• Speaker Spotlight #2

    by  • 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.hwbf-eventbrite-button

    This week we would like to introduce you to:

    Dr Paul E Duckett

    Dr Paul Edward 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.

    Hidden beneath the surface

     

    About

    Marine Education Officer for the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre. A qualified marine scientist and educator with a Bachelor degree in Global and Ocean Science obtained from the Australian National University and a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication.

    https://www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au