Latest news with #DavidVaughan
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Rare discovery found inside shark hooked off Aussie coast
Using a microscope to examine the dead Australian sharpnose shark, researchers from CQUniversity identified a 'rare' parasitic worm, previously unknown to science, inside its gills. Video transcript A surprising discovery has been made inside the body of a shark hooked at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, using a microscope to examine the dead Australian sharp-nosed shark, researchers from CQ University identified a rare parasitic worm, previously unknown to science inside its gills. Lead researcher Doctor David Vaughan explained the new species, Loimus everingami is the first of its kind to be described in Oceania. The parasite needs the shark to survive, and the species doesn't cause any harm to its host as long as numbers stay low. The worm lives in the shark's gills for its adult life, feeding on skin and mucus.
ABC News
16-07-2025
- Science
- ABC News
Parasitic worm, first of its kind, found on shark off central Queensland beach
It's not a discovery that many people would be delighted to make — a new, rare type of parasitic worm. But for researchers in central Queensland, the recent find is a special one decades in the making. The new species of parasitic worm, known as Loimos everinghami was found on the gills of the Australian sharpnose shark in waters off central Queensland in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Lead researcher on the project, CQ University's David Vaughan, said the worm was one of only six Loimos species. "It comes more than 50 years since the last Loimos species discovery in Brazil in 1972," Dr Vaughan said. "It's a very special little worm indeed … it's found nowhere else in the world. "These particular parasites, they are very host specific … You won't find them on anything else." Dr Vaughan said parasites had evolved over time to specifically live only on this type of shark, feeding on skin and mucus in the gills. In normal numbers, it does not cause any significant health problems for the shark. The parasite was found on the body of a deceased shark, collected from a drumline off Lammemoor Beach in Yeppoon in September 2024. Dr Vaughan said, looking at the parasite under a microscope, he initially did not believe what he had found. "I actually first thought it was something else because I was expecting to find a different group of parasites altogether," he said. But on closer inspection of the parasites, which are only 2 millimetres long, he realised how significant the find was. "I was beginning to wonder if they even existed." Dr Vaughan explained that the parasites, though small, were important to the ecosystem. "They work like miniature predators in a way; they help to regulate a healthy population of their hosts," he said. "They're connected throughout the food web, so they can provide a lot of positive information." The discovery has been published in the peer-reviewed, academic Journal of Helminthology. As for where to next, Dr Vaughan said the team would keep searching for more species. "[It will help us] conserve not only the shark species, but the things that are associated with them as well," he said.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
South Walton Fire District opens 19th lifeguard tower
SOUTH WALTON, Fla. (WMBB) – In opening its 19th lifeguard tower on Tuesday, June 10, the South Walton Fire District is now the professional beach safety services provider for WaterSound Beach. According to a SWFD Facebook post, the tower is funded through a contractual agreement between SWFD and St. Joe Resort Operations, LLC, alongside support from the WaterSound Beach Homeowners Association. Lynn Haven official advocates for senior-friendly USPS drop box Officials said adding a tower means enhancing beach safety services in what lifeguards have historically considered the 'Seven Mile Stretch,' a name derived from the area of South Walton beaches where there are no on-site lifeguard coverage, emergency access challenges and consistently high-call volume. 'The seven miles can tax our resources quickly, but frankly it isn't just about emergency responses to any of the unguarded beaches,' said SWFD Beach Safety Director David Vaughan. 'The absence of official lifeguard services means it's more challenging to educate face-to-face and prevent emergencies from happening altogether. The bulk of what we do is prevention, but without the opportunity to have a presence, prevention doesn't happen as easily.' The South Walton Fire District has added four towers since the start of the 2025 Beach Safety Season and are continually hiring seasonal and full-time lifeguards of all experience levels. To apply, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Junior Lifeguard Program returns to South Walton
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Every summer, the South Walton Fire District Junior Lifeguard Program makes its return to teach lifeguarding skills to young recruits. For Summer 2025, the program will begin on Thursday with approximately 200 participants aged 9 to 16 years old. According to a news release, SWFD Beach Safety staff will train four groups in skills such as open water swimming, CPR and first aid, conducting water rescues, rip current identification, drowning prevention, beach warning flag comprehension, and more. Firefighters work together to control structure fire in Walton County 'Juniors fits the mold on why we matter for this community and shows how far we have come in creating longevity for ourselves in 20 seasons of operations,' SWFD Beach Safety Director David Vaughan said. The program creates a pipeline for participating Juniors to become professional lifeguards once they turn 17. Further information and photos will be released once the program is underway. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New lifeguard services launch at WaterColor Beach
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — Beachgoers in WaterColor will see new faces on the sand starting Tuesday, as the South Walton Fire District (SWFD) officially launches professional beach lifeguard services in partnership with the WaterColor Community Homeowners Association. The multi-year agreement, fully funded by the WaterColor Community Association, ensures daily lifeguard coverage from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours during peak periods and hazardous surf conditions. The initiative aims to strengthen beach safety in an area previously without on-site lifeguard presence. 'Our partnership with SWFD allows us to elevate the safety and well-being of both residents and guests enjoying WaterColor's beaches,' said Jacob Marshall, Executive Director of the WaterColor Community Association. 'We're grateful for the SWFD's professionalism and leadership, both in forming this partnership and in their ongoing efforts that make a lifesaving impact across our county.' The new WaterColor towers are part of a broader expansion this season, with SWFD adding three new towers since the 2025 Beach Safety Season began on March 1, bringing the district's total to 17. 'Another community has come on-board recognizing the positive impact lifeguards can have,' said David Vaughan, SWFD Beach Safety Director. 'This community is giving us the opportunity to increase our footprint, provide better education, and improve response times. It's even sweeter this year to see these additional towers come to fruition as we are celebrating our 20th Season of Beach Safety in South Walton.' Beach safety officials are encouraging all visitors to familiarize themselves with South Walton's beach flag warning system and to heed posted safety guidelines. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
