Mar Nimbs 20L Marine DISCOVERY TALKS Wednesday 12 October 2022 | 6.30 pm | Free Entry Waratah Room, Tomaree Library and Community Centre, Town Centre Cct, Salamander Bay Guest speakers from DPI Fisheries: Dr Tom Davis - Research Scientist Dr Matt Nimbs - Fisheries Scientist 6.30 pm - Dr Tom Davis - Flood impacts on marine habitats in Port Stephens Severe floods in March 2021 caused extensive damage to marine habitats, especially kelp beds, in Port Stephens. Over 50% of the kelp in Port Stephens was wiped out by this flood, but a substantial recovery has occurred since then. This talk will explain DPI research conducted to identify the causes of kelp losses in Port Stephens and examining kelp recovery since the floods. The kelp research in Port Stephens is funded under the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy. 7.15 pm - Dr Matt Nimbs - Discarding the shell: defensive strategies in marine sea slugs Nudibranchs and other sea slugs have done away with the familiar gastropod shell, opting instead for an unconstrained life as potentially vulnerable, soft-bodied meals. Despite this, they go about their lives with little fear of being eaten. In this talk, we explore the wide diversity of adaptations that this well-known group of marine animals have evolved to compensate for the absence of a protective shell. Divers, photographers and slug hunters will gain an insight into the complex biology of some of Port Stephens' most loved inhabitants. Department of Primary Industries Department of Regional NSW www.dpi.nsw.gov.au NSW GOVERNMENT Mar Nimbs 20L Marine DISCOVERY TALKS Wednesday 12 October 2022 | 6.30 pm | Free Entry Waratah Room , Tomaree Library and Community Centre , Town Centre Cct , Salamander Bay Guest speakers from DPI Fisheries : Dr Tom Davis - Research Scientist Dr Matt Nimbs - Fisheries Scientist 6.30 pm - Dr Tom Davis - Flood impacts on marine habitats in Port Stephens Severe floods in March 2021 caused extensive damage to marine habitats , especially kelp beds , in Port Stephens . Over 50 % of the kelp in Port Stephens was wiped out by this flood , but a substantial recovery has occurred since then . This talk will explain DPI research conducted to identify the causes of kelp losses in Port Stephens and examining kelp recovery since the floods . The kelp research in Port Stephens is funded under the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy . 7.15 pm - Dr Matt Nimbs - Discarding the shell : defensive strategies in marine sea slugs Nudibranchs and other sea slugs have done away with the familiar gastropod shell , opting instead for an unconstrained life as potentially vulnerable , soft - bodied meals . Despite this , they go about their lives with little fear of being eaten . In this talk , we explore the wide diversity of adaptations that this well - known group of marine animals have evolved to compensate for the absence of a protective shell . Divers , photographers and slug hunters will gain an insight into the complex biology of some of Port Stephens ' most loved inhabitants . Department of Primary Industries Department of Regional NSW www.dpi.nsw.gov.au NSW GOVERNMENT