Danielle J Willis 2024 Australian Marine Sciences Association Annual Meeting combined with NZMSS

Danielle J Willis

Kia ora, My name is Danielle Willis-Kaio, I whakapapa to Ngāpuhi tribe. I have completed a BSc in Marine Science and am working towards an MSc in Marine science with a specialty in fisheries management at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Throughout my years as a student at Te Herenga Waka, I have been involved in marine research, outreach programs, and an assistant teacher for undergraduate science courses. In 2024, I will be commencing my individual research project that will result in an MSc thesis and optimistically a research paper. My research will study the importance of animal-dominated reefs (such as sponge beds and mixed filter feeders) for fish populations within Wellington Harbour. Understanding how fish utilize and depend on animal-dominated reefs will help to inform management and conservation decisions for these habitats and identify their roles in sustaining culturally and commercially important local fish/fisheries. My long-term goal is to continue my education and career in Marine Science specifically fisheries science to ensure the utilization of the moana is sustainable and to represent my Māori culture in academia, inspiring other Māori to have careers in science.