A University of Exeter marine biologist has been chosen to accompany David Attenborough in his new interactive series on the Great Barrier Reef.
Dr Steve Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology and Global Change, joined Attenborough in the three-part BBC series taking viewers on a journey across the Great Barrier Reef on board a state-of-the-art research vessel and a submersible.
Dr Simpson appears in the first episode, using his expertise based on the seven field seasons of research he has undertaken on the importance of the acoustic world in coral reefs.
Filmed on Lizard Island in Queensland, Australia, the episode explores reed noise’s vital importance for fish during their early life and habitat selection.
Dr Simpson also advised the team on the series’ website content.
Other scientific contributions to this new series included research from other globally renowned research institutions including the Aus- tralian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University and the University of Queensland.
The website, David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef: An Interactive Journey, was created by Atlantic Productions. The interactive elements of the website enable viewers at home to get involved with aspects of the programme by following marine animals travelling across the reef and exploring the changing weather and ocean patterns.
Dr Simpson said that the programme and website creators had made “an authentic immersive experience that is educational, innovative and extremely enjoyable”.
