S5.E10 Dr Robert Walsh, Micro invertebrates in waterways

S5.E10 Dr Robert Walsh, Micro invertebrates in waterways

Author: James Donaldson, Wet Tropics Waterways December 5, 2023 Duration: 21:30

Micro invertebrates are tiny creatures that are invisible to the naked eye but form the basis of the food web in our waterways. Dr. Robert Walsh talks about the importance and diversity of microfauna for sustaining aquatic systems and reveals that their eggs can remain viable for up to 400-500 years, meaning that extinct species could come alive again if water is added!

 

 

 


There's a vital, living connection between the lush, rainforested rivers of Far North Queensland and the vast blue expanse of the Great Barrier Reef. What happens in one profoundly affects the other. Hosted by James Donaldson from Wet Tropics Waterways, the Reef And Rivers Podcast explores this intricate relationship by giving a voice to the people who know it best. Each conversation moves beyond abstract science to ground-level stories, offering a direct line to farmers, Traditional Owners, researchers, and community volunteers who are actively engaged with the landscape. You'll hear about the specific critters-from tiny insects to majestic fish-that indicate a waterway's health, and learn about the practical, often ingenious projects aimed at protecting them. This isn't just a series of interviews; it's an ongoing audio documentary about the interdependence of an entire region's lifestyle, economy, and environment. By tuning into this podcast, you gain an understanding of how everyday actions on land ripple out to the reef, and more importantly, how collective effort is working to ensure both these iconic systems thrive for generations to come. The discussions are grounded, hopeful, and filled with the kind of specific details that only come from firsthand experience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 72

Reef And Rivers Podcast
Podcast Episodes
S4.E9 A blueprint for turbo-charging reef water quality progress [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:12
The Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project was an ambitious 4-year social change and reef water quality project, and has been described as a blueprint to accelerating progress towards achieving reef water quality targets.…
S4.E8 Bum breathers - the Johnstone River snapping turtle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:25
Despite its name, the Johnstone River snapping turtle is no snappier than any other freshwater turtle – and is perhaps better known by its alias, the 'bum breather'. According to turtle expert Alistair Freeman, this abil…
S4.E6 Keeping tabs on mangroves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:45
Mangroves and saltmarsh are important coastal ecosystems that help purify water, buffer coastal communities from extreme weather and provide fish nurseries for our recreational and commercial fishing industries. They're…
S4.E5 From pets to pests - ornamental fish gone rogue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:25
They might look pretty – or at least, pretty harmless, but Australia's ornamental fish trade can pose a serious threat to our waterways. Once an invasive is established, it makes eradication almost impossible, which mean…
S4.E4 The changing face of tropical cyclones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:30
Tropical cyclones, though destructive, are part of the natural dynamics of the rainforest and reef. We often see their land-based impacts most vividly, but they also impact coral reefs and seagrass beds. We catch up with…
S4.E3 Tracking bull sharks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:35
Equal parts fearful and fascinating, bull sharks have a reputation as strong, aggressive sharks and are one of the most common species that anglers are likely to encounter in the estuaries and inshore marine zone. Nicola…
S4.E2 Pharmaceutical-filled waterways [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:29
When we think about waterway pollution, things like paracetamol and caffeine probably aren't the first things that come to mind – but they're among the alarmingly long list of pharmaceuticals and consumables that are lit…
S4.E1 Wet Tropics Waterway Health Report Card Results - 2022 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:33
The 2022 Wet Tropics Waterway Health Report Card was released today. A lot of complex science goes on behind the report, and it can get a bit heavy, so we asked our Independent Chair Dr Greg Vinall to break it down. Join…
Season 3 Episode 7: Report Card Results [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:41
The science is in, and the results are out. The 2021 Report Card grades the condition of the freshwater basins, estuaries and marine environments across the Wet Tropics as an action of the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainabil…