Out of the Blue

Many of us are worried about plastic pollution and its impact on the environment. But we still have a lot to learn. New research shows that microplastics are found in some of our favourites seafoods - sardines, prawns, oysters. Research author Francisca Ribeiro says the findings raise more questions than answers. And Plastic Free July is the movement founded 10 years ago in Perth that asks people...

In this episode we're all about ocean plants. In Tasmania, 95% of forest-forming giant kelp have disappeared, as waters warm along one of the fastest heating coasts in the world. We speak to Dr Cayne Layton, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, UTAS, about a new project attempting to restore the kelp. And on the other side of the continent, Phd candidate C...

In 2018 the Victorian government released new areas of seafloor for oil and gas exploration, and we'll soon find out which companies were successful in winning exploration licenses. But local campaigners are concerned about the social and environmental impacts. We spoke to Kate Wattchow from Friends of the Earth, and Samantha Hepburn, Professor of law at Deakin University, the get the low down. 

The anti-whaling movement of the 1970s was one of the first global environmental campaigns. But even though whaling has mostly stopped, whales face even more threats today, from plastic and noise pollution to climate change. In her new book Fathoms (Scribe 2020), writer and environmental philosopher Rebecca Giggs argues that whales can help us tell new stories about our impact on nature. 

Happy Mother's Day!  A huge shout out to all the mothers out there who are raising or have raised children who are connected to the ocean.  So many people are missing the ocean and nature during these difficult times, but it will be waiting for us when this is all over.  This week, we chat about jellies, and the fact that some are considered immortal.  No need for Mother's Day if you're immortal,...

Did you know one shorebird flew nonstop from Alaska to New Zealand across the Pacific Ocean, a journey of over 11,000 kilometres? In this episode we're all about bird journeys. We speak to Andrew Darby about his wonderful new book Flight Lines, and how he followed two grey plover on their perilous journey north to the Artic. Plus we catch up with Dr Dejan Stojanovic to talk about orange-bellied pa...

In the midst of a global pandemic, climate change continues. Up in Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef has just experienced another mass coral bleaching event, thanks to record-breaking temperatures. We spoke to Professor Terry Hughes at James Cook University to get the latest on how much of the reef has bleached, why bleaching is a problem, and why we shouldn't give up hope.

We are travelling back to 2017 for this week's splashback - Tune in for the third and final installment (for now) of our Sex in the Sea series.  We expose a massive lie which Disney has told millions and millions of people.  Finding Nemo is definitely not as it seems.  Want to know more?  You better have a listen...

Welcome to another Splashback.  This week we head back to 2016 for Sex in the Sea part two.  There are so many more weird and wonderful things to explore.  Sperm packets of octopus, complicated life cycles of sea jellies and penis fighting in flatworms.  You're all curious to know more so don't try to resist.  Tune in to learn more about the bedroom antics of marine organisms...

Welcome to Out of the Blue Splashback, where we relive shows form the past.  This week's episode is Sex in the Sea part I, which originally aired all the way back in July 2016.  We could all use some laughter and fun right now, so tune in to hear about the weird ways that marine animals get down and dirty...

Matt and Donna interview Shannon Hurley from the Victorian National Parks Association about the consultation and recent release of the Victorian Government's Marine and Coastal Policy. Download the Policy here: https://www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/

March 18th is Global Recycling Day!  What can you can, whether you are still in a workplace, in self isolation, or our and about, to support this global event?  Heather looks at strategies for work and home and what global recycling day could look like to you.  There is also a shout out to animal carers in aquariums and zoos, so tune in.

To celebrate International Women's Day, Morgan Pumpa made a return to the show after three years away.  She and Heather celebrated women in the marine conservation field who are achieving incredible things, from Valerie Taylor and Sylvia Earle, through to Molly Steer, Madison Stewart and Danielle Ryan.  They also looked back at women in their lives who inspired them to get involved in the ocean an...

In this episode, Fam Charko tells us about her internship at the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority's aquarium in Townsville, that time she punched a shark in the face (don't worry, the shark was fine), and incredible stories about fish intelligence. 

Matt had a close encounter with a bronze whaler under Blairgowrie pier last week. Also: a chat about the new fishing licences to be given out to small fishing operations along Victoria's coast.

Andrew and James discuss how the oceans played a role in the unprecedented bushfires that burned across southern Australian in the summer of 2019-20. Find out about the Indian Ocean Dipole, marine heatwaves, sea urchins in Port Phillip Bay, and the latest on climate activism. 

Hilary McNevin talks with Fam about the amzing program for the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival; it's about much more than eating seadfood!

First show of 2020!  Join Heather as she chats with Paige Coleman about her marine animal encounters from around Australia and overseas.  She's been swimming with whale sharks in Western Australia, mantarays in Hawaii, sea lions in Port Phillip Bay and so much more.  If you need inspiration for a holiday or mini-break in 2020, don't miss this show.  

Donna, Matt and Fam talk Seaside Scavenge Festival in Rye, corals and sunscreen and Donna's experience visiting the Red and Dead Seas in this jam-packed show.

Christmas is only 17 days away!  Where on Earth did 2019 go?  Rather than jumping straight into the craziness that is Christmas shopping, how about you take things a little slower this year and think about a more sustainable festive season.  From Christmas feast to Christmas gifts, Heather and James look at how we can all reduce our impact this silly season.

This week James shares stories from his epic roadtrip adventure down the west coast of the United States, from Seattle to Los Angeles.  He encounted elephant seals, sea lions, otters and so much more.  This episode promises to make you jealous and itching to book flights to this stunning part of the world...  Also, on a different note, is Greta a time traveller?

Kade Mills from the Victorian National Parks Association talks to us about Dragon Quest: a new citizen science program to record weedy seadragons. Also, the Great Victorian Fish Count 2019 and whale poo. 

Andrew interviews the new Out of the Blue presenter James Whitmore

Have you ever truly listened to the ocean?  Not the ocean itself, with the waves and bubbles.  We mean everything that lies beneath the surface.  So many marine organisms utilise sound for communication, whether it's defense, mating or hunting.  Erin shares some fascinating stories about the under the sea symphony that is ever present and changing.  You will never look at the ocean the same way ag...

Donna and Matt are joined in today's show on the phone by Natalie Lo Bartolo, Master Reef Guide with Lady Musgrave Experience on the Great Barrier Reef. Hear all about these new guides and how they are influencing positive tourism on the Great Barrier Reef.