Radio Goolarri – In Studio
📅 Aired: 7 November 2025
Sandy Dann welcomes back Taryn The Shell Lady, for a fascinating yarn about the tiny ocean engineers many of us walk past without noticing: trapdoor shells, also known as operculums.
Broadcast live from the Radio Goolarri studio on 7 November 2025, this conversation dives into the hidden lives of Kimberley mollusks and the clever ways they survive Broome’s big tides, heat and predators. Taryn breaks down the science in a way everyone can understand, sharing stories from Cable Beach, reef walks and live shell counts.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
What trapdoor shells (operculums) are and why some shells have them
How mollusks protect themselves from drying out during low tide
The role shells play in cleaning our oceans and supporting healthy ecosystems
Seasonal changes on Broome’s beaches and what’s happening beneath the sand
Why observation, not interference, is key when we’re walking Country and coastline
With humour, memory and deep respect for the natural world, this is a reminder that shells aren’t just beautiful objects — they’re homes, protectors and part of a much bigger system that keeps our beaches alive.
