Tess Gridley

Present: Research associate with the Namibian Dolphin Project.
Freelance biologist and marine mammal observer (MMO)

2006 – 2010, University of St Andrews, PhD
Thesis title: Geographic and species variation in bottlenose dolphin signature whistles. Supervisor: Dr Vincent Janik

2004 – 2005, University of Aberdeen, MRes. Marine and Fisheries Science, Pass with Distinction
Thesis title: Combining acoustic and visual survey techniques to determine the factors affecting marine mammal distribution in the outer Moray Firth (NE Scotland). Supervisor: Professor Paul Thompson.

2000–2003, University of Newcastle, First Class BSc Honours Degree in Marine Biology
Thesis title: Applications of the functional biological diversity concept in relation to rocky intertidal communities and physical disturbance. Awarded i) Institute of Biology: Elected as Graduate of the Institute of Biology: Top Bioscience Student at University of Newcastle, 2003. ii) Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering: The Young Book Prize for outstanding achievement in biology. iii) School of Marine Science and Technology: Top Student in Marine Biology
Discipline, 2003.

1997–1999, Sheffield College, UK ‘A’ Levels: Biology, Sociology, Psychology

1992 –1997 Meadowhead School, Sheffield, 10 GCSEs

Research Interests
My research focuses on animal behaviour, primarily acoustic communication in cetaceans. I am interested in understanding functional call types and the factors promoting variation in these at the individual, population and species level. This has allowed me to conduct research all over the world, including Scotland, Tanzania, South Africa and Namibia, using photo-identification, genetic and acoustic techniques. I have been affiliated with the NDP since 2009, where I lead projects on the acoustic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins. I am keen to apply acoustic tools to maximise conservation output, something relatively new in Africa. To this end I am one of the principal investigators on the Namibian Dolphin Projects acoustic surveys to investigate the distribution of Heaviside’s and Dusky Dolphins in the northern Benguela ecosystem.