Jess explores

I sometimes find myself think about odd topics that have nothing to do with anything that I am doing, but yet these questions still swirl around in my head... So, on this week's episode, I'm exploring what constitutes as long distance between whales. A massive spoiler alert: there are absolutely no useful answers in my episode, BUT rather a philosophical debate and a bit of insight of how my mind works...

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I love open water swimming for so many reasons! And if my previous episodes about the deep - freezing cold - blue did not convince you to give it a go, maybe this week's episode will. This week I'll explore some of the health benefits of open water swimming, both physical and mental health benefits.

As always: When in doubt stay out!

Before engaging in any physical activity, please consult with your medical doctor, GP!

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Whale watching season is upon us and I want to share some tips and tricks with you on how to make sure you're keeping safe and have a lovely time out and about!

Tuning in anywhere you get your podcasts!

Did you ever notice that people get very emotional when it comes to anything ocean? It can be difficult to make sound decisions about ocean-related issues when emotions are high and in some cases, this can be very dangerous.

On this week's episode I talk about a recent whale stranding and how three camps of people started a discussion of what should, can, and cannot be done in this instance and there is a lot of parallels from this to decision-making processes in the marine space in general.

Tune in, anywhere you get your podcasts!

Last week I talked about what to do to keep dolphins and whales comfortable when they beach themselves and the likelihood of survival is slim. In this week's episode I want to talk about how to ensure a successful refloat of dolphins - if the animal is 1. healthy and 2. and you are able to assist safely.

The mantra for anything ocean related: When in doubt, stay out!

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For most people, seeing a whale or a dolphin is a memory of a lifetime. Sadly, sometimes whales and dolphins beach themselves and having seen them frolicking in the ocean, our gut-instinct could be trying to get them back into the water immediately. However, in most cases, when a whale or a dolphin beaches themselves, there is a reason and that may be that they're sick or old and trying to get them back into the water could actually create more stress on them. So in this week's episode I'll be talking to you through what to do when you come across a dolphin or whale that is still alive but that will most likely not survive.

Please be advised that this subject may require careful consideration when listening with children.

The mantra of anything ocean related is always: When in doubt stay out!

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I always wonder what to do on days where it's really nice but I have little going on - one of my favourite activities is to head towards the coast, sit down with snacks and binoculars and look for marine animals. At the moment the basking sharks are back in Cork waters and I couldn't let the opportunity pass without trying to see them for myself... Spoiler alert: I didn't find any, but that's not to say that land watches for marine mammals isn't a super exciting activity suitable for anyone!

P.S. the video is from my most recent land watches with the sea otter slowly swimming along...

Find out more here:

I can't smell underwater, so I never really thought about fish smelling underwater... So, on this week's episode that is what I'll be exploring - can fish smell underwater?

And this is the article I was referring to: https://daily.jstor.org/will-fish-lose-their-sense-of-smell-in-acidic-oceans/#:~:text=Unlike%20humans%20who%20don't,and%20even%20locate%20spawning%20grounds.

Have you ever wondered why beaches smelled so beachy? In today's episode, you'll find out! Also, if you find a way of bottling this up, LET ME KNOW!

A few weeks before Christmas, I've received a lovely gift in the mail: A book titled The Eloquence of the Sardine written by the lovely Bill François! The second I had a chance to chat to Bill I jumped onto it and I promise you, you'll love this conversation as much as I did.

Bill and I chatted about his amazing work in marine science and his amazing gift of marine story telling! Tune in anywhere you listen!

You can get his book here:

US edition : Eloquence of the Sardine (macmillan.com)

Instagram: @billfrancois24