Our first dive was in the Bathurst Channel, where freshwater from the land mixes with seawater to create this strange brackish layer. Tea trees line the shore, and their leaves and roots release tannins into the water, turning the surface this golden-brown colour that blocks the sunlight from getting through.

Just a few meters down, it’s completely dark. The whole thing feels like slipping into a dream. What’s wild is that species usually found at 30 or 40 meters deep, like those feathery sea pens, are living here at just 5 to 10 meters. Seeing them so close to the surface was surreal.

The descent through that dark layer was nothing like a regular dive. There weren’t schools of fish or obvious signs of life right away. Everything was subtle, tucked along the bottom. It felt like we’d entered another world. Such a powerful start to the next four days.

These dives weren’t what most people would call beautiful, there were no bright reefs or swarms of colourful fish. But honestly, they were some of the most fascinating I’ve done. I had my macro lens with me and spent the dives hunting for tiny textures and details. That’s probably what draws me to fine jewellery too, it’s all in the small things, the quiet intricacies. There’s something kind of poetic about that.

The IMAS crew are amazing. So much knowledge between them. I usually bring a fish ID book with me, but this time I had real scientists to chat to after every dive, which was so much better. We spent the evening talking about the local marine ecosystems and everything we’d seen underwater. I feel like I’ve already learned so much. I’ve even set myself a new goal: to start learning and using the scientific names for seaweed and kelp. Wish me luck.

Later that afternoon, we joined the team for a free-dive to gather abalone for dinner. There's something really special about catching your meal and cooking it right after. That night, dinner was as fresh as it gets and delicious.

Afterwards, Hunter and I spent time photographing and pressing a beautiful piece of Macrocystis I’d collected earlier. There’s something so satisfying about the process. It’s part art, part science. Not only does pressing kelp preserve it for documentation, but it also turns it into something delicate and timeless. I loved it.

We were treated to the most beautiful sunrise this morning as we made our way toward the Acteon Islands, a place I’ve been wanting to visit for ages. I first heard about the Acteons while working on NOW YOU SEE ME: The Great Southern Reef, but the weather was too rough back then to dive. So being able to come here now, knowing it's home to towering giant kelp forests, felt really special.

We had three dives lined up today, and each one was buzzing with life. The team got straight to work, carefully counting and measuring every creature they spotted, abalone, nudibranchs, rock lobsters, you name it. They even identified everything down to species level, which is no small feat underwater. They also photographed the algae at each site to estimate how much of the area it covered, something they’ll crunch the numbers on back at IMAS.

Matt and I spent most of our time trying to capture the research process with our cameras, though it was hard not to get distracted by the wild beauty all around us. Every site felt alive. Everyone was buzzing afterwards, there’s something about a full day of diving that really lifts the mood.

We wrapped up our Tasmanian expedition with a visit to the IMAS facilities and research centre. It was fascinating to see what happens after the dives, how the samples we collected are processed, stored, and studied in the lab. Seeing the team in action back on land, in their other natural habitat, was just as inspiring as watching them work underwater.

One of the highlights was getting a peek inside a lab that studies Antarctic ice cores. Their research helps us understand climate change, sea ice communities, and the impact of melting ice shelves. One thing that really stuck with me is they’ve even found microplastics in Antarctic sea ice. It’s shocking, but sadly, not all that surprising.

The work being done at IMAS is so important. It’s the kind of science that has real implications for the future of our oceans and the planet. I left feeling incredibly inspired and more determined than ever to use SARAH & SEBASTIAN as a platform for education, impact, and meaningful change.