Shows
Ocean PodWhy do we fear sharks?In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are joined by Dr Brianna le Busque, an Environmental Psychology Scientist whose research looks into how humans perceive and interact with the ocean’s most misunderstood predators - sharks.Bri explores how human behaviour and fear shape our relationship with sharks, from how children develop curiosity or concern to how media portrayals influence public attitudes. Her research challenges common misconceptions and highlights why understanding human psychology is essential for effective marine conservation.In this episode Brianna also recommends a few shark documentaries. Th...
2025-11-2529 min
Ocean PodLive coral tradeIn this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are joined by Jasmin Broadbridge, a PhD candidate in the Wildlife Crime Hub at the University of Adelaide, whose research focuses on the world of the live coral trade.From vibrant reef ecosystems to bustling aquarium markets, Jasmin explores how live corals are harvested and traded across Australia, uncovering the complexities of domestic and international supply chains. Her work investigates where unsustainable practices or legal loopholes may occur, and how better management could protect these delicate, reef-building organisms for future generations.Plus...
2025-11-0533 min
Ocean PodBowhead whalesIn this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are joined by Nick Freymueller, a paleoecologist and biogeographer whose research explores how species respond to a changing climate.. Nick recently completed a joint PhD between the University of Copenhagen and the University of Adelaide, using fossils and ecological modelling to understand how Arctic species like the bowhead whale have survived dramatic shifts in climate over time.From whale fossils and ancient DNA to modern conservation, this episode dives into what the past can teach us about resilience, adaptation, and the future of our...
2025-10-2134 min
Ocean PodNature's blue climate solutionIn this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are joined by Dr Sophie Russell, an ecologist from the University of Adelaide’s Future Coasts Lab. Sophie’s research explores how restoring coastal ecosystems like seagrass, mangroves, and saltmarsh can help combat climate change through blue carbon—the carbon stored in ocean and coastal habitats. She shares insights into the power of natural climate solutions, the science behind coastal restoration, and why healthy coastlines matter for both people and planet. As Sophie prepares to take on a new role at the South Australian Department for Enviro...
2025-10-0827 min
Ocean PodExploring the Galápagos IslandsIn this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders take listeners on a journey to one of the most iconic places in marine science - the Galápagos Islands.Bronwyn has just returned from a trip to the islands, scouting potential study tours alongside students and supervisors from James Cook University. She shares her experiences in the field, from the unique wildlife encounters to the challenges and opportunities of learning in such a remote, world-famous location.Nina and Bronwyn also reflect on the importance of the Galápagos for conservation and ma...
2025-09-1228 min
Ocean PodRewilding our oceans In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are joined by Professor Sean Connell, a world-leading marine ecologist from the University of Adelaide. From the resilience of kelp forests to the pressures of climate change and conservation, Sean shares insights from his groundbreaking research on temperate reef ecosystems. With reflections on long-term monitoring, science-policy challenges, and the joy of scientific discovery, this conversation offers a rare window into a career dedicated to understanding and protecting our oceans.Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpodGet in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au
2025-08-2531 min
Ocean PodLets talk sharks In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders sit down with Professor Charlie Huveneers, one of Australia’s leading shark scientists, to explore the fascinating world of shark research.Charlie leads the Southern Shark Ecology Group at Flinders University and shares insights from decades of work tracking, tagging, and studying sharks—from great whites to school sharks and rays.They chat about the science behind shark behaviour, how research is helping to shape conservation and fisheries management, and what it’s like working with some of the ocean’s most misunder...
2025-08-0544 min
Ocean PodHow to become a marine scientistIn this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders shift focus to a question they get asked all the time—how do you become a marine scientist?If you've ever wondered what marine science actually is, what kinds of jobs exist in the field, or how people get started working with the ocean, this episode is for you. Nina and Bronwyn share their own stories, from early interests to their current roles, and explore the many different pathways into a career in marine science.They also chat about the realities of th...
2025-07-2237 min
Ocean PodSea CountryIn this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders explore the concept of Sea Country—First Nations peoples’ deep, enduring connections to ocean and coast that have guided sustainable marine management for tens of thousands of years.They’re joined by Shane Holland, a proud Kaurna and Narungga man with over 30 years’ experience in government and marine policy. Shane shares his powerful perspective on Indigenous leadership, co-design, and shifting the way research and policy engage with Traditional Owners.From marine parks to fisheries, Shane unpacks why Sea Country matters—not just to First N...
2025-07-0835 min
Ocean PodUnderstanding Marine Protected Areas In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders dive into the world of marine protected areas—parts of the ocean where human activities are carefully managed to protect marine life, habitats, and cultural values.They’re joined by Dr Shelley Paull, marine coordinator at the South Australian Department for Environment and Water (DEW), who shares her experience managing South Australia’s marine park network. From community engagement to climate change and cultural heritage, Shelley unpacks the vital role MPAs play in ocean conservation.In this episode we talk about Experiencing Marine...
2025-06-2431 min
Ocean PodReading the bones of the seaIn this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders uncover the secrets hidden in the bones of the sea. From fish ear bones to shells and other hard structures, they explore how these natural time capsules reveal where marine animals have been, how old they are, and the stories of their lives. With insights from Bronwyn’s decades of work in the field, this episode dives deep into the science of life history reconstruction in the ocean.In this episode Nina's tide talk was about how the ocean is getting darker, you can re...
2025-06-1035 min
Ocean PodSouth Australia's harmful algal bloom In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders chat with Sam Gaylard, Principal Marine Scientist at the South Australian Environment Protection Authority. Sam shares insights from his fascinating career at the EPA and breaks down the science behind one of the state's most talked-about marine events: the recent harmful algal bloom. From monitoring water quality to responding to environmental change, Sam offers a unique perspective on how we protect our coastal and marine environments.During the episode we talk about how the public can play a role in monitoring marine health during...
2025-06-0630 min
Ocean PodClimate change in our oceans In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders speak with marine scientist Dr Chloe Hayes about one of the biggest challenges facing our blue planet: climate change. From warming waters and rising seas to shifting species and vanishing habitats, Chloe unpacks the science behind what’s happening in our oceans—and what it means for the future of marine life and coastal communities.Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpodGet in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au
2025-05-2821 min
Ocean PodGiant Australian cuttlefishIn this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders dive into the fascinating world of the giant Australian cuttlefish. From their dazzling colour changes to their epic mass breeding event in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, this episode explores what makes these cephalopods so unique—and why scientists and snorkellers alike are captivated by them.Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpodGet in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au
2025-05-1531 min
Ocean PodWelcome to the Ocean PodIn this debut episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders introduce themselves and share the story behind launching the podcast. They chat about their passion for marine science, what inspired them to start Ocean Pod, and what listeners can look forward to in future episodes. Follow us on instagram @oceanpodContact us via email: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au
2025-05-1410 min