HWDT welcomes new Fieldwork Research Manager
Meet Jenny - our newly appointed Fieldwork Research Manager, but she’s no stranger to Silurian or HWDT. Jenny has been part of the team for a while, most recently as our Exhibitions Officer in our Discovery Centre, while providing relief cover for the Science Officer on board Silurian.
Jenny will lead the visual and acoustic data collection programme on board our research vessel, Silurian. Many of those who will sail with us during the 2023 field season will be welcomed on board by Jenny and trained in how to identify species, record data and distinguish between the different underwater noises detected by the hydrophone. Over the winter, when Jenny is not out surveying Hebridean seas, she will be analysing the data that has been collected from on board Silurian.
“After finishing my undergraduate degree in 2015, I moved to Mull to volunteer for HWDT as an Education Assistant. I fell in love with the place and I’ve never left! I caught the sailing bug after my first Silurian trip and wanted to gain more sea-going and research experience, so volunteered for other organisations and finally went away to do my MSc in Marine Mammal Science in 2018. ”
It was during her MSc at the University of St Andrews that Jenny developed her interest in marine acoustics where her project focussed on minke whale acoustic repertoires. She partnered with members of our Science Committee to assess whether minke calls from the Hebrides were significantly different than those from the East coast of North America. We are hopeful that our new acoustic upgrade to Silurian may now be able to detect and record minke whale calls which can increase our understanding of the way these animals use the area, and aid their conservation.
“I’m really excited to dive in to the data this winter and show the people on board how useful their efforts are. Then obviously I’m looking forward to being on board Silurian next season. I can’t wait to meet everybody that has booked to join a survey!”
You can join the adventure on board Silurian next field season, sail with Jenny and learn about the species found in our waters; be trained in how to collect vital data and then undertake scientific surveys. Explore the beautifully wild Hebrides while contributing to the protection of its amazing marine wildlife. Places are very limited with some expeditions fully booked so sign up now to avoid disappointment.