73. Swimming, Blowing, Glowing

The ocean surrounding Marion Island is a breathing wilderness - a vast and mysterious realm where familiar giants coexist with tiny creatures that emit an almost magical light. These diverse beings move through the water in intricate ways that we are only beginning to understand. On the surface, it may seem simple and ordinary, but beneath the steel-blue waves lies a vibrant, lively world teeming with life and secrets waiting to be uncovered. We follow the creatures we recognise as they slice, glide, and hunt through the sub-Antarctic waters, and we uncover the vital role of microscopic organisms that quietly sustain the entire ecosystem and keep the heartbeat of the ocean alive. This episode encourages curiosity to witness an ocean in transition, from iconic species navigating these waters to the importance of microscopic life, and how its chemistry and rhythms are shifting with profound consequences for the creatures that call it home. We thank the following guests on this episode: -Dr Zimkhita Gebe, Dr Azwianewu Makhado, Mr Marcel van der Berg from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. -Mr Chandler Patel, Ms Megan Clarkson, Mr Dylan Manyoka, Mr Peter Cunningham, Mr Yinhla Shihlomule,Ms Camilla Smyth Mr Kwanele Khuzwayo, Ms Janu Rau from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure. -Ms Emma Swanepoel and Ms Sarah du Preez from the University of Cape Town. For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit: -Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: www.dffe.gov.za/antarctica-and-so…rn-oceans-islands -South African National Antarctic Programme: www.sanap.ac.za/ -South African Polar Research Infrastructure: www.sapri.ac.za/ This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za