My name is Loéva, I started my PhD at Macquarie University in February 2024 (co-supervised by Prof. Culum Brown and Prof. Jane Williamson) investigating the ecological impact of recreational fishing waste (offal, carcasses) on several marine species across the food chain (elasmobranchs, teleosts, invertebrates). This research will aim to quantify recreational fishing waste by cleaning tables and boat ramps using high-definition video and artificial intelligence (AI) and investigate the ecological and behavioural impact of such food waste using benthic surveys, baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS), passive acoustic telemetry and stable isotope analysis. Overall, this research will help develop future management practices that benefit both wildlife and recreational fishing within New South Wales and may be applicable to other areas. I joined Prof. Culum Brown’s lab for my master thesis to look at Port Jackson shark migration patterns using passive acoustic data, and I am very excited to use this experience to now track and analyse fish movements in relation to fishing waste. I have volunteered for several projects in marine biology including coral bleaching surveys, sampling invertebrates using box cores, boat surveys to collect bioacoustics, fish behaviour observations using scuba diving. In my free time you can find me snorkelling, diving or rockpooling to observe the beautiful marine life.

Twitter: @MrtLoeva Instagram: @loaven_underwater