SPEAKER: Dr Gail Schofield, Alfred Deakin Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University
DATE: Friday, 18th September 2015
LOCATION: Warrnambool Campus, Room C1.13
TIME: 12:00 noon
Seminar will also be video linked to the following campuses: Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds, Room ka5.303 and Melbourne Campus at Burwood, Room HE3.002

ABSTRACT: I will present an overview of my research to date, and outline several current projects I am working on. I have had the opportunity to work at several sea turtle breeding sites around the world; however, my PhD and initial post-doctoral research focused on understanding the behaviour and movement patterns of loggerhead sea turtles occupying one of the most densely nested sites in the world, but which is located at the edge of the breeding range (Zakynthos, Mediterranean, Greece).

I used a combination of direct in-water swimming observations, boat surveys and the use of various tracking devices to identify previously undocumented behaviours at this rookery. High-resolution GPS tracking datasets also gave me the opportunity to identify key foraging habitats for this breeding population, as well as insights in to migratory movement patterns and breeding periodicity. In parallel, the information collected through this research was used to update marine zoning legislation at the breeding site, which falls within a national marine park.

My current research at Deakin, builds on the knowledge I gained at this site. I am currently involved in a range of studies, focused on addressing topical questions on sea turtle biology at local and global scales.

BIO: I have had broad experience in sea turtle field conservation work, marine protected area management, consultancy and scientific research in Greece and the wider Mediterranean region over the last 20 years.

I completed my PhD at the University of Ioannina (Greece) in 2010, and have held post-doctoral positions at Swansea University (UK), Aristotle University of Thessaloni (Greece) and, now, Deakin (Warrnambool, Australia).

My early research focused on understanding the behaviour and movement biology of sea turtles at a suboptimal breeding site, in addition to conservation application.

My current research focuses on addressing topical questions on sea turtle biology and conservation at local and global scales.

My publications may be viewed at Google Scholar.

Appointments with guest speaker may be made via Graeme Hays.

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