We had an informative night with Dr. Vanessa ZoBell.
Whales, as well as all marine organisms, rely on sound for daily life functions, such as communicating, navigating, and foraging. Human activities introduce high levels of noise into the ocean. Commercial shipping, in particular, has increased to the point that ships make a larger contribution to ocean noise than natural noise sources for most ocean locations and over a broad range of frequencies. Dr. Vanessa ZoBell, postdoctoral researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego will discuss the importance of studying whale acoustics, the threats that whales are facing in the modern ocean, and creative solutions to protect these important animals.
This free event is open to the public. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. A suggested donation of $10 per participant is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Donations help cover webinar costs and support our education and cetacean research grant programs. To donate, please visit our website https://www.acs-sfbay.org/donate. We are grateful for your support!
Bio:
Dr. Vanessa ZoBell is a postdoctoral researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. With a profound interest in human-wildlife interactions, conservation, and sustainability, she is committed to addressing the challenges facing our oceans today.
Specializing in acoustical oceanography, Dr. ZoBell utilizes innovative techniques to explore areas of the ocean with high human use. Her primary objective is to leverage data-driven insights and advanced modeling to develop effective solutions for mitigating threats to marine organisms in rapidly changing marine environments.
Dr. ZoBell's current research focuses on pioneering noise pollution reduction strategies for commercial vessels, encompassing measures such as speed adjustments, enhanced design considerations, optimized routes, and strategic scheduling. Her research contributes to the development of the blue economy and sustainable marine transportation, informing both research as well as international policy.
