The power of oysters to save the seas; and the impact of industrial fishing

This August, we turn our attention to a much-loved shellfish, well-known for its remarkable flavour – the oyster. Perhaps less well known however, is the role it plays in marine ecosystems. As overfishing has combined with modern environmental problems, the oysters’ crucial role in seabed ecosystems around the world has gradually been eroded and forgotten with time. One ambitious project, set in Essex – the heart of UK oyster culture – is aiming to restore living oyster reefs to the seabed. Actor Simon Paisley-Day narrates the long-read this month. In the second half of the episode, we speak with Dr Ruth Thurstan, Senior Lecturer in Marine Social-Ecological Systems at the University of Exeter. She talks us through how the industrialisation of fishing has impacted marine ecosystems.Links:Subscribe: http://geographical.co.uk/magazine/subscribe Newsletter: https://geographical.co.uk/magazine/newsletters?utm_source=editorial&utm_medium=greenbutton&utm_campaign=NewsletterGeographical on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geographical_magazine/ Geographical on twitter: https://twitter.com/geographicalmag?lang=enRuth Thurstan: https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/index.php?web_id=Ruth_Thurstan Simon Paisley-Day: https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/simon-paisley-day 

Om Podcasten

Welcome to The Geographical Podcast, brought to you by Geographical Magazine, the official publication of the Royal Geographical Society. Geographical helps our readers navigate an ever-changing and complex world. Featuring talented and perceptive writers from across the globe, our rigorous and entertaining journalism helps you to keep a global perspective. In The Geographical Podcast, you can listen to excerpts from our monthly print magazine. Each month, we'll share a feature-length story as well as interviewing contributors about their travels and experiences writing for the magazine. Published since 1935, Geographical has a rich heritage in exploring our planet. We encourage you to join us and subscribe to the magazine today.Geographical website: http://geographical.co.uk/ Subscribe to the magazine: http://geographical.co.uk/magazine/subscribe