Ben Leeson Email & Phone Number

Karratha, Western Australia

- In field capture of various reef fishes, invertebrates and elasmobranchs using none-invasive techniques to minimise harm- Capture of target families including Pomacanthidae, Labridae, Gobiidae and various other marine fishes and invertebrates- Assistance with management of aquarium system depending on oxygen consumption, water flow requirements, waste production and compatibility within and between species. - Identification of marine species based on their attributes- Aquarium system set-up and maintenance to provide clean water- Transport of live fishes both on and off water- Captain and Deck hand onboard dive vessel through the Dampier Archipelago

South Bimini, Bahamas

- Leading teams in various methods to capture, sample and tag sharks and stingrays- Collaboration with team in safe handling practices and use of various capture methods dependent on target species and conditions, storage and transport of samples- Assist Researchers by handling juvenile lemon sharks from 40 – 110 cm and assist with design and construction of semi-captive pens in mangrove habitat- Spatial distribution of elasmobranchs around Bimini: capture of 8 different elasmobranch species, tagging and measuring of species, various capture methods from nets to rod and reel- Captain of vessels throughout day and night to undertake scientific research- In field capture, measuring, taking samples and tagging of sharks - Onsite repairs and maintenance of station plumbing and electrical facilities and vehicles - Maintaining, troubleshooting and fixing a fleet of 9 vessels with limited supplies and tools- Working within a team environment to achieve a common goal- Working long hours, often in hot and humid conditions- Undertake auditing and ordering of supplies to ensure field station is well equipped for emergencies and day-to-day situations

Broome, Western Australia

Located in the Kimberley region and throughout the Buccaneer Archipelago my role is to provide guests with local and historical information of the environment, culture & pearl farm. Skippering fast boats and tenders with up to 12 passengers, whilst navigating through the world's largest tropical tides. Conducting pearl farm tours to educate guests on pearl culturing process, biology of the Pinctada maxima shell and pearl harvest techniques. Undertaking basic maintenance work on accommodation facilities and tour boats.

As part of the HSE team on the Wheatstone project my main role is as a dedicated marine fauna observer during piling operations. Based on the IB914 (Jack-up Barge) or Canti-lever bridge constructing the PLF and Jetty, recording and reporting sightings and times based on government implemented conditions. Whilst piling is not underway I undertake many duties of an environmental advisor including waste, water and chemical management, site and vessel inspections along with environmental reporting.

Wa

Casual community workDuties include: Teaching school classes about surf lifesaving and first aid, running life saving orientated beach activities, teaching beach safety. Have worked at catholic schools across the entire state including very remote aboriginal communities in the Kimberley where English is not always the first language.

Barrow Island And Mundabullangana Station

Work undertaken across 17 nights in a row in January 2011, January 2012 and December 2012Successfully appointed member of research team involved in the tagging of Turtles in the mining environment at Barrow Island and the working Mundabullangana cattle station. The goal of this research was to identify the impact/effects of mining on the marine environment especially with regard to the local turtle nesting population. This involved working with a team of research analysts, university students, and others on a rotating shift basis locating and tagging nesting turtles.

Bachelor'S Degree, Environmental Science

Double Major in Marine Science and Conservation Wildlife Biology

Bachelor Of Science (B.Sc.), Marine Sciences + Conservation And Wildlife Biology