AN ADVISOR for the BBC series Blue Planet II will be sharing sounds from the ocean at a special theatre event in Lyme Regis.

Professor Steve Simpson, who worked as series academic advisor for the acclaimed series, studies underwater acoustics, including the use of sound by fish and invertebrates, and impacts of human noise on marine life.

The ocean is a remarkably noisy place, with whales, dolphins, fish, and invertebrates all producing sound to communicate. These sounds range from the haunting song of the humpback whale song to the explosive clicks of snapping shrimp, and are important for social interactions and predator avoidance.

The special talk is being brought to the Marine Theatre by Intrepid Explorers, an organisation which shares stories of field research.

Professor Steve Simpson will share his experience, video clips, and audio recordings. He has also worked on other David Attenborough documentaries, such as his Great Barrier Reef programme in 2015.

Much of Professor Simpson’s work focuses on underwater acoustics, including the use of sound by fish and invertebrates, and impacts of human noise on marine life.

The ocean is a remarkably noisy place, with whales, dolphins, fish, and invertebrates all producing sound to communicate. These sounds range from the haunting song of the humpback whale song to the explosive clicks of snapping shrimp, and are important for social interactions and predator avoidance.

In this talk, Steve will explain how he has pioneered new ways of listening to the ocean and of interacting with fish to understand soundscapes and to unlock the language of fish. His work on underwater noise pollution recently screened in Blue Planet II.

John Puckey, one of the organisers, explained the aim:“Intrepid Explorers’ events show that field research and science are inspiring for the widest possible audience. The events have an informal atmosphere to encourage discussion and maximise participation for all of the community."

This event is held in partnership with the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute.

Dr Kate Baker, research fellow at the University of Exeter explained the partnership: “The university’s new Global Systems Institute will advance our understanding of global changes.

"This will be achieved through transformative research and education. An important part of the process is sharing the stories of life in a global context with members of the wider community. This is why GSI is teaming up with Intrepid Explorers.

"This is an exciting event that inspires people to support, engage, and advance research on global change through sharing and learning.”

*Underwater Sound in Blue Planet II, £5 advance, £7 on the door, Thursday May 3, Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. Doors open at 6.30pm, event starts at 7pm. Contact the box office for tickets and more information.