Tess Gridley PhD

Hon Research Assoc. – University of Cape Town. Post-doctoral Fellow.

My core research interest lies primarily in acoustic communication in cetaceans. This area of research is under-represented in southern Africa and feeds directly into both behavioural and applied ecology. I have experience leading acoustic and visual surveys and research focused on answering fundamental questions related to conservation statuses (i.e. population abundance, distribution, habitat use and genetics). This information generated through my research feedback into specialist reports which contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments and ultimately environmental management.

Most of my work in recent years has been based in Namibia, running the Namibian Dolphin Project, where I’ve been focussing on Heaviside’s and bottlenose dolphin ecology and acoustic behaviour. Building on our successes in Namibia,  I have now co-developed Sea Search in South Africa, which encompasses research undertaken in southern Africa charismatic marine megafauna.

Summary of my work:

•  2014 – ongoing: Director of Operations Sea Search
• 2013 – 2015: Vice Chancellor’s post-doctoral research fellow, University of Pretoria
• 2011 – 2013: Marine Mammal Observer and Freelance Environmental Consultant
• 2008 – ongoing: Co-PI for Namibian Dolphin Project, a research and conservation project in Namibia
• 2006 – 2011: University of St Andrews, PhD, Thesis title: Geographic and species variation in bottlenose dolphin signature whistles
• 2006 – ongoing: Knowledge Transfer Partnership Research Associate with University of Aberdeen and Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
• 2004 – 2005: University of Aberdeen, MRes. Marine and Fisheries Science, Pass with Distinction. Thesis title: Combining acoustic and visual survey techniques to determine the factors affecting marine mammal distribution in the outer Moray Firth (NE Scotland).
• 2003 – 2005: Research assistant on marine mammal projects – various short term contracts
• 2000 – 2003: University of Newcastle, First Class BSc Honours Degree in Marine Biology, Thesis title: Applications of the functional biological diversity concept in relation to rocky intertidal communities and physical disturbance.