ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6652-3053
Current Organisations
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice
,
Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis
,
Surf Life Saving Australia
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Natural hazards | Geography education curriculum and pedagogy | Ecological Impacts of Climate Change | Oceanography | Biological Oceanography | Public health | Physical Oceanography | Injury prevention
Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Environments | Coastal and Marine Management Policy | Marine Oceanic Processes (excl. climate related) |
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-05-2021
Abstract: Natural hazards combined with the COVID-19 pandemic have had significant global impacts to the community and the environment. This study explores the impact of the Australian 2019/20 bushfires followed by the COVID-19 pandemic on unintentional coastal drowning fatalities. Fatality data were collated using triangulation methodology. Percentage change in coastal drowning fatalities between 2019/20 financial year (FY) and the 15FY annual average (2004/5–2018/19) were calculated for the dominant bushfire period (August 2019–February 2020 inclusive) and COVID-19 restrictions in place for 2019/20FY (March–June 2020 inclusive). Relative risk (RR with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) of coastal drowning was calculated against the average for overall, bushfire and COVID-19 periods, using coastal participation data as the denominator, weighted for the predicted decrease in the use of outdoor coastal areas due to these widespread events. Coastal drowning fatalities increased in 2019/20FY by 9% overall (bushfires: 6% COVID-19: 9%). Swimming/wading drowning fatalities increased during the bushfire period (RR = 2.02 95% CI: 1.13–3.63), while boating and personal watercraft (PWC)-related fatalities increased during both the bushfire (RR = 2.92 95% CI: 1.41–6.05) and COVID-19 period (RR = 3.86 95% CI: 1.64–9.11). Rock fishing fatalities also increased across both the bushfire (RR = 4.19 95% CI: 1.45–12.07 p = 0.008) and COVID-19 (RR = 3.8 % CI: 1.24–11.62 p = 0.027) periods. Findings indicate the activity patterns leading to coastal drowning fatalities changed despite significant public health events impacting freedom of movement and thus opportunity for coastal participation. Understanding, and preparing for, the impacts of natural hazards on drowning risk is vital for future preventive efforts.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2016
DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2015.1126581
Abstract: Biofilms are integral to many marine processes but their formation and function may be affected by anthropogenic inputs that alter environmental conditions, including fertilisers that increase nutrients. Density composition and connectivity of biofilms developed in situ (under ambient and elevated nutrients) were compared using 454-pyrosequencing of the 16S gene. Elevated nutrients shifted community composition from bacteria involved in higher processes (eg Pseudoalteromonas spp. invertebrate recruitment) towards more nutrient-tolerant bacterial species (eg Terendinibacter sp.). This may enable the persistence of biofilm communities by increasing resistance to nutrient inputs. A core biofilm microbiome was identified (predominantly Alteromonadales and Oceanospirillales) and revealed shifts in abundances of core microbes that could indicate enrichment by fertilisers. Fertiliser decreased density and connectivity within biofilms indicating that associations were disrupted perhaps via changes to energetic allocations within the core microbiome. Density composition and connectivity changes suggest nutrients can affect the stability and function of these important marine communities.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 16-04-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0242298
Abstract: Echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) are found Australia-wide and appear to be remarkably well-adapted to the arid zone, yet nearly all echidna research has been conducted in temperate, tropical and alpine zones. This study investigated the home range and movement of echidnas in western New South Wales. Radio telemetry tracking was used to locate the echidnas daily during the study period (March-May 2018, November 2018, March-May 2019 and August 2019) the observed home range was 1.47± 1.21km 2 . This is over twice the reported home range of temperate environments ( .65km 2 ), suggesting that echidnas exhibit larger home ranges in arid zones. The home range of in idual echidnas ranged from 0.02km 2 to 3.56km 2 . Echidnas exhibited a small degree of overlap (6.6%± 19.8%) but this varied considerably between in iduals (between 0 to 84.2% overlap.) Four out of the thirteen echidnas died during this study, likely due to the severe drought that occurred during the study. This study provides insight into the movement and home range of echidnas in arid zones, revealing that desert echidnas have large home ranges, probably dependent on the availability of resources.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 17-03-2022
DOI: 10.5194/NHESS-22-909-2022
Abstract: Abstract. The majority of drowning deaths on Australian beaches occur significant distances away from lifeguard services. This study uses results of 459 surveys of beachgoers at five beaches unpatrolled by lifeguards in New South Wales, Australia, to improve understanding of who visits these beaches and why, and to identify risk factors associated with their beach safety knowledge and behaviour. Many unpatrolled beach users were infrequent beachgoers (64.9 %) with poor rip current hazard identification skills, who did not observe safety signage that was present, and yet intended to enter the water to swim (85.6 %) despite being aware that no lifeguards were present. The survey found that the main reasons why beachgoers visited unpatrolled beaches were because they were conveniently close to their holiday accommodation, or they represented a quieter location away from crowds. Future beach safety interventions in Australia need to extend beyond the standard “swim between the flags” message in recognition that many Australian beaches will remain unpatrolled, yet still frequented, for the foreseeable future. Future beach safety interventions for unpatrolled beaches should be tailored towards the varied demographic groups of beach users.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 17-03-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0265593
Abstract: Physalia physalis , the bluebottle in Australia, are colonial siphonophores that live at the surface of the ocean, mainly in tropical and subtropical waters. P. physalis are sometimes present in large swarms, and with tentacles capable of intense stings, they can negatively impact public health and commercial fisheries. P. physalis , which does not swim, is advected by ocean currents and winds acting on its gas-filled sail. While previous studies have attempted to model the drift of P. physalis , little is known about its sources, distribution, and the timing of its arrival to shore. In this study, we present a dataset with four years of daily P. physalis beachings and stings reports at three locations off Sydney’s coast in Australia. We investigate the spatial and temporal variability of P. physalis presence (beachings and stings) in relation to different environmental parameters. This dataset shows a clear seasonal pattern where more P. physalis beachings occur in the Austral summer and less in winter. Cold ocean temperatures do not hinder the presence of P. physalis and the temperature seasonal cycle and that observed in P. physalis presence/absence time-series are out of phase by 3-4 months. We identify wind direction as the major driver of the temporal variability of P. physalis arrival to the shore, both at daily and seasonal time-scales. The differences observed between sites of the occurrence of beaching events is consistent with the geomorphology of the coastline which influences the frequency and direction of favorable wind conditions. We also show that rip currents, a physical mechanism occurring at the scale of the beach, can be a predictor of beaching events. This study is a first step towards understanding the dynamics of P. physalis transport and ultimately being able to predict its arrival to the coast and mitigating the number of people who experience painful stings and require medical help.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2023
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 02-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0246034
Abstract: Coastal drowning is a global public health problem which requires evidence to support safety initiatives. The growing multidisciplinary body of coastal drowning research and associated prevention countermeasures is erse and has not been characterised as a whole. The objective of this scoping review was to identify key concepts, findings, evidence and research gaps in the coastal drowning literature to guide future research and inform prevention activities. We conducted a scoping review to identify peer reviewed studies published before May 2020 reporting either (i) fatal unintentional coastal drowning statistics from non-boating, -disaster or -occupational aetiologies (ii) risk factors for unintentional fatal coastal drowning or (iii) coastal drowning prevention strategies. Systematic searches were conducted in six databases, two authors independently screened studies for inclusion and one author extracted data using a standardised data charting form developed by the study team. Of the 146 included studies, the majority (76.7%) were from high income countries, 87 (59.6%) reported coastal drowning deaths, 61 (41.8%) reported risk factors, and 88 (60.3%) reported prevention strategies. Populations, data sources and coastal water site terminology in the studies varied widely as did reported risk factors, which most frequently related to demographics such as gender and age. Prevention strategies were commonly based on survey data or expert opinion and primarily focused on education, lifeguards and signage. Few studies (n = 10) evaluated coastal drowning prevention strategies. Coastal drowning is an expansive, multidisciplinary field that demands cross-sector collaborative research. Gaps to be addressed in coastal safety research include the lack of research from lower resourced settings, unclear and inconsistent terminology and reporting, and the lack of evaluation for prevention strategies. Advancing coastal drowning science will result in a stronger evidence base from which to design and implement effective countermeasures that ultimately save lives and keep people safe.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 15-03-2021
DOI: 10.1071/AM20068
Abstract: There is currently a paucity of publications reporting different ways of minimising stress in collared mammals. We describe the construction of a DIY (do-it-yourself i.e. self-made) radio-collar attachment that can improve the animal welfare outcomes of radio-tracking surveys for small macropods. The flexible collar is light, designed for long-term wear, and can stretch to allow a snagged animal to free itself without choking. We present our findings using capture and radio-collaring data from a population of an endangered macropod. Of 39 DIY radio-collars, 25 remained attached for over four months, 4 fell off naturally after 9–15 weeks, and 10 were unattached by other mechanisms (e.g. a predation event). Adverse reactions were uncommon, and we present recommendations for future radio-collaring studies.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 16-03-2022
DOI: 10.1071/WR21107
Abstract: Context Continued miniaturisation of tracking technology increases its utility in animal applications. However, species morphology often dictates the type of animal-borne device (ABD) that can be used, and how it is attached. The morphology of species within Peramelemorphia preclude them from the standard collar attachment of ABDs for terrestrial mammals. Aims This paper describes a method for the tail-mount attachment of ABDs, and deployment results for Peramelemorphia across arid, semi-arid and temperate Australia to (a) test the performance of attachments and ABDs in the field and (b) discuss the animal welfare considerations for this attachment method. Methods Tail-mount attachment of ABDs were field-tested on a total of 80 greater bilbies (Macrotis lagotis), and 14 long-nosed bandicoots (Perameles nasuta). Key results Time to natural detachment (TTND) was between 2 and 52 days, with 65.74% (142 of 216) remaining on until manual removal. For ABDs that were manually removed, attachments were retained for up to 94 days. The method used for tail-mount attachment of ABDs to long-nosed bandicoots resulted in significantly shorter TTND compared with the method used for bilbies, and environmental factors (high temperatures and rainfall) had a negative effect on TTND. Tail-mount attached global positioning system (GPS) sensors collected large quantities of accurate data, with a maximum fix success rate of 83.38%. Damage to GPS (antenna breakage and water ingress) during deployment, however, impacted performance. In environments with frequent rainfall and waterlogged soils, the tape on a small proportion (6.25%) of (n = 192) attachments to bilbies caused tail injury. All injuries were resolvable, with most requiring minimal to no veterinary intervention. Key conclusions Attachment longevity can be affected by how the ABD is mounted to the tail, the species and the deployment environment. The environment can also affect which adhesive tapes are suitable for ABD attachment. However, this method is highly modifiable, practical for field application and can have long retention times relative to other temporary methods. Implications This ABD tail-mount attachment method adds another tool to the telemetry tool-kit, with all the benefits of a low-tech, low-cost, passive drop-off type attachment. This method has demonstrated practicality for Peramelemorphia, with potential application to other suitable small vertebrates.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 13-08-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0256202
Abstract: Drowning is a global public health problem, but accurately estimating drowning risk remains a challenge. Coastal drowning comprises a significant proportion of the drowning burden in Australia and is influenced by a range of behavioural factors (e.g. risk perception, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours) that are poorly understood. These factors, along with those that impact exposure (e.g. coastal visitation and activity participation) all impact on drowning risk. While excellent mortality and morbidity data exists in Australia, a lack of coastal participation data presents challenges to identifying high-risk groups or activities and prioritising prevention efforts. This methods paper describes the development and evolution of an ongoing, annual, nationally representative online survey as an effective tool used to capture valuable data about the Australian population’s relationship with the coast. This paper explores how the survey is structured (12–14 sections spanning multiple topics and themes), the different question types used (including open text, 4-digit responses and categorical questions), the s le size (1400–1600 respondents), s ling strategy (using demographic quota s ling which can then be post-weighted to the population if required) and how topics and themes have changed over time to enhance the quality of data collected (i.e., wording changes to enhance participant comprehension or data usability and changing issue-specific ‘feature’ topics of interest such as c aign evaluation). How the survey is implemented online is described, both practically through to third-party recruitment processes and ethically to maximise anonymity of respondents and ensure data quality. Interim analyses indicate the impact of considering exposure when calculating fatal drowning rates, especially by activity (e.g., crude boating drowning rate 0.12 per 100,000 population vs 0.95 per 100,000 exposed population [relative risk = 8.01 95% confidence interval: 4.55–14.10]). This study highlights lessons learned in the process of conducting a nationally representative coastal participation survey as well as the strengths and limitations of adopting this approach. Data collected will provide more detailed information on the skills, behaviours, knowledge and attitudes of coastal activity participants. Analyses of this unique dataset will inform research that will underpin development and evaluation of coastal drowning prevention initiatives prioritising those most at risk. It is hoped that the methods detailed within this study may be useful for other countries to develop similar approaches to understanding their own population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.03.083
Abstract: Coastal systems are increasingly impacted by human activities. While the direct effects of in idual contaminants have been investigated, the potential for multiple contaminants to impact adjacent hard substrate habitats is poorly understood. Sediment-bound contaminants pose a risk to water column organisms through resuspension and the fluxing of dissolved nutrients and metals. This study experimentally manipulated contaminated coastal sediments in mesocosms with additions of a common fertiliser to investigate the impact on both bacterial biofilms and macrofouling communities on nearby hard substrates. Field mesocosms were deployed sub-tidally for two weeks in a fully crossed design with two levels of metal contamination (ambient or high) and three levels of organic enrichment (ambient, low and high). Developing biofilm and macrofaunal communities were collected on acetate settlement sheets above the mesocosm sediments and censused with a combination of high-throughput sequencing (biofilm) and microscopy (macrofauna). Organic enrichment of sediments induced compositional shifts in biofilm communities, reducing their ersity, evenness and richness. Furthermore, co-occurrence networks built from microbial assemblages exposed to contaminated sediments displayed reduced connectivity compared to controls, suggesting a more stochastic assembly dynamic, where microbial interactions are reduced. Macrofouling community composition shifted in response to increased enrichment with separate and interactive effects of metals also observed for in idual taxa. Specifically, antagonistic stressor interactions were observed for colonial ascidians and arborescent bryozoans metal contamination decreased abundances of these taxa, except under high enrichment conditions. Together these micro- and macrofaunal responses indicate selection for depauperate, but contaminant-tolerant, communities and a potential breakdown in biotic connectivity through multiple stressor impacts across habitat boundaries.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSR.2022.05.012
Abstract: Alcohol and drug (illicit or prescription) intoxication impairs motor skills, coordination, decision making abilities, hazard perception, and is known to increase the risk of death in coastal environments. Prior coastal safety research has focused largely on the impact of alcohol on drowning, with less research on the influence of drugs and leaving a significant number of other non-drowning fatalities largely excluded, despite being preventable with mitigation of injuries or medical factors. This retrospective cross-sectional study explored the impact of alcohol and drugs on unintentional Australian drowning deaths and other coastal fatalities over a 16-year period to identify higher-risk populations and coastal activity groups for which alcohol/drug use is increased. It was found that alcohol, benzodiazepines/sedatives, and hetamine usage was prevalent in coastal deaths. Of the 2,884 coastal deaths, 80.6% of decedents had known toxicological data. Alcohol and/or drug intoxication contributed to 23% of coastal drowning deaths and 19% of fatalities. For drowning and other fatalities combined, 8.7% were due to alcohol, 8.7% due to drugs, and 4.1% due to both alcohol and drugs. Australian-born decedents were more likely to involve alcohol (RR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.26-2.3, p 0.001), drugs (RR = 2.62, 95%CI = 1.85-3.7, p 0.001), or both alcohol and drugs (RR = 4.43, 95%CI = 2.51-7.82, p 0.001) with an increased risk identified in Indigenous Australian populations (RR = 2.17, 95%CI = 1.12-4.24, p = 0.04). The impact of alcohol and drug intoxication varied by activity, with Personal Watercraft users more likely to die due to alcohol intoxication (RR = 2.67, 95%CI = 1.23-5.78, p = 0.035), while scuba ers (RR = 0, p 0.001), snorkelers (RR = 0.14, 95%CI = 0.036-0.57, p 0.001), and rock fishers (RR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.22-0.96, p = 0.03) were less likely. Recreational jumping and fall-related coastal deaths were more likely to involve alcohol and alcohol/drugs combined. This study identifies factors to further investigate or target with prevention strategies to decrease the holistic burden of mortality due to alcohol and/or drug usage on the Australian coast.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2015.11.040
Abstract: Understanding interactive effects of contaminants is critical to predict how human activities change ecosystem structure and function. We examined independent and interactive effects of two contaminants (fertiliser and copper paint) on the recruitment, mortality, and total abundance of developing invertebrate communities in the field, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after substrate submersion. Contaminants affected community structure differently, and produced an intermediate community in combination. Fertiliser increased recruitment and decreased mortality of active filter feeders (ascidians and barnacles), while copper paint decreased recruitment and increased mortality of some taxa. Contaminants applied together affected some taxa (e.g. Didemnid ascidians) antagonistically, as fertiliser mitigated adverse effects of copper paint. Recruitment of active filter feeders appears to be indicative of nutrient enrichment, and their increased abundance may reduce elevated nutrients in modified waterways. This study demonstrates the need to consider both independent and interactive effects of contaminants on marine communities in the field.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-10-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ACV.12745
Abstract: Complete separation of endangered prey from introduced predators improves prey survival at the cost of reduced predator recognition and antipredator behaviours, termed ‘prey naiveté’. Headstarting is a conservation strategy that has been used to improve the survival of juveniles for numerous species, whereby prey is separated from predators only in their vulnerable early life stage before release to the wild. However, by isolating prey from predators headstarting could compromise prey in iduals’ antipredator behaviour. Here, we evaluate the effects that headstarting has on the survival, dispersal, body condition and flight initiation distance (FID) of a terrestrial mammal, the bridled nailtail wallaby Onychogalea fraenata . Young bridled nailtail wallabies were isolated from predators in a 9.2 ha predator‐free fenced exclosure and were released into the wild once their body mass exceeded 3 kg. There was no difference in dispersal, body condition or survival of headstarted wallabies compared to wild‐raised wallabies. FID of headstarted wallabies assessed using night‐vision goggles was lower than wild‐raised wallabies in the week following release, but converged with that of wild‐raised wallabies within 4 weeks post‐release. Our results show that headstarting can be an effective conservation strategy for terrestrial mammals whose early life stages are vulnerable to introduced predators.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-11-2021
DOI: 10.1136/INJURYPREV-2020-043969
Abstract: Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death, especially for males. In Australian coastal waters, young male adults account for 25% of the burden of male drowning. This study aims to describe young male coastal drowning deaths and to examine the prevalence of risk factors, especially alcohol and drugs. Characteristics of unintentional fatal drowning involving males (15–34 years) were compared with other adults (15 years and older). Data were sourced from the National Coronial Information System (Australia) and Surf Life Saving incident reports (2004/2005–2018/2019). Relative risk was calculated and χ 2 tests of independence were performed (p .05). Blood alcohol and drug concentrations were analysed with permutational analyses of variance. Young males drowned more while jumping (9.85 times), swimming/wading (1.41 times), at rock/cliff locations (1.42 times) and on public holidays (1.8 times). Young males drowned less while boating (0.81 times), scuba ing (2.08 times), offshore (1.56 times) or due to medical factors (3.7 times). Young males drowned more (1.68 times) after consuming illicit drugs ( hetamines 2.26 times cannabis 2.25 times) and less with prescription drugs (benzodiazepines 2.6 times opiates 4.1 times antidepressants 7.7 times). Blood serum concentrations of cannabis were higher in young males, while hetamine and alcohol were lower. Unsafe behaviours alongside certain activities or locations create deadly combinations of risk factors. A relationship between age, activity, attitude and affluence is proposed, where young males drown more in affordable activities with fewer regulations. Our results support multilevel strategies (spanning life stages) to reduce young male coastal drowning.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 21-10-2022
Abstract: To explore the impact of mandatory lifejacket wear legislation on unintentional rock fishing-related drowning fatalities at declared high-risk rock platforms in New South Wales (NSW Australia). Rock fishing-related drownings for the five years pre-legislation enactment (23 November 2011 to 22 November 2016) and five years post-legislation enactment (23 November 2016 to 22 November 2021) were compared. Google Earth was used to assess if drowning deaths occurred at declared areas under legislation. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse change in the number of deaths in declared areas pre-legislation ost-legislation. Over the 10 years, 80 rock fishing drowning deaths occurred in New South Wales 23 in declared areas pre-legislation and 13 post-legislation (−43.5%). The odds of a rock fishing drowning death occurring in a declared area pre-legislation was 2.3 times higher (95% CI 0.942 to 5.752 p=0.067). Reductions in rock fishing deaths at declared areas were observed since the legislation’s introduction, but were not significant. Greater enforcement and extension to other high-risk platforms may reduce deaths further.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2018.07.234
Abstract: Anthropogenic contaminants, including nutrient enrichment, frequently alter environmental conditions in marine systems and affect the development of communities on hard-substrata. Biofilms can influence the settlement of marine invertebrates and hence impact on the structure of fouling communities. Few studies have examined bacteria, invertebrates and nutrient-rich contaminants in concert, with none yet to examine the effects of nutrient-rich contaminants on both biofilms and the recruitment of sessile invertebrate communities in-situ to ascertain the mechanistic basis behind observed impacts. Biofilm treatments were allowed to develop under manipulated environmental conditions of either ambient or enriched nutrient levels. Enrichment conditions were elevated via slow-release fertiliser and invertebrate recruitment was prevented during initial biofilm development. Biofilm treatments (including a no film control) were then subject to either ambient or enriched water-borne nutrients (in a fully-factorial design) during a period of invertebrate colonisation in the field. Effects of nutrient-rich contaminants on invertebrate recruitment were observed as changes to community composition and the abundances of taxonomic groups. Communities on no biofilm control treatments differed from those with pre-developed biofilms. Naturally developed biofilms promoted recruitment by all organisms, except barnacles, which preferred nutrient-enriched biofilms. Water-borne nutrients increased the recruitment of ascidians and barnacles, but suppressed bryozoan, serpulid polychaete and sponge recruitment. The direct and indirect impacts observed on biofilm and invertebrate communities suggest that increasing nutrient levels via nutrient-rich contaminants will result in structural community shifts that may ultimately impact ecosystem functioning within estuaries.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 20-05-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0251938
Abstract: Suicide is an increasing global concern with multiple risk factors, yet location-based understanding is limited. In Australia, surf lifesavers (SLS) and lifeguards patrol the coast, performing rescues and assisting injured people, including people who suicide. This study is a descriptive epidemiological analysis of Australian coastal suicide deaths. The results will be used to inform training and support surf lifesaving personnel and suicide prevention organisations. This is a population-based cross-sectional study of suicide deaths at Australian coastal locations (between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2019). Data were sourced from the National Coronial Information System and SLS Australia’s Incident Report Database. Analyses explored decedent, incident, and risk factors by sex and method. Across the study period, there were 666 coastal suicide deaths (71.0% male, 43.4% jumping from high places [X80]). Males were more likely to suicide by other means (hanging, self-poisoning, firearm discharge n = 145, 83.8%), compared to females who were more likely to suicide by drowning ([X71] n = 77, 37.7%). In one third (n = 225, 38.3%) toxicology was a contributing factor. The risk of coastal suicides was 10.3 times higher during the seven-days prior to their birthday (p .001). Evidence of mental ill health was reported in 61.4% (n = 409) of cases and evidence of suicidal behaviour was reported for 37.4% of decedents (n = 249), more prevalent in females. SLS responded in 10.7% (n = 71) of coastal suicides (most jumps from high places n = 36, 50.7%). Coastal suicides differ to national trends suggesting that location-based differences should be considered during development of preventative and protective measures, especially at a community level. Accessibility, availability, perceived lethality and symbolic qualities are proposed to influence suicide location decisions. These results will guide support and education strategies for surf lifesaving personnel, contributes to established, ongoing suicide surveillance efforts (including hot-spot identification) and add to the limited literature exploring place-based suicide.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-05-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-023-15741-5
Abstract: Surf lifesavers and lifeguards have provided essential education, preventative, and rescue services to the Australian community for over 110 years. In this first responder role, surf lifesavers and lifeguards are inadvertently exposed to high risk and trauma related experiences, which may negatively impact mental well-being. To date however, there has been limited research into the mental health of surf lifesavers and lifeguards, and no studies at all on the mental health of adolescent surf lifesavers. The preliminary study aimed to measure the exposure of potentially traumatic events (PTEs), post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), self-efficacy, social support, and attitudes towards mental health problems in Surf Life Saving (SLS) members. An anonymous, online survey was developed (adolescent and adult versions) and created to measure the domain of mental health in surf lifesavers and lifeguards. Pearson’s correlations investigated relationships between PTEs, PTSS, self-efficacy, social support, attitudes towards mental health problems, age, years as a SLS member, and years patrolling. Spearman’s Rank was used for violations of normality. A total of 57 surf lifesavers/lifeguards aged 13–59 years were included in the final analysis. There was a significant positive relationship between exposure to direct trauma and PTSS, which in turn, were associated with greater negative attitudes towards mental health problems towards the mental health of others, and lower levels of self-efficacy. Male and female adults with PTSS reported lower social support, whereas for adolescent males, a positive relationship between direct trauma and PTSS was observed. This research is the first to explore the mental health of Australian surf lifesavers and lifeguards. The results highlight the potential risks to mental health and well-being associated with this first responder role. More research to protect the vulnerability of this population is warranted.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 02-11-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.11.02.364687
Abstract: Echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) are found Australian-wide and appear to be remarkably well-adapted to arid zones, yet, nearly all echidna research has been conducted in temperate, tropical and alpine zones. This study investigated the home range and movement of echidnas in western New South Wales. Radio telemetry tracking was used to locate the echidnas daily during the study period (March-May 2019 and August 2019) the home range was 1.47± 1.21 km 2 . This is over twice the reported home range of temperate environments ( .65 km 2 ) suggesting that echidnas exhibit larger home ranges in arid zones. This study provides insight into the movement and home range of echidnas in arid zones, revealing that desert echidnas have large home ranges, dependent on the availability of resources.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-03-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2012
DOI: 10.4161/AUTO.19496
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-03-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-08-2023
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.785
Abstract: Rip currents are strong, narrow, fast‐flowing currents of water that occur on many beaches and in Australia contributing to 26 drowning deaths and several thousand lifeguard/lifesaver rescues each year. Educating the public about the rip current hazard is a primary focus of beach safety practitioners, but there has been a lack of qualitative research exploring the firsthand experiences of being caught in a rip current to assist in this regard. The aim of this study was to analyse interviews of rip current survivors to understand more about how people react when unintentionally caught in a rip current in order to help guide future public education to mitigate rip current drowning. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 56 in iduals (primarily Australian‐born) about their experience of being caught in a rip current. Interviewees were recruited via an online survey and varied in age and self‐reported swimming ability. Thematic analysis revealed three key temporal elements to the rip current experience: Before the Rip in which lack of awareness and knowledge, complacency, over‐confidence, and attitude were prevalent themes During the Rip which identified panic and temporary inhibition of decision‐making, physical response, prior experience, and relationships with other beach users as themes and After the Rip where post‐rip effects and rip safety messaging and education were key themes. The importance of experiential immersion w as a prevalent thread throughout all phases of the thematic analysis. Our research shows that being caught in a rip current can be an intense and traumatic experience and that lessons learned from survivors have significant implications for improving existing and future rip current education efforts. In this regard, we provide several recommendations based on evidence‐based insights gained from our interviews including the development of immersive rip current experience using virtual reality. Despite the prevalence of rip currents causing drowning deaths and rescues, there has been a lack of qualitative research on firsthand experiences to aid in public education. These interviews emphasise the intense and traumatic nature of being caught in a rip current, underscoring the need for improved rip current education to aid in prevention of this, often harrowing, experience.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 18-05-2023
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0285928
Abstract: Surfing and bodyboarding (SAB) are popular activities, but not without risk. Limited SAB mortality and exposure risk explorations exist, so this cross-sectional study explores epidemiology and risk factors for SAB deaths (1 July, 2004–30 June,2020) in Australia: including decedent and incident profiles, causes of death, differences between fatalities during SAB and other coastal activities and the impact of exposure on SAB mortality risk. Fatality data were sourced from the National Coronial Information System, incident and media reports. Tide-state data, population data and participation data were sourced from relevant authorities. Analyses included chi-square testing and simple logistic regression with odds ratios. There were 155 SAB deaths (80.6% surfing 96.1% male 36.8% aged 55+years 0.04/100,000 residents 0.63/100,000 surfers). Drowning was the most common cause of death (58.1% n = 90), but higher in bodyboarding, with bodyboarders 4.62 times more likely to drown than surfers (95%CI: 1.66–12.82 p = 0.003). Almost half (44.5% n = 69 χ 2 2 = 9.802 p = 0.007) were with friends/family, and the largest proportion occurred during a rising tide (41.3% n = 64 χ 2 3 = 180.627 p .001) followed by a low tide (36.8% n = 57). Australians surf 45.7 times each year, for 1.88 hours each visit equalling 86.1 ‘exposed’ hours. With exposure-time considered, exposure-adjusted surfer mortality rate (0.06/1 million hours) is lower than other in-water activities (0.11/1 million hours). Younger surfers (14–34 years) surfed more yet had the lowest mortality rate (114.5 hours/year 0.02/1 million hours). Older surfers (55+ years) had a lower SAB mortality rate (0.052) than the all-cause crude mortality rate of their average population counterparts (1.36). Cardiac conditions were identified in 32.9% (n = 69) of SAB deaths. SAB are relatively safe, with lower exposure mortality rates than other activities. Prevention should target older surfers, inland residents, and identification of surfers with risk factors for cardiac events.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/AM19030
Abstract: The parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect any warm-blooded species however, seroprevalence in most species remains largely unknown. In this study we examined the presence of T. gondii antibodies in captured in iduals in the two remaining wild populations and one captive population of endangered bridled nailtail wallabies (Onychogalea fraenata). S les from cats (Felis catus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and dogs (Canis lupus) were also taken opportunistically during invasive species control at the two wild populations. Seventy-one wallabies, sixteen cats, four rabbits, and two dogs’ blood s les were tested for T. gondii using a modified agglutination test. Half of the tested feral cats (n = 8) were seropositive and all intermediate hosts were seronegative for T. gondii antibodies. This unexpected result suggests a loss of infected in iduals before capture and testing, or parasite infectivity being suppressed by Queensland’s hot, dry climate.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 26-04-2021
DOI: 10.1071/AM20066
Abstract: The heterogeneity of resource distribution in arid environments plays an important role in habitat selection by consumers. The productivity of the riparian zones of intermittently flowing creeks is typically prolonged, relative to the hinterland, as moisture and nutrients concentrate there. Short-beaked echidnas, Tachyglossus aculeatus, sustain arid populations, attributed to ant and termite availability, low predation, and an ability to exploit habitat remnants. However, the scale of their movements in arid habitats is poorly understood. Thus, we investigated echidna home ranges and the importance of food and shelter availability in habitat selection over one winter. We focussed on the riparian zone of a creek at Mount Wood in Sturt National Park, north-western New South Wales, Australia. Radio tracking (VHF and GPS), scat and habitat selection analyses were conducted. Mean core and peripheral home range areas were 0.16 and 1.042 km2, respectively, with a mean home range overlap of 0.56 km2. Habitat selection differed between juveniles and adults and may have been driven by prey availability (predominantly ants). The preferred shelter was thick leaf litter. We concluded that habitat selection patterns were driven by prey availability (ants) and shelter (leaf litter).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-08-2019
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-019-11276-9
Abstract: The worldwide incidence of pulmonary carcinoids is increasing, but little is known about their molecular characteristics. Through machine learning and multi-omics factor analysis, we compare and contrast the genomic profiles of 116 pulmonary carcinoids (including 35 atypical), 75 large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC), and 66 small-cell lung cancers. Here we report that the integrative analyses on 257 lung neuroendocrine neoplasms stratify atypical carcinoids into two prognostic groups with a 10-year overall survival of 88% and 27%, respectively. We identify therapeutically relevant molecular groups of pulmonary carcinoids, suggesting DLL3 and the immune system as candidate therapeutic targets we confirm the value of OTP expression levels for the prognosis and diagnosis of these diseases, and we unveil the group of supra-carcinoids. This group comprises s les with carcinoid-like morphology yet the molecular and clinical features of the deadly LCNEC, further supporting the previously proposed molecular link between the low- and high-grade lung neuroendocrine neoplasms.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
DOI: 10.1016/J.CUB.2021.04.017
Abstract: Introduced predators threaten prey species worldwide, but strategies to protect vulnerable wildlife from introduced predators can be expensive, time-consuming, and logistically difficult
Start Date: 2023
End Date: 2025
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2022
End Date: 2024
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 12-2023
End Date: 12-2026
Amount: $342,924.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 10-2022
End Date: 10-2025
Amount: $441,371.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity