Niki Desjardin

The School for Field Studies

-Lived and studied on South Caicos, TCI (January through May, 1999)-SCUBA diving and snorkeling for fish, coral, seagrass, and mangrove identification exercises-Studied ecosystem function and anthropogenic impacts-Examined habitat enhancement and restoration-Attended lectures by Department of the Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) on the TCI government fisheries’ regulations and enforcement-Participated in site tour from a local tourism developer and discussed plans for… Show more -Lived and studied on South Caicos, TCI (January through May, 1999)-SCUBA diving and snorkeling for fish, coral, seagrass, and mangrove identification exercises-Studied ecosystem function and anthropogenic impacts-Examined habitat enhancement and restoration-Attended lectures by Department of the Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) on the TCI government fisheries’ regulations and enforcement-Participated in site tour from a local tourism developer and discussed plans for constructing residences and a resort-Visited local seafood processing plants and discussed operations with staff-Developed field research skills including: marine species identification and behavioral observations; biodiversity assessment; survey design and interviewing techniques; field research ethics; stakeholder facilitation techniques; data management and analysis; scientific writing and oral presentation; snorkel and SCUBA skills; economic valuation methods; habitat assessment and mapping Show less

Florida Atlantic University

Conducted MS thesis research project on the spatial and temporal distributions of leatherback sea turtles and ocean sunfishes in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. GIS and statistical analyses of aerial survey data and longline fisheries bycatch data, provided by NOAA Fisheries, were performed to: 1) identify habitat overlap 2) examine trends in migration 3) determine areas of substantial use by both animals and 3) explore the possibility of competition between these animals. A diet study… Show more Conducted MS thesis research project on the spatial and temporal distributions of leatherback sea turtles and ocean sunfishes in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. GIS and statistical analyses of aerial survey data and longline fisheries bycatch data, provided by NOAA Fisheries, were performed to: 1) identify habitat overlap 2) examine trends in migration 3) determine areas of substantial use by both animals and 3) explore the possibility of competition between these animals. A diet study was also performed to investigate dietary overlap. Stomach contents of stranded leatherbacks and sunfishes from along the U.S. Atlantic coast were analyzed for the presence of nematocysts and prey items were identified. Show less

University of Richmond

Minor: Studio Art

Treasure Coast Partnership Coordinator

Associated with Niki Desjardin