Jess Haines
Postgraduate Researcher
Ecology and Conservation
I am a PhD candidate specializing in manta ray nursery ecology, currently undergoing a self-designed project, fully funded by the NERC GW4+ Doctoral Training Programme at the University of Exeter. My research focuses on the habitats and behaviors of juvenile manta rays, with the ultimate aim of advancing their conservation.
Interests:
- Mobulid ecology
- Elasmobranch nurseries
- Marine conservation planning
- Fisheries and gill plate trade
- Remote Underwater Video Systems (RUVS)
- Stereo Video Photogrammetry (SVP)
Qualifications:
- 2013 BSc (Hons) Zoology (University of Exeter)
Career:
- September 2023 - Present - GW4+ NERC Doctoral Training Programme, University of Exeter
- January 2023 - September 2023 - Research Officer, Manta Trust and MbyRes Student, University of Exeter
- August 2018 - December 2022 - Project Manager, Maldives, Manta Trusts & Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP)
- November 2017 - August 2018 - Lead Marine Biologist & Dive Instructor, Maldives, Silver Sands, St Regis Vommuli Resort
- April 2017 - November 2017 - Education & Outreach Assistant, Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), Cayman Islands
- September 2016 - April 2017 - Divemaster, Resorts Sports, Cayman Islands
Consultancy Work:
- January 2024 - April 2024 (4 months) - Campaign Manager for Fish Free February
- August 2023 (14 days) - Expedition Leader for Manta Expeditions, Isla de la Plata, Ecuador
- April 2023 (14 days) - Expedition Leader for Manta Expeditions, 500-mile journey, Maldives
- January 2023 - June 2024 (18 months) - Social Media Manager for Manta Expeditions
- December 2022 - May 2023 (6 months) - Social Media Manager for Fish Free February
- December 2022 (10 days) - Expedition Leader for Manta Expeditions, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico
- October 2022 (10 days) - Expedition Leader for Manta Expeditions, Far North, Maldives
- November 2021 (7 days) - Safety Diver for Steve Backshall filming for Our Changing Planet
- October 2021 (14 days) - Research Assistant for Manta Trusts' Far North Maldives Research Expedition
