Dr Steph Brodie is a Research Scientist at CSIRO Environment in Brisbane. In this chat, we discuss a recent study that Steph was involved in which surveyed for debris in and around six Australian urban areas between 2022 and 2024. We discuss the study methodology and the results that showed that, over the past ten years, the amount of waste across Australian coastal cities has reduced by almost 40% and more places were found with no rubbish at all.

Useful links:

• Steph at CSIRO (here)
• The Conversation article “Good news, beach lovers: our research found 39% less plastic waste around Australian coastal cities than a decade ago” (here)
• Journal paper "Drivers of environmental debris in metropolitan areas: A continental scale assessment (here).

For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au

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Alix de Jersey is a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania, investigating the effects of microplastics on tropical shearwaters. In this chat, we discuss the world-first study of seabirds that Alix was involved with - which identified that seabird chicks heavily affected by plastic ingestion demonstrated a range of negative health consequences, including liver and brain damage. We discuss the study methodology and results - and the associated implications to both wildlife and humans.

Useful links:

• Alix on LinkedIn (here)
• Alix at AdriftLab (here)
• Article "World-first analysis of seabirds who’ve eaten plastic reveals slow, insidious health impacts" (here)
• Journal paper "Seabirds in crisis: Plastic ingestion induces proteomic signatures of multiorgan failure and neurodegeneration" (here)

For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au

Photo credit: Dr. Neal R. Haddaway

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Dan Rhodes is a Senior Water Engineer at Henry & Hymas Consulting Engineers and Optimal Stormwater - and has looked down into MANY gross pollutant traps (GPTs). In this chat, we discuss Dan's career progression from muso to engineer, insights from his many GPT audits, the Zero Litter to Bay initiative, and his thoughts around the key challenges and solutions to better stormwater management (and waterway health).

Useful links:

• Dan on LinkedIn (here)
• Optimal Stormwater (here)
• Henry & Hymas Consulting Engineers (here)
• Zero Litter to Bay media statement (here)

For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.