Josh Smith - marine biology, kelp forest changes, scuba diving

In episode 72 we speak with Josh Smith, a marine biologist spending his time underwater in the kelp forests of California. Josh takes us through his research to understand the changes in kelp forests with a relatively recent explosion in sea urchin populations and the interactions of other animals like otters, abalone, and sea stars are involved. We hear about the day to day operations of doing research in the cold waters of Monterey Bay, the physical demands of daily scuba diving, and talk about how the loss of kelp forests and other changes to the ocean environment may be part of larger cycles that we humans just haven't been around long enough to understand yet. Josh also shares some neat perspective on the importance of mentors, both in the water and on land, to help us pursue our calling. If you want more on marine biology in California waters, see a related episode with Steve Lonhart.

Thanks for sharing Josh's ocean life with us. You can find pictures and video of him on Instagram, Facebook and website. You can also find good stuff on the ThisOceanLife.TV Instagram and Facebook pages. We are on Twitter ranting about anything cool happening in the ocean.