The Ocean's Rock Star: Steve Simpson and His Inspiring Message

A Night of Marine Discovery with Steve Simpson and Miranda Krestovnikoff

If oceanography has a rock star (yes, really), it’s Steve Simpson. Fresh from wowing the country on Radio 4’s flagship Today programme, the Blue Planet 2 contributor and Professor of Global Change at Bristol University was joined by multitalented TV presenter, diver, author, and flautist Miranda Krestovnikoff. Together, they delivered a brilliant talk that sparkled with positivity and wonder.

Steve and Miranda discuss Steve's favourite fish

The Sounds of the Ocean

In an aquatic game of two halves, Steve first played us the extraordinary sounds of the ocean. We heard the cacophony of healthy reefs, the dark psychedelia of the Humpback whale, and the audio bedlam of the Snapping Shrimp. Sound travels four times quicker underwater than through the air. There’s a dawn chorus in the ocean, just like there is on land. Steve played heartbreaking ‘before and after’ recordings of healthy reefs and habitats, then contrasted them with those blighted by overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Yes, there are heatwaves underwater too.

After the break, Steve was joined by Miranda, and they guided us through more marine discoveries. They did their best to answer the many questions from the audience.

The Human Element in Ocean Conservation

The human element was a strong feature of the night. Steve spoke about combating Eco Grief and the anxieties of a generation that has only ever known a climate crisis. He insisted that poor data is merely a snapshot of a point in time. It doesn’t have to define us or our future. Instead, it can be channelled as an awakening to bring about positive change.

Through underwater speakers, Steve is playing recordings of healthy habitats to fish, aiming to encourage them to repopulate. We are increasingly understanding the destructive sound effects of industrial fishing, commercial shipping, and tourist boat noise on marine habitats. Unlike some aspects of climate change, we have the power to literally switch off sound pollution.

A Call to Action

Steve began the evening by thanking the traditional custodians of the far-flung ocean tracts that he uses for his research. He ended with a passionate cry in his TOOLBOX: it’s not too late. We have agency in the future, whether acting as individuals or in groups. We should identify a cause that resonates with us and do all we can to help. If you would like to spend more time listening to the sounds of the oceans, check out the WO-PAM project.

Miranda similarly implored us to be active, whether through volunteering or simply connecting with the outside world. She made a compelling case for Project Seagrass, a charity devoted to the conservation of this effective carbon capturer.

Inspiring Quotes for Change

‘Stories of hope are what will change the data of the future’ - Jane Goodall

The talk was an Altered State collaboration with Futures - a Festival of Discovery and Bristol University. Futures is dedicated to bringing the results of research into communities in the South West. It is funded by UKRI, which meant the event was free entry. Shiver me timbers!

Themed Playlist for the Evening

We spun our usual themed playlist of dreadful seafaring puns on the night, featuring:

• ‘An Ocean Between The Waves’ - The War on Drugs

• ‘Under the Water’ - Nation of Language

• ‘Thinkin Bout You’ - Frank Ocean

• ‘Seven Seas’ - Echo and The Bunnymen

• ‘Walking on Sunshine’ - Katrina and The Waves

• ‘Slave to Love’ - Bryan Ferry

• ‘Lover Undiscovered’ - The Coral

• ‘This World of Water’ - New Music

• ‘Whirling-In-Rags, 8am’ - Sea Power

• ‘The Crystal Ocean’ - The Mission

• ‘Sloop John B’ - The Beach Boys

• ‘Hobo Humpin Slobo Babe‘ - Whale

• ‘Tidal Wave’ - The Oh Sees

  
  

Conclusion: The Future of Our Oceans

In conclusion, the evening with Steve Simpson and Miranda Krestovnikoff was not just an exploration of marine life but a call to action. It reminded us that we all have a role to play in protecting our oceans. By understanding the challenges and taking proactive steps, we can contribute to a healthier planet. Let’s embrace this journey together and make a difference for future generations.