Elske Rotshuizen Email & Phone Number

Werkzaam bij WOZEP - Wind op Zee Ecologisch Programma

Projectleider Aal

Arnhem

Arnhem

Wageningen

The Netherlands

AbstractRecently humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are being observed yearly in the southern North Sea, an area which never seemed to be part of their range. This study reviews known sightings and aims to provide possible explanations for the sudden occurrence of humpback whales in the region. Multiple possible explanations are addressed, by putting this phenomenon in an ecological perspective, while considering global environmental changes and increased anthropogenic use of the… Show more AbstractRecently humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are being observed yearly in the southern North Sea, an area which never seemed to be part of their range. This study reviews known sightings and aims to provide possible explanations for the sudden occurrence of humpback whales in the region. Multiple possible explanations are addressed, by putting this phenomenon in an ecological perspective, while considering global environmental changes and increased anthropogenic use of the marine system. The reported sightings gathered in a systematic way, reveal a significant increase in humpback whale sighting in the North Sea, especially in the winter. A literature study performed on characteristics of the southern North Sea, as well as the larger Atlantic Ocean context, revealed that an increase in nutrients in combination with shifting of fish communities, are most likely causing the higher numbers of whales entering the southern North Sea. It is expected that a further increase of the Atlantic whale population will result in higher numbers of humpback whales in the southern North Sea in the near future. Show less

Olympia Washington, United States Of America

AbstractHumpback whales are highly migratory animals inhabiting high latitude feeding areas in the North Pacific during the summer months, while breeding in low latitude during winter. After almost being extirpated by whaling, the populations are recovering and repopulating historical habitats. Through the years, the human population has grown and these historical habitats have changed. To be able to manage the current population of whales alongside the anthropogenic influences, more… Show more AbstractHumpback whales are highly migratory animals inhabiting high latitude feeding areas in the North Pacific during the summer months, while breeding in low latitude during winter. After almost being extirpated by whaling, the populations are recovering and repopulating historical habitats. Through the years, the human population has grown and these historical habitats have changed. To be able to manage the current population of whales alongside the anthropogenic influences, more knowledge about the population is necessary. This study is dedicated to explore the migratory destinations and habitat use of the re-established humpback population in the Washington/BC waters of the Salish Sea. Through photo and spatial data collected by citizens and multiple research groups, habitat use was mapped using GIS techniques and the migratory history of individual whales was attempted to be retrieved through photo-ID. A total of 56 individual whales are run through multiple databases, which resulted in 21 matches. Of these 21 individuals, 5 could be matched to a breeding area off Mexico, which is within the line of expectation, comparing to previous research being done on the larger North Pacific population. The mapped habitat use showed multiple ‘hotspots’ of sightings. Whales seemed to prefer shallow waters, with a low slope percentage, relatively close to shore and the harbours. This might be explained by the dynamics of the inland sea’s ecosystem or by the origin of the collected data. A dedicated research into the population dynamics and habitat use of humpback whales in the Salish Sea is recommended, as citizen science data does not always provide enough precision. Show less

Van Hall Larenstein, Leeuwarden

I developed the Cetacean Study Group especially for students of Van Hall Larenstein who are interested in cetacean species. I coordinated the meetings and guided the students.The Cetacean Study Group is a small (+/- 16 students) and fixed group of students coming together twice a month to learn from each other in an interactive way (through presentations, discussions, excursions, quizzes etc). Discussing the latest articles, internships and personal experiences, in a relaxed atmosphere… Show more I developed the Cetacean Study Group especially for students of Van Hall Larenstein who are interested in cetacean species. I coordinated the meetings and guided the students.The Cetacean Study Group is a small (+/- 16 students) and fixed group of students coming together twice a month to learn from each other in an interactive way (through presentations, discussions, excursions, quizzes etc). Discussing the latest articles, internships and personal experiences, in a relaxed atmosphere where students of all levels are welcome, both Dutch and international.Benefits of participating in this group:* Practicing your presentation skills in a relaxed atmosphere* Practicing your English skills in a relaxed atmosphere* Getting a better understanding of & a wider view on nature conservation* Staying up to date with what’s happening in this particular field of research* Exchanging contacts for internships* Networking* Make a few new friends! :) Show less

Byron Bay, Australia

During this internship I was involved in two different studies. One involving a captive dolphin acoustics and behavioural research. The second study, involving wild dolphins, was dedicated to habitat selection of Tursiops aduncus. Next to that I made promotion materials for Dolphin Research Australia's citizen science campaign.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

This is a project I did in the summer months during my study wildlife management. Here I helped with the collection of data for studies into density, distribution and behaviour of Humpback & Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins and Southern Right whales, under supervision of dr. Vic Cockroft. I also worked on photo-identification of Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins.

Master Of Science Degree, Aquaculture And Marine Resource Management

Specialisation; Marine Resources and Ecology Research track

Msc Course, Arctic Biology - Biotelemetric Methods

http://www.unis.no/course/ab-325-biotelemetric-methods/

Post Hbo, Aquatic Ecology

Bachelor Of Applied Science (Basc), Wildlife Management