Jackie Smith

From a young age I have been passionate about the ocean. The study of marine mammals, especially the whales and dolphins is a fascinating subject and inspired me to pursue a career in marine biology. To do this I completed my first degree in marine and freshwater biology in 2002 at Queen Mary University, London and then went on to do an MSc in Oceanography at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Southampton. I then began my PhD in 2004 at the NOC studying Cuvier’s Beaked Whale. I was introduced to the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) in 2003 and I am now one of the Relief Wildlife Officers (RWLO’s) on board the Pride of Bilbao. The Biscay Dolphin Research Programme and Marinelife is in full support of my PhD.

PhD Research

My research focuses on the distribution of beaked whales in and around submarine canyons. In particular my research is concentrating on the Cuvier’s Beaked Whale and the CapBreton canyon in the Bay of Biscay. The long term goal of my research is to determine the distribution of Cuvier’s Beaked Whale relative to the complex underwater topography and oceanographic parameters. Having a greater understanding of beaked whale distribution in the Bay of Biscay enables increased awareness for conservation. Many stranding events occur along the northern Spanish coast and it is inevitable to fully understand Beaked Whale distribution in Biscay to see if these events have occurred as the result of military sonar activity. Beaked Whales are the second largest cetacean family and the least known so they need protecting and one long term goal of beaked whale research in Biscay could be the control of sonar activity to areas where Beaked Whales are not regularly sighted

Jackie Smith.

Registered Charity No. 1110884
Copyright of Marinelife 2006