Jack Fearey

PhD Student (UCT) - Signature Whistles: Occurrence, Recapture and Density: Investigation into the use of signature whistles for estimating abundance, density, and social structure

Researchgate Profil LinkePhD Student – University of Cape Town

Supervisors: Dr Tess Gridley (Sea Search /  SUN) , Dr Greg Distiller (UCT)

Title: Signature Whistles: Occurrence, Recapture and Density: Investigation into the use of signature whistles for estimating abundance, density, and social structure

 

BIO: I was born in New York City and grew up as an avid seafarer. Whether it was spending time combing through tide pools andStudents working with camera and GPS equipment estuaries or fishing in Massachusetts, the ocean has always held a special place in my heart. I completed my BSc in Environmental Science at the University of Santa Clara in California in 2012. Following graduation, I spent the last 4 years in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado as a ski coach and chef. Recently I decided to return to the world of academia to help study and conserve the marine biome and the animals that inhabit it.

I joined the Namibian Dolphin Project in June of 2017, where I was introduced to the Sea Search Research and Conservation organization. After becoming enthralled with the work SSRC is conducting, I decided to join the team. My work includes skippering the boat on field surveys as well as overseeing management and maintenance the SSRC equipment. I also assist with data processing, as well as community outreach, and scientific promotion. Having both technical boat knowledge and an understanding of marine science, I will be involving myself in all facets that are SSRC, a true “Jack of all trades.”

 

During the 2020 field season in Namibia, Jack led the NDP team to assist in the rescue of this juvenile humpback whale, working closely with our seal rescue colleagues Ocean Conservation Namibia.