s Marin...
www.opc.ca.gov
October 14, 2025 at 9:43 PM
📢 Call for Tribal Representatives! The Marine Protected Area Statewide Leadership Team is seeking tribal representatives from California’s coastal regions.
Nominations close January 13, 2026.
Learn more ⬇️
www.opc.ca.gov/2025/10/mslt...
Nominations close January 13, 2026.
Learn more ⬇️
www.opc.ca.gov/2025/10/mslt...
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
At the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, OPC's Executive Director Jenn Eckerle and Senior Biodiversity Program Manager & Tribal Liaison Michael Esgro contributed to the global conversation on how subnational governments can drive ambitious climate and biodiversity action.
October 14, 2025 at 11:28 PM
At the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, OPC's Executive Director Jenn Eckerle and Senior Biodiversity Program Manager & Tribal Liaison Michael Esgro contributed to the global conversation on how subnational governments can drive ambitious climate and biodiversity action.
An absolutely massive day for the adaptive management of California’s coast and ocean!
California’s 124 MPAs earned global recognition! At #IUCNcongress2025, OPC’s Jenn Eckerle & Michael Esgro accepted the IUCN Green List Award for California’s MPA Network, honoring the state's global leadership in ocean conservation.
October 14, 2025 at 1:38 AM
An absolutely massive day for the adaptive management of California’s coast and ocean!
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
California’s 124 MPAs earned global recognition! At #IUCNcongress2025, OPC’s Jenn Eckerle & Michael Esgro accepted the IUCN Green List Award for California’s MPA Network, honoring the state's global leadership in ocean conservation.
October 14, 2025 at 1:01 AM
California’s 124 MPAs earned global recognition! At #IUCNcongress2025, OPC’s Jenn Eckerle & Michael Esgro accepted the IUCN Green List Award for California’s MPA Network, honoring the state's global leadership in ocean conservation.
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Cal Poly is hiring! We are looking for multiple tenure-track colleagues, including animal physiology, cell biology, and microbiology! Please spread the word. Links in thread. bio.calpoly.edu
October 14, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Cal Poly is hiring! We are looking for multiple tenure-track colleagues, including animal physiology, cell biology, and microbiology! Please spread the word. Links in thread. bio.calpoly.edu
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Mods are asleep post brassicas
October 13, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Mods are asleep post brassicas
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Applications are open for the 2025–26 WHALE TAIL® Program Tribal & Environmental Justice Small Grants!
🗓️ Deadline: Dec 15, 2025
💻 Info session: Nov 6, 3:30–5 p.m.
Learn more: opc.ca.gov/2025/10/whale-tail-grant
🗓️ Deadline: Dec 15, 2025
💻 Info session: Nov 6, 3:30–5 p.m.
Learn more: opc.ca.gov/2025/10/whale-tail-grant
October 13, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Applications are open for the 2025–26 WHALE TAIL® Program Tribal & Environmental Justice Small Grants!
🗓️ Deadline: Dec 15, 2025
💻 Info session: Nov 6, 3:30–5 p.m.
Learn more: opc.ca.gov/2025/10/whale-tail-grant
🗓️ Deadline: Dec 15, 2025
💻 Info session: Nov 6, 3:30–5 p.m.
Learn more: opc.ca.gov/2025/10/whale-tail-grant
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
California Takes Its Global Ocean Leadership to the World Stage
🔗 Read the press release: www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/10/c...
🔗 Read the press release: www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/10/c...
California makes history as one of first states seeking to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature | Governor of California
www.gov.ca.gov
October 13, 2025 at 6:21 PM
California Takes Its Global Ocean Leadership to the World Stage
🔗 Read the press release: www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/10/c...
🔗 Read the press release: www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/10/c...
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Happy World Cephalopod Day! 🐙This sucker for adventure feels its way through the world!
With thousands of chemical receptors and millions of texture receptors packed into each sucker, the giant Pacific octopus has a real sense for exploration.
With thousands of chemical receptors and millions of texture receptors packed into each sucker, the giant Pacific octopus has a real sense for exploration.
October 8, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Happy World Cephalopod Day! 🐙This sucker for adventure feels its way through the world!
With thousands of chemical receptors and millions of texture receptors packed into each sucker, the giant Pacific octopus has a real sense for exploration.
With thousands of chemical receptors and millions of texture receptors packed into each sucker, the giant Pacific octopus has a real sense for exploration.
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
For my algae heads: happy spooky season!
(📷: my friend Stephanie who isn’t on here)
🦑
(📷: my friend Stephanie who isn’t on here)
🦑
October 5, 2025 at 5:31 AM
For my algae heads: happy spooky season!
(📷: my friend Stephanie who isn’t on here)
🦑
(📷: my friend Stephanie who isn’t on here)
🦑
Don’t forget to tune in! Tomorrow’s Council meeting is jam packed! ⭐️
Reminder: Council meeting tomorrow!
The Ocean Protection Council meets on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 1 PM, both virtually and in person. You can view the agenda and meeting materials on our website.
opc.ca.gov/2025/08/coun...
The Ocean Protection Council meets on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 1 PM, both virtually and in person. You can view the agenda and meeting materials on our website.
opc.ca.gov/2025/08/coun...
Ocean Protection Council Meeting - September 30, 2025 - Teleconference and Public Forum - California Ocean Protection Council
OPC Meeting Agenda Tuesday, September 30, 20251:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.Hybrid Meeting California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters Auditorium715 P Street, Sacramento, California 95814 Please register...
opc.ca.gov
September 30, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Don’t forget to tune in! Tomorrow’s Council meeting is jam packed! ⭐️
Reposted by Pike Spector (he/him)
Dive into what’s happening across California in our September newsletter — full of projects, funding news, and stories you’ll want to follow.
🔗 Read the newsletter: bit.ly/OPC-SEP-2025
🔗 Read the newsletter: bit.ly/OPC-SEP-2025
Monthly Newsletter - California Coast and Ocean News - September - California Ocean Protection Council
The September 2025 OPC newsletter is available!
bit.ly
September 30, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Dive into what’s happening across California in our September newsletter — full of projects, funding news, and stories you’ll want to follow.
🔗 Read the newsletter: bit.ly/OPC-SEP-2025
🔗 Read the newsletter: bit.ly/OPC-SEP-2025