INSEAD Annual Report 2023-20143 test - Flipbook - Page 28
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Bertarelli Foundation
Dr. Nick Dunn
PhD Student (Graduated in 2022), Imperial
College London and Zoological Society of
London, UK
Student: Marine Predators and Fisheries
(2017-2021)
“ The ability to detect species from
single water samples has the
potential to revolutionise marine
monitoring, particularly for rare
and elusive species like sharks
and rays. Nick’s work is helping
to conserve these incredible
species that are so important
Nick’s PhD research used environmental
DNA (eDNA) to monitor biodiversity in
marine ecosystems and developed eDNA
methods for the detection and monitoring
of marine animals. Because of the noninvasive nature of this technology, species
do not need to be observed or captured for
their presence to be recorded, making the
technique ideal for the study of elusive and
cryptic species such as sharks and rays.
Nick’s research assessed the applicability
of eDNA methods for monitoring reef
sharks in the central Indian Ocean, and
compared results against more established
monitoring methods such as diver surveys
and telemetry.
for the health of our oceans.”
Early
Career
Lasuni Gule-Godage
MPhil student, Ocean University
of Sri Lanka
Student: Human Dimensions of Illegal,
Unregulated and Unreported Fishing
“Ocean conservation can
only be successful if we
consider the needs of
those most dependent on
it. That’s why it’s vital to
understand the human
dimensions of illegal
昀椀shing and integrate that
understanding into marine
policy management.”
Lasuni’s research project began in 2022
and focuses on the human dimensions
of illegal fishing, including ascertaining
socioeconomic reasons for noncompliance and evaluating the deterrence
effect of conservation management and
policy. Her research interests relate to
sustainability in marine ecosystems and
socio-ecological aspects of conservation
and marine policy management.
