Aquatic Ecology podcasts

David Lodge discusses environmental DNA as a tool for detecting invasive species and the challenges of translating ecological evidence into policy. The conversation follows invasive-carp detection in river water, scrutiny in legal proceedings, long-term crayfish observations, and the respective roles of researchers and decision-makers.

Hosted by Marty Martin, John Drake

Brad Gemmell discusses how changing environmental conditions affect the behaviour and ecology of small marine organisms. Topics include ctenophore predation, diatoms and ocean carbon cycling, and the role of upside-down Cassiopea jellyfish as ecosystem engineers. The conversation connects organismal physiology and movement with broader changes in marine ecosystems.

Hosted by Marty Martin

Julie Simpson explores the climate role of coastal saltwater wetlands, including marshes, mangroves and seagrass meadows. Alongside habitat, water purification and coastal protection, these ecosystems remove and retain substantial amounts of carbon dioxide. The episode examines how their ecological processes connect conservation with climate mitigation.

Hosted by Madison Goldberg

Carina Hoorn examines how the Amazon Basin’s geological evolution shaped its extraordinary biodiversity. The discussion connects Andean uplift, fresh sediment supply and marine incursions during the Early Miocene with the diversification of aquatic environments and ecological opportunities.

Drew Harvell explores the unusual adaptations of marine invertebrates, including sponges, corals and sea stars. The discussion connects these biological capabilities with disease outbreaks, environmental change and ocean conservation, considering how resilience may help—or fail to protect—organisms under human-driven pressures.

Hosted by Marty Martin, Cameron Ghalambor

Alison Derry and Andrew Hendry discuss experiments on rapid evolution in threespine sticklebacks reintroduced to Alaskan lakes. Topics include differences between stickleback ecotypes, consequences for zooplankton evolution, and feedbacks between fish and food webs. The conversation was recorded before a live audience in Soldotna, Alaska.

Hosted by Marty Martin, Art Woods