Episode 7: Sharks- Masters of the Ocean.

Today we know of at least 1,200 species of shark, and we’re still finding more. Sharks are a critical part of life in the ocean. But the numbers don’t lie, these magnificent animals are seriously threatened. Since 1970, the global abundance of oceanic sharks and rays has declined by 71%.

In this episode of Ocean Matters, Helen Czerski explores how these masters of the ocean sense their world, why they’re not the “lone hunters” depicted by Hollywood, and why we need to protect them.

With special thanks Sarah Fowler from Save Our Seas Foundation, Dr David Jacoby from the Zoological Society of London, and Dr Al Dove from Georgia Aquarium.

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Episode 5: The Deep Sea – Exploring the Unknown

When we look up at the night sky, we can see the cosmos in all its glory; the constellations are familiar friends that we learn as children.  But even though the deep ocean is far closer, it is far more mysterious. Whilst it is hard to get to, it certainly isn’t empty or featureless.

In Ocean Matters, join oceanographer and physicist Helen Czerski as she explores the deep sea: what’s in it, why it matters, and how the top of the ocean is inextricably connected to the bottom.

With special thanks to Professor Kerry Howell from the University of Plymouth, Dr Sylvia Earle, and Professor Alex Rogers from REV Ocean.

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Episode 4: Plastic – Our single use problem

So often, the ocean’s problems are invisible, but plastic pollution in the ocean has rocketed up public consciousness in the past few years precisely because it, and the damage it does, is so visible. Once you start looking, it’s everywhere. Over 40% of plastic manufactured every year will only be used once.

In Ocean Matters, join oceanographer and physicist Helen Czerski as she explores the impact plastic is having on ocean wildlife, the scale of single-use plastic bottles in London, and an exciting solution found in nature – enzymes that eat plastic.

Want to be a Citizen Scientist? Track plastic pollution in your area and help expand a shared global database with the Debris Tracker App available at your app store or at https://debristracker.org/.

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Episode 2: The Rainforests of the Sea

Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.  They’re very special places, covering less than one percent of the seafloor but home to nearly a quarter of all ocean species at some point in their life cycle.

In this episode of Ocean Matters, physicist and oceanographer Helen Czerski explores the state of reefs in some of the most remote parts of our planet. She learns about the latest research techniques being used by scientists and how archives of old dead corals are helping in the fight to save the corals of our future – and why we need to act so urgently?

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