Where did you go to school?
I got my Bachelor’s in biology at the University of Pau (a small town in France), my Master’s in Systematics and Paleontology at Sorbonne University in Paris. During my time there, I learned about phylogenetics, fish taxonomy and fish morphology. I also have a Master’s in Ecological Modelling from the University of Rennes 1 in France during which I learned how to use mathematics to develop models reproducing the variations in fish abundance in marine ecosystems. Finally, I obtained a PhD from the University of Tromsø, Norway, during which I aimed at disentangling the effects of fisheries and climate change on the dynamics of fish populations in the Barents Sea (Norway/Russia).
What is your area of research?
I study the effects of fisheries on the dynamics of commercially important species. More specifically, I try to identify the contribution of predation, fisheries, and climate on the variations of individual species dynamics to inform managers about possible caveats in their policies.
Who or what inspired you to become involved in marine science?
My path as a student was relatively unspecialized until I got involved in phylogenetics during my Bachelor’s thesis. During this internship I worked in the skeleton morphology of a specific genus of fish from Antarctic (Bathydraconidae). I found it fascinating how it was possible to link all terrestrial living organisms to the fish through morphological similarities.
What qualities do you think are important in order to become a scientist?
I think that a first important quality to have as a scientist is to be curious (in a positive way). A scientist should always try to understand the mechanism behind a phenomenon. The second important quality is to be able to present and defend a point, a result, or an argument. As scientist, your findings or statements will always be questioned so you must be ready to defend yourself.
Why is your research topic important?
My research topic is important because it implies management. Management of marine resources became necessary as major fish stocks such as a cod began to collapse in the 1980’s. As we advanced in the management process, it became clear that fisheries in not the only driver of these collapses. My research aims at identifying the potential other drivers and their contribution to fish stock collapses in the past to inform the future management policies.
What will you be bringing with you to the “meet with an Oceanographer” day?
I will bring some sea water samples from a close by shore to show how diverse life is in the ocean around us.
What is the best advice you have for people interested in becoming involved in your field of research or in marine sciences?
Go for it! Get curious! And don’t neglect math because nowadays, statistics are an essential part of our work.
What is your favorite ocean organism?
Crocodile Icefishes. Awesome fishes from the Antarctic that have white blood due to anti-freeze proteins.
Want to know more about Elliot: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Elliot-Sivel