Ocean Pod

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]

Sea snakes

In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders learn about some of the ocean’s most specialised and least understood reptiles - sea snakes. They are joined by Dr Jenna Crowe-Riddell, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Adelaide, whose research explores how sea snake brains and sensory systems have evolved for life underwater. Jenna unpacks the remarkable sensory “toolkit” that allows sea snakes to navigate, hunt, and survive in the marine environment, from their unique adaptations to their often misunderstood behaviours. The conversation also touches on why sea snakes are so frequently overlooked in discussions of marine wildlife, the ecological roles they play, and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing ocean. Plus, in this week’s Tide Talk, Nina and Bronwyn chat about what’s been making waves in ocean science recently. Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpod Get in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au