Speaker Spotlight #2
by Jillian Browning • April 22, 2016 • Announcements, Events, Research
In the lead up to our Annual Marine Science Forum on the 28th and 29th of May, we will feature a post about each of the scientists presenting this year.
This week we would like to introduce you to:
Dr Paul E Duckett
Forum presentation: The mermaids tears that molluscs fear
Plastic use by humans is undoubtedly linked to the pollution of marine ecosystems, and is likely to continue increasing in the near future. Although the impacts from entanglements and ingestion are well recognised, the more subtle effects from the chemicals contained within plastics are less known. In this study I evaluated whether the presence of plastic pollution within rocky intertidal pools impacted mollusc abundance, their ability to hold onto rocky surfaces, and their speed. The study indicates intertidal plastic pollution will have severe repercussions to the structure and function of these vital marine ecosystems.
Bio
I have been curious about the natural world since I was a small boy, and this initially inspired my travel adventures and passion for wildlife photography in my spare time. In 2008, I changed careers and became a research scientist here in Australia. I have worked in various ecosystems from the Simpson Desert to the Great Barrier Reef, and have broad research interests including molecular genetics, wildlife conservation, marine ecology, and pollution.