Profile
Annabelle Brooks
Research Student
Overview
I have been working in marine ecology in The Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Indian Ocean since 2001. Working as a research volunteer in The Bahamas following my undergraduate degree, I developed skills in coral reef fish monitoring and an interest in fisheries management. This led to deployment as a fisheries observer in the north Atlantic and completion of a Masters degree in Marine and Fisheries Science at the University of Aberdeen (UK). Keen to specialize in tropical marine ecology I sought out experience in the Maldives before ultimately returning to The Bahamas where I have been based since 2005. As a scientist at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, I led and collaborated on studies involving invasive lionfish, sharks, sea turtles, sustainable fisheries, and coral reef restoration, and also managed research staff and coordinated a semester-long Applied Scientific Research class for high-school students. I currently lead an independent sea turtle research and monitoring program funded through the Earthwatch Institute.
Qualifications
BSc Marine Biology
MSc. Marine & Fisheries Science
Research
Research interests
Broad research specialisms:
Marine spatial ecology
Conservation Physiology
Satellite and acoustic telemetry
Research projects
Project Title: The ecology of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in The Bahamas
Supervisors: Dr. Lucy Hawkes (University of Exeter), Dr. Matthew Witt (University of Exeter), Dr. Karen Bjorndal (University of Florida), Dr. Alan Bolten (University of Florida)
Project Description: My research aims to investigate the ecology of immature green turtles within foraging grounds around The Bahamas. The overarching goal is to elucidate the processes of site selection, habitat use and site fidelity, the energetic costs of foraging, and the current health status of the green sea turtle population in The Bahamas. This work will aid in future conservation strategies for this endangered species.