What is the deep sea — really? Deep-sea researcher Dr. Thom Linley (Curator of Fishes at Te Papa Tongarewa, National Museum of New Zealand) breaks down the deep ocean as a connected world with distinct zones, ecosystems, and rules — not one mysterious “blob.” From the bathyal and abyssal to the hadal trenches, this conversation maps what’s down there, how life survives crushing pressure and perpetual darkness, and why the deep sea functions as the engine under the hood of the entire planet.
This episode explores:
And this is part one of a deep dive: next episode continues into ocean trenches and the hadal zone with Prof. Alan Jamieson, co-host of The Deep Sea Podcast.
If you’re into thoughtful mythbusting, weird deep-ocean ecology, and the real logistics of studying a place humans can barely access — you’re in the right place.
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Special thanks to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for sponsoring this episode.
Episode Guests: Dr. Thomas Linley
Listen to the Deep Sea Podcast!
Browse Dr. Linley’s publications on Google Scholar
Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website
Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese
Cover art by Jomiro Eming
Theme music by Nela Ruiz
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Listen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
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