Coastal Complications: What’s going on with our water, chips, and microbial mimicry?

Australians love their seafood. Whether munching on a fish or ‘throwing another shrimp on the barbie’, our lifestyles wouldn’t be the same without it. But how important are the items that we eat with our fish, calamari or prawns? And where do we draw the line in regard to whether one state has the best accompaniments or not? Victorians think theirs is vastly better than those to their north. But what is the scientific evidence for Victorian claims of superiority in this intense social divide?

Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of persistent chemicals that present an ongoing challenge for drinking water utilities, including Central Coast Council. Their strong carbon–fluorine bonds, high mobility and varied behaviour complicate monitoring, health interpretation and treatment. Managing PFAS requires a science‑based approach focused on exposure through treated water, fit‑for‑purpose analytics and continual adaptation as knowledge and guidance evolve.

Human‑made noise is an increasing threat to coastal environments, but it is often overlooked. In NSW, growing urban development around estuaries has occurred with little understanding of the impacts of underwater noise. This study provides a first assessment of 3 estuarine soundscapes, where recreational boating is the main noise source and that urbanisation levels influence sound levels. These results can aid in informing estuarine managers about noise impacts and help protect marine life.