WEBINAR: Careers in Marine Mammal Science and Industry: Building Skills for the Blue Economy

Niru Dorrian CSci CMarSci FIMarEST

Co-Chair Marine Mammals SIG, IMarEST

Niru is an offshore ecologist and marine mammal specialist with 20 years of experience over multiple international marine projects specialising in ecological project management, mitigation & monitoring, wildlife surveys, fauna rescue and conservation. He is also a Co-Founding Director for the not-for-profit marine conservation and education organisation Whalefish and has served on the Executive board of the MMOA since 2015. Niru has contributed extensively to marine fauna mitigation guidelines and protection plans, rescue and disentanglement protocols and science communication through multiple publications and media projects.

Elizabeth Ferguson

Co-Chair Marine Mammals SIG, IMarEST

Liz is the CEO and Founder of Ocean Science Analytics (OSA), a company focused on research and providing technical training in oceanic and coastal environments. Liz brings extensive experience from her previous roles at Bio-Waves, and NOAA Fisheries. Her expertise includes passive acoustic data analysis, project management, PAM survey coordination, GIS analysis, and technical curriculum development. As a dedicated educator, she teaches biology and science education at multiple colleges and serves as the Executive Director of Expanding Your Horizons of San Diego, empowering young women in STEM fields.

Celia Murcia

Founder and CEO, Blue-jobs

Celia is a blue economy expert with over 15 years of international experience spanning project management roles in public institutions, private consultancy, research organizations, and international entities. Her work focuses on fostering innovation and sustainability in the Blue Economy sectors. In 2021, Celia founded Blue-Jobs, a pioneering job platform tailored to marine experts, addressing the growing need for specialized career opportunities in the marine and maritime fields. She also serves as the Coordinator of the WestMED Assistance Mechanism, a European Commission-funded initiative aimed at advancing the Blue Economy in the western Mediterranean. Celia’s expertise encompasses marine renewable energies, marine sciences, marine policy, European funding, and the development of blue skills and careers.

Ashley Noseworthy

President / CEO, Edgewise Environmental Ltd

Ashley Noseworthy, CEO and founder of Edgewise Environmental, a Newfoundland-based marine consultancy focusing on marine mammals, seabirds and anthropogenic noise mitigation solutions. Holding an MSc from Newcastle University and a BSc from Memorial University, she spent over a decade at sea, contributing to major energy projects in West Africa, the Arctic, Eastern Canada and the Arabian Gulf. Recognized for her achievements, she received the 2022 NLOWE Trailblazer Award and was listed among the Top 100 Inspirational Female Founders of Ocean and Energy in 2023 by The Ocean Opportunity Lab. Ashley is involved in various national and international boards, including Oceans Advance and the IMarEST Marine Mammal Special Interest Group, advocating for women in STEM. She serves as an advisor for the Destination Canada Sustainability Task Force and the Women in Resources Advisory Committee for the Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology, embodying a commitment to breaking boundaries in non-traditional roles.

Dr Patricia Puig

Founder & CEO, Oceanogami and Blue-jobs

Patricia is the founder and CEO of Oceanogami, a pioneering blue economy company committed to driving ocean sustainability and responsibility. With a Ph.D. in ocean management and Marine Protected Areas, she brings extensive expertise in interdisciplinary marine conservation to her role. She is also the co-founder and CGO of Blue-jobs, a platform dedicated to promoting careers in marine sciences and the sustainable blue economy.