Hannah Raven 2015/16

Since the beginning of my appointment in April, I have been assisting Dr Lara Atkinson with the completion of an invertebrate identification guide in parallel with creating an online database. This will allow any scientist with access to assess species diversity collected while assisting crew in the identification of invertebrates onboard during dermersal trawl surveys within South Africa. The identification guide requires constant updating as new information comes to light on specific species descriptions and changes in names. I also work closely with our education officer Thomas Mtontsi assisting with exhibitions (Agulhas II open day, National Marine Week), the Eskom expo, planning and implementing of holiday programs for learners as well as school visits. I will also be attending several workshops throughout the year and will be participating in a five week commercial diving course at the University of Cape Town. During this year I will also be on the lookout for a possible research project in order to further my qualification to a master’s level.