In this episode we were joined by Alex Smalley to discuss his role as a science communicator, his PhD work on digital natural environments and how these can play a part in psychological restoration.
About our guest:
Alex Smalley is a science communicator and PhD student. Alex heads up the science communication for the BlueHealth and SOPHIE (Seas, Oceans & Public Health in Europe) projects, based out the ECEHH (European Centre for Environment & Human Health). He aims to enhance awareness and impact of this work across Europe.
In his PhD Alex is investigating how immersion digital nature could be used for therapeutic purposes. This is funded through the Wellcome Centre and aims to use technology to develop an effective therapeutic intervention to reach those who might face barriers in connecting with physical natural environments.
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#ExeterMarine is an interdisciplinary group of marine related researchers with capabilities across the scientific, medical, engineering, humanities and social science fields. If you are interested in working with our researchers or students, contactEmilyEasman orvisit our website!
This episode was recorded back in early 2019. Ben talks to Lauren Henly, Emma Weschke and Tim Gordon, who are all masters by research or PhD students in Prof. Steve Simpson’s research group (you might remember Steve from an earlier episode, Coral Reef Bioacoustics Part I). The discussion focuses around the research they’re all undertaking, what got them interested in marine biology, and what they have done so far.
About our guests:
Emma Weschke
At the time of recording Emma was a masters by research student and is now undertaking a PhD with the University of Bristol focusing on coral reef fish ecology and bioacoustics.
Lauren Henly
Lauren is a PhD student with the University of Exeter and Natural England studying functional ecology and behaviour of wrasse to inform management of wrasse fisheries. She provided us with the update below:
“I’m now in the 3rd year of my PhD. I’ve been developing lots of different methods to assess the sustainability and potential impacts of the Live Wrasse Fishery on the south coast. I’m using genetics to look at the population structure of wrasse along the south coast so we can identify the most effective management unit size, using stable isotopes to predict the ecological impacts of the fishery, and working to ensure the views of other stakeholders (including recreational anglers) are considered when developing management measures for the fishery. It’s great being able to use such a broad range of techniques to address a key issue.”
Tim Gordon
Tim is completing a PhD with the University of Exeter and the Australian Institute for Marine Science focusing on coral reef bioacoustcs, what can you learn from coral reefs by listening to them. You can find out more about Tim’s work in a previous episode – Coral Reef Bioacoustics Part II.
Topics discussed:
Sustainability of wrasse fisheries around the UK.
Ecological consequences of marine anthropogenic noise on coral reefs, both during the day and at night.
How fish use underwater soundscapes.
Using underwater sound to aid marine conservation efforts.
The impacts of the degredation of coral reef marine noise
Using underwater speakers to make reefs louder.
The bigger picture aspects of working in a research group.
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#ExeterMarine is an interdisciplinary group of marine related researchers with capabilities across the scientific, medical, engineering, humanities and social science fields. If you are interested in working with our researchers or students, contactEmilyEasman orvisit our website!
We were joined by Dr. Rebecca Short in this episode, discussing a variety of work, including her role within the SOPHIE project and her work with fisheries.
Dr. Rebecca Short specialises in marine conservation and biology, currently working on the Seas, Oceans and Public Health in Europe (SOPHIE) project, based at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH). Her work for the project involves conducting a systematic evidence mapping exercise, to synthesise the evidence of human health links with the oceans in Europe. Rebecca’s previous work has included completing her PhD based on the effects of mosquito net fisheries in Northern Mozambique, for which a new paper was recently published. She is also now a committee member of the Marine Social Science Network (MarSocSci), which facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration across the marine sector.
Topics discussed:
Rebecca’s role within the SOPHIE project.
Mosquito net use by fisheries in Mozambique.
Work with marine aspects of the EDGE of existence project.
Rebecca’s role at the ECEHH regarding the use of marine resources.
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#ExeterMarine is an interdisciplinary group of marine related researchers with capabilities across the scientific, medical, engineering, humanities and social science fields. If you are interested in working with our researchers or students, contactEmilyEasman orvisit our website!
In this episode we talk to Dr. Lucy Hawkes about a number of her research areas including arctic terns, basking sharks and bluefin tuna. Listen out for a story about a mysterious tuna tag as well.
Lucy is a physiological ecologist, whose work focuses on the costs and drivers of migration in animals (vertebrates and invertebrates) using emergent technologists such as satellite telemetry, heart rate logging, accelerometry and metabolic rate measurements. Lucy uses technical approaches including biologging, spatial ecology, remote sensing and respirometry to make empirical measurements that help in the understanding of amazing migratory performances. Lucy’s work has also investigated the impact of external forcing factors, such as climate change and disease ecology on migration and breeding ecology.
Above: Dr. Lucy Hawkes, Dr. Matt Witt and the team working with basking sharks. Photo credits: Nic Davies
Topics discussed:
Lucy’s experience as a National Geographic Explorer.
Tagging and studying bluefin tuna.
The long distance migrations of arctic terns.
Studying basking shark behaviour.
Breaching basking sharks.
The journey of a mysterious tuna tag (pictured right).
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#ExeterMarine is an interdisciplinary group of marine related researchers with capabilities across the scientific, medical, engineering, humanities and social science fields. If you are interested in working with our researchers or students, contactEmilyEasman orvisit our website!
In this episode we chat to Professor Lora Fleming about her work leading up to and position in the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH).
About our guest:
Professor Lora Fleming is a Physician and Epidemiologist. She is the director of the ECEHH, Chair of Oceans,Epidemiology and Human Health for the University of Exeter and also the principle investigator for the Seas, Oceans and Public Health in Europe project (SOPHIE).
BlueHealth initiatives and SOPHIE are funded by Horizon 2020, involving communities of interdisciplinary experts. After many years working in a public health department as a physician and epidemiologist, becoming increasingly interested in health interactions with the environment, Lora was key in bringing oceans and human health together as a field in America with the aim of focusing on potential benefits, rather than just risks that the natural environment can offer to human health. This then brought her to the UK with European funding presenting the opportunity to start the ECEHH within the medical school in Truro.
Research Lora has been involved in includes: harmful algal blooms, microbial pollution, big data and many emerging themes in oceans and human health. She hopes to bring the fields of public and medical health together with marine science, focusing on protecting those health enhancing natural environments for future generations. Lora is also involved in education and outreach and currently contributes to Medical School modules run through the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus.
The circular relationship between human health, human activities and the ocean
Topics discussed:
Lora’s background and journey to the ECEHH
Role of the ECEHH, interdisciplinary focus, interacting with communities
BlueHealth, getting people engaged with how blue environments can help human health
Recognising and navigating benefits of what we do in the environment
SOPHIE, strategic research agenda
HEPE (Health and Environment Public Engagement group), involving communities and social science, My Blue Health project
Interacting with blue environments being good for health, in poorer communities and developing countries, GCRF (Global Challenge Research Fund) – Blue Communities
Evidence for health benefits and definitions of exposure
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#ExeterMarine is an interdisciplinary group of marine related researchers with capabilities across the scientific, medical, engineering, humanities and social science fields. If you are interested in working with our researchers or students, contactEmilyEasman orvisit our website!
In this episode we talk to Tim Gordon about his work studying coral reef bioacoustics, this is a follow-up from the interview we did with Steve Simpson, which you can find here.
Tim Gordon is currently undertaking a PhD focussing on how human activities impact underwater bioacoustics. Tim’s area of study uses fieldwork as well as laboratory work and computational analysis, to assess the likely effect of noise pollution on marine life, with the aim of determining how they can best be managed.
Tim was recently rewarded for his science communication efforts, by winning the FameLab International prize for 2019, becoming the first UK national champion of the competition since going global.
Topics discussed:
Importance of soundscapes for marine animals
Changes in underwater biological and human sounds
Uses and types of sound underwater
Process of reef fish using sound to settle in coral reef habitats
You can subscribe on most podcast apps, if you’re feeling kind please leave us a review!
#ExeterMarine is an interdisciplinary group of marine related researchers with capabilities across the scientific, medical, engineering, humanities and social science fields. If you are interested in working with our researchers or students, contactEmilyEasman orvisit our website!
In this episode Professor Steve Simpson talks to us about his research covering a number of topics focusing primarily on his bioacoustics work on coral reefs. He also discusses his work on Blue Planet 2 and recalls an encounter with David Attenborough.
About our guest: Steve Simpson
Professor Steve Simpson is a marine biologist and fish ecologist. His research focuses on the behaviour of coral reef fishes, bioacoustics, the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, fisheries, conservation and management. Following a NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Steve has ongoing links with industry and policy on the themes of European Fisheries and Climate Change, and Anthropogenic Noise and Marine Ecosystems. Steve works closely with Cefas and the Met Office, and is an active member of the IQOE Science Committee, he has been an Academic Advisor and featured scientist in Blue Planet 2.
Steve’s work combines fieldwork, often through expeditions to remote and challenging environments around the world, with laboratory-based behaviour experiments, data-mining, and computer modelling.
Steve’s research focuses on:
The impact of anthropogenic noise on marine ecosystems.
The effects of climate change on fish and fisheries.
Sensory and orientation behaviour of marine organisms.
Dispersal, connectivity and biogeography.
Coral reef restoration.
Fisheries and Conservation Management.
Topics discussed:
Bioacoustics of coral reefs.
How underwater sound can reveal animals we rarely observe visually on coral reefs.
How fish choose communities to live in by listening.
You can subscribe on most podcast apps, if you’re feeling kind please leave us a review!
#ExeterMarine is an interdisciplinary group of marine related researchers with capabilities across the scientific, medical, engineering, humanities and social science fields. If you are interested in working with our researchers or students, contactEmilyEasman orvisit our website!
