https://soundcloud.com/scientistsatsea/coral-reef-bioacoustics-part-i-with-prof-steve-simpson/s-GrrNyTaArcM
Show notes
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.
- Is the underwater world silent?
- How do underwater species hear?
- How do you record an underwater soundscape?
- Blue Planet 2 and David Attenborough.
Resources:
TEDx 2019 Talk: Changing the Soundtrack of the Ocean
BBC Earth Film: Underwater acoustics work
Agile Rabbit Talk: Underwater Sound in Blue Planet II
Article: Exeter marine expert awarded prestigious medal for scientific contribution
Episode and show notes produced by Ben Toulson and Katie Finnimore.
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