Meet Di Tracey

Meet Di Tracey

What is your job title?

Deep-sea biologist at NIWA.

What do you study and why is it important?

Deepwater Fisheries & Biodiversity.

Expertise & interests: age determination, biodiversity, corals, fisheries, otoliths, seamounts, fisheries stock assessment, surveys.

I have been studying the abundance and biology of deep-sea fish such as orange roughy for fisheries stock assessment purposes for over 20 years. Lately I have expanded my research interests to examine life on specific deep-sea habitats such as seamounts. This research includes preparing identification guides of deep-sea invertebrates and studies on coral ageing and growth, the latter being important information required when investigating recovery rates from damage. As well I investigate the distribution of all coral groups including reef-forming scleractinian or stony corals. This is important as corals provide habitat for other invertebrates and fish.

What will you be doing on the voyage?

On this voyage I will coordinate the identification of all invertebrates (that will be sampled by the various sampling gears) to main taxonomic group, and will ensure they are preserved and then catalogued for database entry. I will also provide summary updates from the trawl database of station data throughout the voyage. We are expected to be pretty multi-skilled on these voyages and so I will be helping out with the other programme activities as well.

I am hoping that we will obtain samples of deep-sea corals during the voyage to expand our knowledge of the diversity and abundance of this important fauna in the southern region.

How did you become interested in the ocean?

Growing up by the sea in Taranaki – fossicking in the rock pools at Bayly Road Beach would have been my 1st inspiration for the marine biology field I now work in.

What do you enjoy about your work?

The variety of projects, the field work – at sea for a month is great time out from research project deadlines and costings – although we are still available by email!

What are some of the challenges you face?

Completing scientific papers!

How do you spend your spare time?

I try!! to stay fit and healthy for the many sea voyages that I participate in by practising yoga. Otherwise I enjoy immersing myself in the local art and music scene in Wellington.

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