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.

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Get in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders dive into a fun and science-backed ocean myth-busting session, unpacking some of the most common “facts” we’ve all heard growing up by the sea. Using scientific evidence and real-world examples, they separate fact from fiction and explain why these myths persist.

This episode highlights how misinformation about the ocean can shape the way we understand marine life and ocean processes - and why getting the science right matters for ocean literacy and conservation.

Some key resources from this weeks episode include:

• Professor Cullum Brown talking about goldfish memories - https://www.livescience.com/goldfish-memory.html
• Mark Rober's YouTube testing if sharks can smell blood - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugRc5jx80yg
• Journal of Biological Rhythms study talking about different shark species rhythms - 10.1177/0748730420932066

Plus, in this week’s Tide Talk, Nina and Bronwyn discuss what’s been making waves in ocean science. Bronwyn talks about how the Great Australian Bight might soon become a UNESCO world heritage site, and Nina talked about Narwhals behaviour changing from noise pollution. Read more here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/25/shipping-noise-arctic-whales-narwhals-sound-quieter-vessels

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Get in touch: Nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

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. These include Blue Planet (a classic!), as well as Sharkwater Extinction on Amazon/Apple TV and Super Shark Highway on ABC iview.

Plus, in this week’s Tide Talk, Nina and Bronwyn discuss what’s been making waves in the world of ocean science - from fish kills to citizen science.

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Get in touch: Nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

In 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, in this week’s Tide Talk, Nina and Bronwyn share what’s caught their attention in the world of ocean science - from the health benefits of seafood to Nina's recent field trip to remote South Australia.

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Get in touch: Nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

In 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 oceans.

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Get in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

In 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 Environment and Water, this episode dives into how nature itself can help heal the climate.

In this episode Nina's tide talk spoke about a new paper about wetsuits that can reduce the impact of shark bites. You can read that paper here: https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/Fulltext/WR25019

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Get in touch: Nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

In 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 marine research, and what makes it such an inspiring place for the next generation of scientists.

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Get in touch: Nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

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.

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Get in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au