In a collaborative new study published in Science of the Total Environment, conducted by the Marine Mammal Foundation, RMIT, and the University of Melbourne, researchers have uncovered alarming concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," in the critically endangered Burrunan dolphins of south-east Australia. This research, led by Chantel Foord, identified the highest global concentrations of legacy PFAS ever recorded in dolphins, as well as detecting new and emerging compounds.

As we move through Plastic Free July and continue to reflect on just how present plastics are in our everyday lives, it's important to think about how this material and our use of it impacts not only humans, but the wider environment. Join Hayley Charlton-Howard as she discusses how plastic has invaded almost every corner of our natural ecosystems, and the devastating traces and long-lasting effects that this material can have.

Plastic Free July is a global movement that focuses our attention on the overuse, overreliance and issues related to plastics. This month we will be sharing some dedicated blogs on plastics to raise awareness, steps for positive action, and change-based conservation. In this blog, we highlight some very surprising facts on ‘hidden’ microplastics we consume.

Did you know that the southern hemisphere humpback whales have differing and distinct morphotypes? With a ‘nearly all-white’ humpback whale calf spotted near Ballina this week, check out our latest blog on these colouration types, how researchers identify each whale, and Migaloo the albino humpback whale!