About Us
We're a talented, creative and passionate bunch of ocean advocates. From world-leading scientists, communication experts, directors, documentary makers, authors and educators and just about everything in between. It's a symbiotic partnership that ensures our content is compelling, user friendly, relevant and scientifically robust.
OceansIQ Team
Brett Shorthouse
Manager and Producer
Brett has produced high quality natural history programs including the Great Barrier Reef series and a 20 part children’s series Barney's Great Barrier Reef for international broadcasters including the BBC, Nat Geo and Discovery. He has also produced a diverse range of projects for federal, state and local government departments and the corporate sector, including specific target audience programs on health, science, education, indigenous and maritime communications, with particular emphasis on sustainable resource management. Production samples can be seen on rgbmedia.com.au
Jen Bottle
Production Manager & Writer
Jennifer Bottle is a Tasmanian writer, producer, director and presenter with over twenty years’ experience in broadcast and corporate media. In 2007 she launched Bottlemedia a digital video production service that creates innovative, results-driven video content for leading global and Australian brands. Jennifer works with clients locally and abroad and is a creative writer with national media company, Grant Broadcasters. She is also passionate about the marine environment and is part of OIQ's new documentary Tasmania Down Under.
Prof. Jamie Seymour
Lead Scientist and Brains Trust
Most of Jamie’s research and consultancy activity is focused on cubozoan biology and toxicology (box jellyfish and Irukandji) and applied entomology. He has published extensively and has participated in over 18 natural history documentaries. In 2001 he established the Tropical Australian Stinger Research Unit (TASRU) which is a diverse mix of both medical and biological researchers from around the world. He is the joint program leader for the centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics (BMDT) in the faculty of Health and Molecular Sciences at JCU
Jody Plecas
Project Manager
Jody's dream is that “Every Australian child has the chance to learn about their marine environment.” She has worked beside scientists, planners, naturalists, teachers, government agencies, and not-for-profit groups. Her various roles have included administering EPA Vic’s multi-million dollar grant projects in favour of water quality and marine environmental protection, acting as office for the Marine Education Society of Australasia (MESA), co-writing and delivering student field studies to more than 15,000 students and working as the Education Officer for the Australian Marine Environmental Protection Association (AUSMEPA). As the Pacific Basin Coordinator for the One Ocean Marine Forum in Hawaii, she expedited an international dialog with marine educators, forming the International Pacific Marine Educators Network (IPMEN).
Advisory Board
Sheree Marris
Marine Scientist and Communicator
If Sheree had her choice, she would have gills instead of lungs, a breath hold to rival the sperm whale and a sparkly green mermaid-esque tail. Since she doesn’t, this marine biologist, does the next best thing and spends as much time as she can scuba diving and blowing bubbles. When she’s a land lover you can find Sheree working on a range of innovative and engaging projects that bridge the gap between marine science and the public. She is a board member of our partner organisation Unico Conservation Foundation, is a former Young Australian of the Year, documentary maker and award-winning author with many books under her belt including ‘KamaSEAtra – Secrets of sex in the sea, a humour look at how sea creatures do the no pants dance.
Dr Prue Francis
Ocean Literacy Researcher and Expert
Prue is a Lecturer in Science Professional Practice and the Course Director of the Bachelor of Marine Science where she teaches employability and marine science units for the various science degrees offered at Deakin University. Prue's research interests are ocean literacy and marine education where she heads the DeakinSeaEd research group. She has over 10 years' experience as a STEM educator, having taught a host of units across all learning levels and at multiple educational institutions across Australia including as the Education Coordinator at Reef HQ Aquarium; the national education centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Harry Breidahl
Ocean Literacy Expert
Harry is legendary when it comes to Ocean Literacy and has been actively involved in the education space since 1977. He lectures part-time in the Education Faculty at the Peninsula Campus of Monash University in the areas of ecology, environmental science and science education. Harry established the Tooradin Marine Studies Centre, is the founding member of the Marine Education Society of Australasia (MESA) and the International Pacific Marine Educators Network. Harry started his own company Nautilus Education where he works as a children’s' natural history author (he has published over 50 natural history books), exhibit designer and environmental education consultant worldwide. Needless to say we’re super chuffed to have Harry and his wealth of experience on our advisory board.