Select Page

Back

Tracking Wildlife and Protecting Oceans: Oliver Palin’s Work with CLS Oceania

Oct 21, 2024

As a passionate environmental scientist and technical expert, Oliver Palin is at the forefront of data-driven environmental management at CLS Oceania.

With a strong background in Marine Science and a commitment to sustainability, Oliver works on cutting-edge projects that leverage satellite telemetry to monitor wildlife, manage fisheries, and study ocean currents.

Oliver shares with us today insights into his career, the innovative technologies he works with, and how these initiatives contribute to a more sustainable future for our oceans.

Oliver in a warehouse

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background and current role?

Oliver Palin: I completed my Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management at the University of Newcastle, where I majored in Marine Science. After graduating, I moved to Tasmania and joined CLS Oceania. My background is rooted in ecology, but my current role focuses on the technical aspects of managing data collection via satellite telemetry.

Right now, I’m working on projects that involve designing and building wooden drifting buoys for oceanographic data collection in Antarctica, tracking animals, collecting environmental data from commercial fishing vessels, and building oceanographic moorings.

I’m fortunate to work in an industry that aligns with my lifestyle and passions. With a long-standing interest in environmental science, it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute in a tangible way. Being an avid fisherman, I also really enjoy collaborating with commercial fishermen, researchers, and other industry members. Together, we can make the greatest impact.

argos tag on a seal

How do CLS technologies contribute to monitoring animal species in Australia and protecting the oceans?

One example of how our technology plays a critical role is through our Argos services, which we use to monitor wildlife and ocean conditions. A specific project involves attaching geo-positioning sensors to seals in the Southern Ocean. These sensors sit on the seals’ heads like little hats and collect oceanographic data such as conductivity, temperature, and depth. The data is then transmitted via satellites, allowing us to safely and cost-effectively collect information 24/7.

Not only do these instruments help us observe the seals’ behavior, but they also monitor essential ocean variables and biodiversity in data-poor areas. This provides valuable input to global ocean indicators and helps quantify seasonal and interannual variability of the upper ocean state. Additionally, the data we collect on animal movements and behavior gives us direct insight into how environmental changes impact animal performance. This knowledge is crucial for developing evidence-based policies that protect both the animals and their habitats from the increasing pressures of human activity.

sustainable fisheries CLS

How do these initiatives align with CLS’ broader mission for sustainability?

At CLS Oceania, we approach sustainability from multiple angles, and the data we collect is essential for promoting the sustainable use of resources. One key example is our work with fishing vessels throughout Australasia and the Pacific Islands. We collect GPS locations and electronic catch reports from these vessels, which allows us to better control fishing activities and provide more accurate stock assessments. This, in turn, leads to the sustainable management of marine resources.

The data we provide helps governments and fisheries managers by delivering dynamic and reliable statistics. By combining information from a variety of sources, CLS ensures that informed decisions are made to support the long-term survival of marine resources, the fishing industry, and the Blue Economy.

Oliver is an active believer that the satellite technology and environmental data provided by CLS’ Argos services has an incredible potential to help study and protect our oceans and wildlife.

By merging innovative ideas with passion for environmental management, CLS Oceania is helping to create a sustainable future for both marine ecosystems and industries. With the challenges facing our planet’s oceans growing, these efforts are not just valuable, they are essential.