Ultramarine: the science of our oceans and waterways

This episode explains how sea level rise is measured — not just that it’s happening. It demystifies the tools, the data, and the validation process that sit behind one of the most talked-about climate metrics.Sea level is a baseline measurement that underpins city planning, infrastructure design, flood risk modelling, and long-term coastal decision-making. Understanding how we know builds trust in what we know.Science journalist Ellen Phiddian joins host David Boldeman to guide you through the measurement process, how evidence is tested, and how journalists assess confidence in scientific claims.

In this Ultramarine episode of the Connect Sci Podcast, host David Boldeman speaks with Sean Daly from Citizens of the Reef about how students, teachers, and everyday Australians can play a real role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef.Sean explains the major threats facing coral reefs — especially climate change and outbreaks of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish — and why traditional scientific monitoring can only cover a small fraction of this vast marine system. He talks about the Great Reef Census, a global citizen-science project where divers, tourists, schools, and volunteers photograph and analyse reef images to build the most comprehensive picture yet of reef health.Explore the organisations and resources mentioned:Citizens of the Reef — https://citizensgbr.org/Great Reef Census — https://greatreefcensus.orgSchools Program — https://greatreefcensus.org/schoolsSean’s Schools presentation available via Google Drive

Australia has more than 1.7 million farm dams, and together they play a far greater role in climate and environmental health than most people realise. In this episode of the ConnectSci Podcast, host David Boldeman speaks with Dr Martino Malerba, freshwater ecologist and Senior Lecturer at RMIT University, about the surprising science behind these small but significant water bodies.

Host David Boldeman explores the underwater world of the Sydney Seahorse (Hippocampus whitei) with marine expert Patrick Noble from Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. This small, endangered species is the only seahorse listed as threatened in Australia, and Patrick shares the incredible science and conservation efforts working to save it.

Dive into the crucial issue of ocean pollution and explore real-world solutions with two passionate advocates for marine conservation. Ultramarine hosts David Boldeman and Steven Boldeman are joined by Tom Batrouney, environmental advocate and community lead at Seabin, and Ashley Hayes, Community Social & Environmental Impact Lead at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Together they unpack how citizen awareness, targeted tech, and collaborative responsibility are key to reclaiming Sydney Harbour’s health.