 MEMBER OF THE MONTH
June 2005
Annette Broderick
Country: UK
Occupation: Research fellow
Specialty: Anything that captures my interest! I am interested in many aspects of marine turtle ecology: nesting ecology and behaviour, fecundity, migration, foraging, navigation, TSD to name a few!
Best part about my job: The flexibility it brings, especially having small children – we can all go on trips together. I love fieldwork and am still fascinated by marine turtles. I love to take the time to sit and watch turtles in the water or on the beach, especially at Ascension Island where green turtles are so plentiful. It is great to see the excitement and delight when people, especially children, see turtles for the first time.
Biggest challenges I
face: Trying to continue with fieldwork and not be away from my family or holding the fort of home and work when my bigger half (Brendan Godley) is away on field trips. Sometimes it is difficult to find a balance between research and conservation, prioritising projects and not over-committing!
The most unusual or
exciting thing that's happened to me while working in the field: Well, I met Brendan on a turtle project in Trinidad…that was pretty exciting!! In 1995, whilst working in Cyprus, forest fires meant we had to evacuate our camp and sleep on the beach. It was the busiest night of the nesting season for turtles…perhaps they were attracted to the bright flames!
Why I like being a member
of the MTSG: The MTSG, in my opinion, is currently undergoing a significant change for the better, with much improved communication and the co-chairs constantly jetting around the globe canvassing opinions of members and supporting projects and initiatives. It is good to be a part of this.
Turtle researcher /
conservationist I most admire: Nicholas Mrosovsky for his pioneering work, stubborn nature, straight talking, sense of humour and artistic talents! AND of course he founded the MTN!
When I'm not working on turtles I like to: Sleep…and go to the beach with my family; walk in beautiful places and read.
Ten years from now, I hope I will be doing: I enjoy my work so hopefully more of the same, but also seeing some positive results from all the conservation initiatives that have been ongoing over the past decades
Relevant links to find out more about me and my work: Marine Turtle Research Group,
Marine Turtle Newsletter,
University of Exeter in Cornwall, Dept. of Biology
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