Breadcrumbs
USC research features on ABC’s Catalyst program
Research by a University of the Sunshine Coast marine scientist into the effects of four-wheel-drive vehicles on beach ecosystems featured on ABC Television’s science program, Catalyst, on Thursday 8 May.
Catalyst reporter Ruben Meerman interviewed Associate Professor Thomas Schlacher on Fraser Island and the Noosa North Shore about the impact that human activities are having on the tiny creatures that make their homes in sand.
The interview can be watched on the Catalyst website which also contains the full transcript of the story.
Dr Schlacher explained that vehicular traffic along beaches made it difficult for macrobenthic invertebrates, like sea-snails, shrimp and other creatures, to survive in some areas.
He said these animals played a crucial role in the food chain and their loss could have significant impacts on beach ecosystems.
“I think the point we like to get across here is that the beach is not a marine desert,” Dr Schlacher said during the interview. “It’s a living ecosystem. It is full of life.”
— Terry Walsh