Researching Antarctica

Researching Antarctica

In this episode of Ocean Pod, we take a journey to one of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth - Antarctica. We’re joined by Dr Tess Cole, who shares her firsthand experiences working in this chilly (literally) environment. From the logistics of living and working on the frozen continent to the incredible wildlife that live there, Tess gives us a glimpse into what it’s really like to conduct research at the bottom of the world. We explore the unique challenges of Antarctic fieldwork, including extreme weather, isolation, and the complexities of conducting science in such a fragile environment. Tess also discusses the importance of Antarctic research in understanding global climate systems, ocean processes, and the impacts of environmental change. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live and work in one of the most untouched places on the planet, this episode offers a fascinating insight into science at the edge of the world. In this weeks episode of tide talk Nina spoke about using old cans of fish to look at parasites in salmon - https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11043 [https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11043Digital]

Oysters oysters oysters!!

In this episode of Ocean Pod, we are talking about oyster reefs - one of Australia’s most important, yet often overlooked, marine ecosystems. Once widespread along our coastlines, oyster reefs supported incredible biodiversity, improved water quality, and provided vital habitat for marine life. Today, however, they are largely gone. We’re joined by marine ecologist Dr Dominic McAfee from Adelaide University, who is leading large-scale oyster reef restoration efforts across South Australia through the 25 Reefs Project. Dom shares insights into what we’ve lost, why oyster reefs matter, and how scientists, communities, and industry are working together to bring them back. In this episode's tide talk Bronwyn talks about the recent Ghoti paper in Fish and Fisheries on aquaculture feed, you can read it here: https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.70080. [https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.70080Digital] Nina talks about baby corals in the Great Barrier Reef, which you can read more about here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-30/thousands-of-baby-corals-transplanted-onto-great-barrier-reef/106502008 [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-30/thousands-of-baby-corals-transplanted-onto-great-barrier-reef/106502008]

Searching for seadragons

In this episode of Ocean Pod, Bronwyn and Nina dive into the world of seadragons. From their intricate camouflage to their unique reproductive strategies, we explore what makes these animals so special and why they are so closely tied to the health of our coastal ecosystems. Joining us is Professor Greg Rouse, from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Greg shares insights from his global career in marine biology, including his work on deep-sea ecosystems and his journey from studying in Australia to leading research in the United States. We also explore his work on seadragons, including the innovative SeadragonSearch [https://seadragonsearch.org] project, which uses citizen science and photo identification to track individual animals and support conservation efforts. We discuss what we’re learning about seadragon populations, the challenges they face - from habitat loss to environmental events like harmful algal blooms - and how the community can get involved in protecting them. Plus, as always, we kick things off with Tide Talk, where Bronwyn and Nina share something from the ocean world that caught their attention this week. 🌊 In Bronwyn’s tide talk she spoke about new species evolving within a few thousand years of a mass extinction event. You can read that here: https://doi.org/10.1130/G53313.1 [https://doi.org/10.1130/G53313.1] The link that we spoke about showing the first time weedy seadragons have been recorded mating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8-3mln3q8I [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8-3mln3q8I] Seadragon search: https://seadragonsearch.org [https://seadragonsearch.org]

Whale sharks

In this episode of Ocean Pod, Bronwyn and Nina dive into the world of whale sharks - the largest fish in the ocean. Joining us to explore the science behind whale shark behaviour and migration is Dr Ben D’Antonio, a Research Scientist at the Shark Research Foundation. Ben’s work focuses on understanding how sharks and other marine megafauna move through the ocean using cutting-edge biologging technology. We also hear about Ben’s journey into marine science - from studying at the University of Adelaide to completing his PhD at the University of Western Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science - and what inspired him to focus his career on whale sharks. Plus, as always, we kick things off with Tide Talk, where Bronwyn and Nina share something from the ocean world that caught their attention this week.

Ocean comedy

In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are joined by stand-up comedian and former marine biologist Forrest Shaw to explore what happens when ocean science meets humour. After spending a decade working as a marine biologist in Florida, US, Forrest swapped fieldwork for the stage - but he hasn’t left the ocean behind. Now a professional comedian, Forrest uses comedy to shine a spotlight on pollution, overfishing and climate change in the sea. The conversation dives into Forrest’s journey from marine science to stand-up, how he balances humour with serious environmental issues, and why giving the ocean a “voice” in his Adelaide Fringe show The Ocean Hates You! might be one of the most effective ways to get people thinking about conservation. Along the way, he shares insights into science communication, audience reactions, and why laughter can sometimes open doors that data alone cannot. Plus, in this week’s Tide Talk, Nina and Bronwyn chat about what’s been making waves in ocean science recently. To see Forrest's show at the Fringe, buy tickets here: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/forrest-shaw-usa-the-ocean-hates-you-af2026 [https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/forrest-shaw-usa-the-ocean-hates-you-af2026] Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpod Get in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au [nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au]