Join Reef Check Australia and friends on the second Tuesday night of each month at Sea Life, Mooloolaba, for an evening of discovery, inspiration and appreciation of our local marine, coastal and catchment environments.

This month we will hear from Professor Nicholas Paul from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).

Prof. Paul is a biologist in the School of Science and Engineering at USC. He leads applied research and development on seaweed and algae for new product development, based upon a platform of sustainable production. He is the project leader on two international research for development projects, focused on domesticating new species, creating new culture techniques and developing bio products for farmed seaweed in the Indo-Pacific region.

His interests in Australia revolve around high-value products, including functional food and nutraceuticals for human health as well as bio actives for livestock and agriculture. Because of its sustainability focus, this research has led to some unusual deviations from traditional aquaculture, working with sewage, coal-fired power stations and mining and mineral wastes.

About the Talk: From coast to cows: Seaweed supplements for methane reduction from cattle

Besides reducing our meat and dairy intake to reduce our carbon footprint, this might be the next best thing. A puffy pink seaweed that grows locally can stop cows from burping out methane and it is being primed for mass farming by USC researchers. 

The particular seaweed species, called Asparagopsis, grows prolifically off the Queensland Coast, and was the only seaweed found to have the effect in a study five years ago led by CSIRO. The USC team is working at the Bribie Island Research Centre in Moreton Bay to learn more about how to grow the seaweed species, with the goal of informing a scale-up of production that could supplement cow feed on a national or even global scale. Dr Paul will share the latest information on this research and let us know how this may assist individuals in reducing their carbon footprint.

Come join us in the Seal Stadium at SEALIFE, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba.

Doors open at 6:15 pm for a 6:30 pm start.

Stay after the event for networking and nibbles - get your burning questions answered by Prof. Nicholas Paul and continue your thoughts, ideas and sea-minded discussions with your local community, while you enjoy some pizza!

This initiative is hosted by Reef Check Australia, and proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council's Environment Levy partnerships grant and the June Canavan Foundation with amazing in-kind support from SEALIFE Sunshine Coast.

Thanks also to these awesome local businesses supporting these events with giveaway sustainable goodies, Onya, Bokashi Ninja, Surfing Green, Seastraws, Ever Eco, Boomerang Bags

Future talks take place on the second Tuesday night of each month, with a new, interesting and engaging speaker.

For more information, please email ambassadors@reefcheckaustralia.org.

Join us at Good Bar, Mooloolaba on Tuesday April 21st for a funtastic night of TRIVIA in support of RCA's General Manager Jodi's Homeward Bound trip.

Come early, grab a bite to eat from 6pm, and warm up for a 7pm start.

So many groovy prizes to be won, from awesome local supporters including Aqua Fun Park Sunshine Coast, Sunbutter, Elixiba, The Big Boing Indoor Trampoline Park,American Massage Therapies, Oh Crap, Misty Lane and Co, Noosa Learn To Surf and more! So make sure you get in on the local action and reserve your team spots fast.

Early bird price is $10 (plus booking fee) per person with a strict limit on capacity! Otherwise, if any tickets are left, it's $15 on the door.

We recommend teams of at least 6, due to the seating arrangements. Bigger or smaller teams? Let us know and we’ll see what we can do!

Reef Check Australia is excited to host and support this event.

Homeward Bound is a ground-breaking, global leadership initiative, which aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in making decisions that shape our planet. We’re supporting our very own Jodi Salmond (RCA’s GM) who’ll be participating in Homeward Bound's 2020 Antarctic venture!

Bookings are essential, as spots are TIGHT! Please make sure you contact Emily at seqevents@reefcheckaustralia.org to make your team reservation - make your team name count!