Anna Victoria Pyne Vinje is a marine biologist from Norway. In this podcast, we're both currently involved in the North Atlantic Sightings Surveys (NASS) project as marine mammal observers (MMO) at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR).

Victoria began her journey in marine biology after working as the only female fisherman on an old longline boat, where she gained invaluable maritime skills and resilience. Her academic path took her from the University of Bergen to James Cook University (JCU) in Australia and then to a Master's in Arctic Animal Physiology and Marine Biology at the University of Tromsø (UiT). During her Master's, she worked as a research technician at UiT, handling species such as the hooded seal, reindeer, and ptarmigans.

Her professional career started as an MMO with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment and the National Marine Mammal Foundation on the 'SOST minke whale hearing project,' contributing to the very first hearing measurements on baleen whales to study the impact of human-made noise on these marine mammals and mitigate this form of pollution. Leading research at OneWhale, she focuses on conserving and managing the famous beluga whale Hvaldimir, aiming to translocate him back to a wild population. This project seeks to provide scientific insights and study the adaptation of a previously captive animal.

In her field, she has faced challenges such as misconceptions, polarized opinions, and personal harassment, which are unfortunately common for women in male-dominated fields. She handles these situations by valuing solid ethical foundations and clear communication. Victoria hopes to inspire other young biologists, especially women, to pursue their passion in the field and encourages the younger generation to strive for a fair and equitable working environment for all genders.

Driven by the chance to make a meaningful impact on marine conservation, the ocean's vastness and mystery continually fascinate her. Her transition from a fisherman to a diving marine biologist shows her dedication to the maritime world, a passion she continues to pursue while living on her sailboat, staying connected to the sea.

Links:

Capture and Release of Minke Whales Offers New Research Opportunities, Including Measurements of Mysticete Hearing. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.50.4.2024.352

www.nmmf.org/our-work/biologic-bioacoustic-research/minke-whale-hearing/

www.onewhale.org