2016 SCAR Fellow Ryan Reisinger used marine predator tracking data from multiple species to identify biodiversity patterns. Dr Reisinger was a Post-Doctoral researcher at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa and travelled to work with Prof Ben Raymond at the Australian Antarctic Division and Prof Mark Hindell at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Australia.
The Fellowship allowed Ryan to collate existing tracking data from marine predators to help develop a broader-scale understanding of biodiversity patterns and environmental change in the sub-Antarctic region. Tracking data for 14 marine species around the Prince Edward Islands were used to identify areas of particular importance. Outputs from climate model predictions were used to assess potential distribution shifts. The results have been combined with wider tracking data to build habitat models and identify areas of ecological significance. Ryan has 2 first author and one co-authored paper in review or preparation addressing the habitat modelling and tracking data analysis aspects of the project.
Ryan reflected “In terms of personal development, the Fellowship will allow me to author and co-author several important publications, has contributed to my employment as an international post-doctoral fellow, and has enabled me to set up international collaborations.”
The full report is available on the Fellows webpages together with the full list of SCAR Fellows and available Reports.
The SCAR Fellowship Programme is designed to encourage the active involvement of early career scientists and engineers in Antarctic scientific research, and to build new connections and further strengthen international capacity and cooperation in Antarctic research. The work must be carried out in a research group of a SCAR member country different from that of the applicant’s origin and current residence.