Scuba diving

What’s it really like living and working aboard a world-class ocean research vessel? In this episode of The Ocean Pod, Bronwyn chats to Nina about her recent experience aboard CSIRO’s research vessel, the RV Investigator.Nina takes us behind the scenes of life at sea, sharing what it’s like to live and work on a floating research laboratory, the science happening on board, and the incredible opportunities available to students through the CAPSTAN training voyage. From collecting data kilometres below the ocean's surface to learning how to do your washing on a boat, Nina gives us an insight into what happens during a research voyage and what it's really like to be a marine scientist working offshore.In this episode we talk about the RV Investigator: https://www.csiro.au/en/about/facilities-collections/mnf/research-vessel-equipment-data/rv-investigatorAnd we talk about the CAPSTAN program: https://www.csiro.au/en/about/facilities-collections/mnf/education-training/capstan

In this episode of Ocean Pod, we take a look at the world of recreational fishing with Tom Tyczenko, Director at RecFish South Australia, passionate recreational fisher, content creator, and emerging fisheries scientist.We explore why recreational fishing is such an important part of Australian culture, what species people are targeting, and how science helps ensure our fisheries remain sustainable for future generations. Tom also shares insights from his honours research on mulloway, one of South Australia’s most iconic recreational fishing species, and discusses how understanding the biology and life history of fish can support better management and conservation.This episode offers a fascinating look at the connection between people, fish, and the marine environment.In Tide Talk this week Bronwyn speaks about a paper that uses recreational fishing photos to get more information on fish - https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.70097

In this episode of Ocean Pod, join Nina and Bronwyn for a relaxed chat all about scuba diving! We share our first experiences underwater, how we got our dive licences, how you can get your own dive licence, and why we love exploring the ocean beneath the surface.Whether you’re a seasoned diver, dreaming of getting certified, or just curious about what lies beneath the waves, this episode is for you. 🌊🤿In this weeks tide talk, Bronwyn speaks about reef life survey - you can read more here: https://reeflifesurvey.comNina talks about humpback whale migration using citizen science photos - the paper can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.260251

Have you ever wondered who helps make marine science happen behind the scenes?In this episode of Ocean Pod, we’re joined by marine research assistant Rhiannon Van Eck to explore what it's really like to work behind the scenes in a marine science laboratory. From seafood fraud and fish ageing to microplastics, science outreach, and graphic design, Rhiannon's role spans an incredible variety of projects that keep research moving forward.We discuss what a research assistant actually does, what a typical day looks like, and how the role differs from that of a PhD student or academic researcher. Rhiannon also shares how her background in graphic design has become a valuable part of communicating science, and why creativity and communication are just as important as technical skills.Join us as we go behind the science and discover the people who help turn ideas into research!Nina's tide talk this week spoke about a recent study that used eDNA to find traces of the giant squid in Ningaloo reef - read it here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/edn3.70261Bronwyn spoke about a new Aboriginal-led south coast sea urchin enterprise: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-17/nsw-government-grant-aboriginal-led-sea-urchin-enterprise/106627704

In this episode of Ocean Pod, we’re diving into the fascinating world of cephalopods – the incredible group of marine animals that includes octopus, squid, nautilus and cuttlefish. Known for their remarkable intelligence, rapid colour-changing abilities, and extraordinary behaviours, cephalopods are some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures. We explore what makes them so unique, how they are responding to our changing oceans, and why they are becoming increasingly important for fisheries around the world.We’re joined by marine ecologist Dr Zoe Doubleday from Adelaide University, whose research spans marine ecology, fisheries, and animal biology. Zoe shares her passion for cephalopods, discusses the science behind their fascinating behaviours, explains their role in sustainable seafood and food security, and highlights why communicating science beyond academia is so important.

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

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.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

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 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/G53313.1The link that we spoke about showing the first time weedy seadragons have been recorded mating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8-3mln3q8ISeadragon search: https://seadragonsearch.org

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.

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-af2026Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpod Get in touch: [email protected]