Ocean Protect Podcast

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

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.auPhoto credit: Dr. Neal R. Haddaway

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

Dr Cassie Rauert is a Senior Research Fellow in Microplastics exposure at The University of Queensland, and was involved in a recent study of the distribution of tyre additives, tyre wear particles and microplastics within the waterways of the Moreton Bay region in south-east Queensland, Australia. In this chat, we talk about the study methodology and results, and subsequent implications. Useful links:Cassie on LinkedIn (here)Cassie at University of Queensland (here)2024 report "Moreton Bay scoping study:   Tyre wear particles, tyre additives and microplastics" (here)2022 paper "Tyre additive chemicals, tyre road wear particles and high production polymers in surface water at 5 urban centres in Queensland, Australia" (here)For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au

Jack Mullaly is an Environmental Engineer and has spent over a decade championing Water Sensitive Urban Design across Queensland and beyond. Five years ago, Jack, pivoted in to human movement coaching - but has now returned to the WSUD 'biz'. In this chat, we discuss all things WSUD and bioretention - along with the challenges and potential solutions to better achieve WSUD.Useful links:Jack on LinkedIn (here)www.jackmullaly.com For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au

Peter Whish-Wilson has been senator for Tasmania since 2012, representing the Australian Greens political party. In this chat, we discuss the fight to protect Australia’s oceans and coastlines from new offshore oil and gas projects, climate change, making plastic producers accountable, a billionaires tax and corruption in politics.   Useful links:Peter Whish-Wilson (here)The Green's campaign "No New Offshore Oil & Gas" (here)The Green's campaign "Protect Great Southern Reef" (here)The Green's campaign "Waste Free Future" (here) The Green's campaign to reduce the cost of living (here)For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au

Paul Dubowski is an Environmental Scientist with over 20 years’ experience looking after our catchments and waterways. In this chat, we reflect on the inaugural Queensland Water Summit, held just two days earlier in Brisbane – including insights from the wide range of presenters, along with key recommended actions to help better manage water resources and better protect waterways and oceans across Queensland and beyond.  Useful links:Paul on Linkedin (here)Stormwater Queensland (here)For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au

Shannon Mead is the Founder of and Chief Butt Officer of "No More Butts" - returning for his fourth appearance on the pod. We discuss vapes, what the latest is with the global Plastics Treaty, and how No More Butts is progressing towards their vision of a world without tobacco waste. Useful links:No More Butts website (here)Shannon on LinkedIn (here)Ocean Protect Podcast, May 2021: “No more butts with Shannon Mead” (here)Ocean Protect Podcast, April 2022: “Smoke in the water with Shannon Mead” (here)Ocean Protect Podcast, July 2023: “Shannon Mead on butts, vapes & the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution” (here) For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au

In our Season 6 finale, the microphones are turned - with Daniel Rider (Ocean Protect's WSUD Specialist) interviewing the host, Brad Dalrymple (Ocean Protect Principal Environmental Engineer). We chat about, we get a bit of Brad's back-story, the 'why' and what of some of Ocean Protect's advocacy initiatives, and plans for 2025.  Useful links:Brad on LinkedIn (here)Daniel on Linkedin (here)Ocean Protect events (here)Ocean Protect webinars (here) For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au