Ash Heaphy

"Like a lot of people, I have always been a little afraid of the ocean. It is largely unexplored with an estimated two million species roaming around, whilst we have only described ~20,000 of them. However, I think that a lot of my fear often stems from a lack of understanding. So, any apprehension towards the ocean serves as a constant reminder of the opportunities for learning. There will always be questions to answer, which while daunting is also exciting!

"The study I am currently pursuing has significantly enriched my understanding of my career aspirations as a researcher. My ambition is to delve deeper into investigating fish ecology on a broad scale, exploring how global shifts associated with human impact influence marine ecosystems. As society increasingly depends on marine resources, it is imperative that we assess our footprint on the natural world and its inhabitants. Working with so many passionate and talented people from various universities and research institutes has made me committed to fostering collaborative efforts and forging partnerships with fellow researchers and local communities alike to address these challenges effectively. Moreover, I am dedicated to enhancing scientific communication, the goal being to help bridge the gaps between scientific findings and public understanding.

"I am still completing my PhD, however, I currently have a casual position at the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). My roles at NIWA include sampling commercial fisheries catches and conducting boat ramp interviews of recreational fishers to record their catch."

"I was lucky enough to be accepted into a research project that combines a lot of innovative techniques and methods which are new to me. There is never a moment when I am not learning something new or being proven wrong. We can hypothesise and do the all background research, but natural systems have a habit of behaving unpredictably, particularly when there is a lot riding on the result (like a thesis!).

"The thing I love most about research is its similarity to detective work. You begin with a question, conduct observations, gather evidence and make connections by pulling together past research and your own experiences in the field. Essentially, you use investigative skills to find objective truths and solve puzzles about the world.

"The Institute of Marine Science (IMS) here at Waipapa Taumata Rau has been an incredible working environment. I have lost count of the number of helpful and passionate people I have met among my supervisors and peers, without whom I couldn’t have maintained the enthusiasm I have for research. The extended family of IMS out at the Leigh Marine lab is also a massive highlight for the programmes that marine science in Auckland has to offer. Breaking up long stretches of lab work with lunch time snorkelling missions will always be a favourite pastime, and nothing beats getting chased around Goat Island by giant snapper that likely couldn’t survive long enough to reach such great sizes, without the marine protection area right below the labs.

"Additionally, I got the opportunity to attend large conferences which allowed for the exchanging of mātauranga, which is crucial for the preservation of our taonga species, like the ones I am grateful to study and work with here in Aotearoa."