Sandy Dann IV with Taryn the Shell Lady 130326

Broome’s very own Taryn “The Shell Lady” Ryan joins Sandy Dann in the studio to talk about something we’re all seeing more of along our coastline — rubbish and microplastics washing up on our beaches. While Taryn is usually known for sharing her love of shells and marine life, this conversation focuses on the environmental challenges facing our local beaches and oceans. In this interview, Taryn explains how microplastics — tiny fragments of plastic smaller than a centimetre — are increasingly being found along the high tide line on Broome beaches, particularly after storms and rough weather. Unlike organic materials that break down naturally, plastic breaks apart but never fully disappears, remaining in the ecosystem and even entering the food chain. Taryn also highlights the impact plastic has on marine life including turtles, dugongs and molluscs, which can mistake plastic for food or encounter it in their environment. The conversation also explores: • Why rubbish washes up even in remote areas • Fishing waste like bait bags and plastic bottles found on beaches • The importance of picking up rubbish whenever we see it • Community clean-ups organised by Tangaroa Blue • How everyday people can contribute to science through the iNaturalist app Taryn encourages everyone to take pride in caring for Country and our coastline: “Take the rubbish away, and leave the shells.” A simple message that helps protect the small creatures that rely on shells for survival and keeps our beaches healthy for future generations.