MSc(Auck) PhD(Cant)

Liz Slooten is senior lecturer in Zoology at the University of Otago. Her research focusses on population modeling and risk analysis, and gathering the data needed to put into population models and risk assessments (e.g. survival and reproductive rates, population size and movements).

With her students Liz is working mainly on applied projects, assessing the effects of bycatch and tourism on marine mammal populations. A few

examples of how these data are translated into management advice are given below.

2005: Contracted by Pegasus Bay Marine Farms Ltd to write a report on the potential impacts of marine farms on marine mammals.

2003: Contracted by Clifford Bay Marine Farms Ltd to appear at Environment Court hearing on application for mussel farm at Clifford Bay, Marlborough.

2003: Contracted by Canterbury Regional Council to appear at Environment Court hearing on application for mussel farm at Big Bay, Banks Peninsula.

2002: Contracted by Department of Conservation to write annotated bibliography on Hector’s dolphin.

2001: Contracted by Marlborough District Council to prepare a report on the distribution and abundance of dolphins and whales in Marlborough Sounds and to advise them on the likely effects of increased musselfarming development in the area.

2001: Research for Pakawau Perna Ltd on interactions between Hector’s dolphins and a Golden Bay mussel farm.

2001: Contracted by Canterbury Regional Council to appear at hearing on resource consent application for mussel farms in Akaroa Harbour, Banks Peninsula.

2000: Contracted by the Canterbury Regional Council to prepare environmental impact assessment on the effects of mussel farming on Hector's dolphins around Banks Peninsula.

1999: Contracted by Department of Conservation to help negotiate a time-out period for dolphin watching, with whale and dolphin watching operators in Kaikoura.

1999: Contracted by Clifford Bay Marine Farms Ltd to prepare environmental impact assessment on the effects of mussel farming on Hector's dolphins in Clifford Bay.

1998: Contracted by the Marine Safety Authority to assess the effect of a diesel and oil spill at Stewart Island on local wildlife.

1998: Contracted by the Department of Conservation to provide advice on the development of dolphin watching at Kaikoura. Prepared a report with Kirsty Barr (MSc student) and presented the findings at a meeting with whale and dolphin watching operators, permit applicants and other stakeholders in Kaikoura. Outcome: a "time out" period for dolphin watching, and a moratorium on further dolphin watching permits.

1996: Invited participant and chair of international workshop on sperm whales and ecotourism, Dominica, Caribbean

1997: Nominated for Pew Fellowship for outstanding conservation scientists.

1997-onwards Contracted by Department of Conservation to carry out population survey of Hector's dolphin: 4 year research programme funded by the Fishing Industry under the Conservation Services Levy.

1996: Invited participant and chairperson of international workshop on sperm whales and ecotourism, Dominica, Caribbean.

1996-onwards Invited participant in discussions on research projects on the environmental impacts of fishing, funded by the Fishing Industry through the new Conservation Services Levy (organised by Department of Conservation).

1995: Invited participant in international workshop on priorities for research on whales and dolphins in the Southern Ocean, Galway, Ireland

1995-onwards Represent New Zealand Marine Sciences Society at stakeholder meetings (organised by Ministry of Fisheries) on research priorities for fisheries research and research on the environmental impacts of fishing.

1992-onwards Represent New Zealand at the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission.

1991-onwards Member of Cetacean Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission.

1988: Contracted by Department of Conservation to prepare a report on conservation biology of Hector's dolphins

1984-onwards Research on population biology of Hector's dolphins, and impact of gillnet bycatch. Outcome: Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary.

1987-1989: Contracted by U.S. Marine Mammal Commission to prepare chapter on Hector's dolphin conservation for their annual general reports.

Contact Details
c/- Department of Zoology
University of Otago
304 Castle Street
Dunedin
New Zealand

Phone: 64-03-479 7980. Fax: 64-03-479 7584.

E-mail: liz.slooten@stonebow.otago.ac.nz