Marine scientist honoured for whale conservation work

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 19:21 · Archive

Dr Vanessa Pirotta, who uses drones to study whales, has been named NSW Australian of the Year for her ocean conservation efforts.

Dr Vanessa Pirotta, a 38-year-old marine scientist at Macquarie University, was announced as NSW Australian of the Year late Wednesday. She was honoured for her conservation efforts studying whales without invasively disturbing their habitat, using drones to collect whale samples.

Dr Pirotta has engaged the public in ocean conservation through her large social media presence. One post about a humpback whale birth garnered more than one million views. She founded Wild Sydney Harbour, a citizen science project that documents the diversity of marine life in Sydney Harbour and works alongside traditional custodians in Botany Bay to monitor marine populations.

Her research also explores how artificial intelligence tools can detect the illegal smuggling of marine wildlife at airports. Dr Pirotta said the honour was unexpected. 'I am so very grateful to be able to share with all Australians just how fabulous our blue backyard is from a science perspective,' she posted on Instagram.

The NSW winner will join representatives from other states and territories for the national Australian of the Year awards to be announced in Canberra on the eve of Australia Day in 2027.

How it is being reported

• Whale snot scientist in line for Aussie of the YearWith a passion for studying the ocean and its unique wildlife, a marine scientist is having a whale of a time as she takes out top honours at an annual award.The West Australian · 4 Nov, 19:01
• Whale snot scientist in line for Aussie of the YearWith a passion for studying the ocean and its unique wildlife, a marine scientist is having a whale of a time as she takes out top honours at an annual award.Perth Now · 4 Nov, 19:01

In this story: Dr Vanessa Pirotta · Macquarie University · Wild Sydney Harbour · Botany Bay · Sydney Harbour · New South Wales

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