“So I do a type of ecosystem modelling, combining maths and marine biology. For example we look at lobsters — doing stock assessments, looking at how many people catch them, and how we can make that sustainable. We also model whole ecosystems and the interactions of different species — so with whales, we see how much krill can be harvested so that the fisheries leave enough for the whales. I model those populations and fit it to the data, and then come up with management advice. But I don’t actually get to go diving nowadays. Our divers will do two to three weeks boat-based diving in the far northern Torres Straits…I just oversee the components. I used to do scientific diving, but I only do it recreationally now.”
