Meet Jen Tyler

Meet Jen Tyler

What is your job title?

Masters student at the University of Victoria in British Columbia.

What do you study and why is it important?

I study a newly discovered species of flatfish of the genus Symphurus found around hydrothermally active seamounts in the western Pacific. This symphurine tongufish is interesting because it represents the highest vertebrate biomass supported by chemosynthetic production. It also differs from other resident hydrothermal vent fish species as it feeds on meiofauna, whereas other vent fish are top predators.

What will you be doing on the Rumble III voyage?

I hope to find some of these tonguefish on Rumble III seamount. They have so far been found on Macauley seamount on the Kermadec Arc, 3 seamounts on the Mariana Arc and Kaikata seamount on the Izu-Bonin Arc.

Where were you educated?

I completed my B.Sc in environmental biology at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. During this time I spent a semester abroad at the University of Queensland in Brisbane.

How did you become interested in the ocean?

I’ve been interested in the ocean since I was a child, however growing up in Montreal I was always quite far from the sea. My semester abroad in Australia was mostly responsible for my decision to study marine biology.

Do you get seasick? And if so, any tips on how not to?

Sometimes. Stay on deck and eat crackers.

What do you enjoy about your work?

I enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of my work and the exciting opportunities for field work.

What are some of the challenges you face?

Although interest in hydrothermal systems is high, there are limited opportunities for sampling vent or seamount organisms.

What have you learned/discovered? What do you hope to learn?

I’m learning about the habitat, population structure and the trophic interactions of this tonguefish. If this species is found on Rumble III seamount I hope to investigate populations differences with those found on the Mariana Arc.

How do you spend your spare time?

Since moving to British Columbia from Quebec last January I spend my time being fairly active. I try to explore beautiful Vancouver Island whenever I have the chance. I spent the summer dragon boating twice a week, now I am outrigger canoeing for the winter months. I also hope to start diving again this winter and learn how to surf.