In this episode of I sit down with my supervisor, mentor, and globally respected estuarine ecologist, Dr. James Tweedley senior lecturer at Murdoch University, for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about one of the most overlooked yet critically important ecosystems on Earth: estuaries.

From the moment I stepped into his lab as an undergrad, James completely changed the way I saw the world—turning what I once thought were just “dirty puddles” into ecosystems that are dynamic, essential, and fascinating. In this episode, we explore why estuaries matter—ecologically, economically, and culturally—and unpack some of the challenges scientists face when even defining what an estuary is.

We cover topics like nutrient cycling, fish nurseries, freshwater inflows, tidal limits, and ecosystem services, as well as broader discussions around human impacts, legislation, climate threats, and the global estuary squeeze. Whether you’re a scientist, student, policymaker, or just someone who loves the coast, this conversation is packed with insight, clarity, and a few laughs too.