My new guest speaker is Dan Smale. Dan is a researcher based at the Marine Biological Association, in Plymouth. He is a marine ecologist with broad research interests and a particular focus on understanding how global environmental change is influencing the structure and functioning of coastal marine ecosystems, especially kelp forests.  His journey started in Plymouth where he studied his undergraduate degree in marine biology, before doing his postgrad degrees in Antartica & Western Australia. He is now back to Plymouth and leads the Smale Group at the MBA.  In this episode, we'll be talking about kelp forests... what they are, where you find them, why they are important, how climate change is impacting these systems, what their role is regarding  "blue carbon" etc. ... Dan also talks about his journey and gives advice for future marine scientists!  Whether you're already a fan of kelp, or just want to know more about these systems, or want to get an insight into the life of a marine ecologist, here's an episode for you!  Thanks for listening! 🌿🤿🌏🔥👨🏻‍🔬🌱 If you've got any feedback, comments, recommendations or questions, let me know ! If you want to  know more about Dan and his work:  Twitter: @DanSmale1 - Website for Smale group where you can find publications & further information: https://www.mba.ac.uk/fellows/smale-group#b7 - Email: [email protected] You can find me here: Instagram: @plymouthbeneaththesurface Twitter: @twosealions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisedelion/ Email: [email protected] / [email protected]