Isha MSc.

Institution:
University of Plymouth

Profile

My research focuses on the distribution and abundance of whale and dolphin (cetacean) populations along the Maldives and Chagos Archipelago.

I use a combination of methodologies including visual observations, bioacoustics, statistical modelling, and GIS techniques to establish a baseline of the population size of cetaceans in the region and investigate factors that influence habitat preferences of these animals. These baselines are important to inform conservation and management of cetaceans – especially with growing threats from fisheries bycatch, habitat degradation and climate change.

The Central Indian Ocean may be one of the last tropical refuges where cetaceans remain protected from human impacts, yet we know very little of their populations. Understanding what they do and why they do it is key for protecting these amazing animals!

Isha

Biography

2022 Present
PhD candidate, University of Plymouth
2020 2021
Research Intern, Oceanswell, Sri Lanka
2018 2019
MSc Marine Mammal Science, University of St Andrews
2015 2018
BSc Zoology, Biochemistry, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

Other Interests

I am also working on behaviour and acoustics of marine mammals, focusing on acoustics of dolphin species. I am also interested in studying mixed-species interactions of animals and the drivers behind such associations.