ALUMNI LEADING RESEARCH
Protecting the oceans is my passion
Alum, Dr Lauren McWhinnie, is working to mitigate the impacts of human activities on marine environments, leading pioneering research to conserve whale populations in the high Arctic.
Dr Lauren McWhinnie Assistant Professor, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Institute for Life and Earth Sciences
As the global demand for goods increases, the intensity of shipping and the movement of vessels through our oceans is expanding. As shipping routes extend into new areas, their impact on marine life is a serious threat.
“We know that whales are affected by vessels in a variety of ways, from exposure to underwater noise to being physically struck or disturbed,” explains Lauren, who is an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt’s School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society. “But we have very little understanding about how frequently Arctic whales are encountering vessels in the high Arctic and how they are being impacted by these interactions.”
Lauren carried out her PhD developing tools to spatially analyse marine ecosystems at Heriot-Watt University before becoming a Research Fellow at the University of Victoria, Canada. Her research has involved projects all over the globe, from Scotland and the Canadian Arctic, to the southern waters of New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf.
Now, she is leading the WAVE project, a collaboration between Heriot-Watt and HX Expeditions, a world leader in travel exploration. Heriot-Watt is the first UK university to partner with HX on a project of this scale, marking a significant milestone in academia and industry working together to deepen knowledge and find solutions.
“We are gathering critical data to inform and support evidence-based management strategies,” Lauren explains. “Our aim is to put in place measures to mitigate against modern-day risks that pose a threat to whale survival in the Arctic.” In the north, whales are crucial to local communities as a subsistence food source, for their culture and economy, and for their role within arctic ecosystems.
Our aim is to mitigate modern-day risks that pose a threat to whale survival in the Arctic.”
Dr Lauren McWhinnie
Lauren talking about her research to guests on board the MS Fram.
The MS Fram, an HX Expedition cruise ship, sails by an iceberg in the Arctic Circle.
I’m incredibly lucky to work in the high Arctic and to share this experience with the Heriot-Watt community.”
Dr Lauren McWhinnie
Until recently, the Arctic has provided an acoustic refuge from industrial noise with the annual presence of sea ice limiting vessel traffic and reducing the presence and impacts of other human activities. Its marine mammals have evolved and thrived in one of the most natural and undisturbed oceanic environments. With climate change making the region more accessible to commercial shipping, the number of vessels travelling in Arctic waters is on the rise.
“It’s important that we work with industry, policy makers, and communities to ensure that the maritime sector is operating in a responsible and sustainable manner,” Lauren comments. The aim is to influence Arctic marine management and conservation measures as well as the processes and policies of the maritime industry.
“What’s incredibly exciting about this research is that we are not only aiming to advance scientific understanding of the Arctic ecosystem but to make a tangible contribution to whale conservation in the region,” Lauren explains. “As a researcher, this is a truly fantastic opportunity to bring about a positive change. I have always been passionate about making sure my research can be applied to solving real world issues, and this is strongly encouraged and supported at Heriot-Watt University. I’m incredibly lucky to get to work in the high Arctic, and in addition, be able to share this experience with my students, colleagues, and the wider Heriot-Watt community.”
