Hydrobiology recently attended the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA) Snapchat event hosted by Murdoch University. This was a fantastic format with speakers delivering 1 minute “Snapchats” about their work. Longer key-note talks were given about an extensive sea-dragon identification project and a fascinating insight into coral spawning connectivity in the Kimberley. Hydrobiology spoke (briefly) about lessons learned from remotely run marine surveys overseas (during COVID-19).
Snapchat topics were organised around sessions such as “Hot off the Press” where we heard the good news about a salty encounter with Sea Mullet in hypersaline conditions in the SW (maybe setting new records) and a fantastic presentation by 5-year old marine biologist Rehan who spoke about his fish biodiversity study of Mettam’s Pool in Perth’s Northern suburbs. One to follow for sure.
“Kick Starters” discussed projects just underway, including a voyage to determine radioactivity in the Montebellos and multi-spectral remote sensing analysis of mangroves in the Exmouth Gulf. The third session, aptly named “Think Tank”, looked at some unique ideas through a slightly different lens. Our favourite was about seasonal variation in low tides and how it might impact sub-tidal communities – this one was nicely illustrated with a “spirograph” style graphic. The event finished with “A day in the Life” and we were in awe of critter cam footage of a grumpy sea turtle nipping at an overly curious shark.
We really enjoyed this event and look forward to the next one!
For more information on AMSA events, please visit: https://www.amsa.asn.au/
