Since 2013, we have helped students and graduates launch their careers in marine conservation science.
About Whalefish
Whalefish is a not-for-profit marine outreach and conservation organisation that operates globally and is based in the UK and South Africa. Our mission is to connect, share, and inspire the next generation of marine ambassadors and conservation scientists through community projects, education and collaboration. Whalefish was co-founded in 2013 by Niru Dorrian, Dr Els Vermeulen and Lorenzo Scala, friends and colleagues in their respective fields united in their passion for marine conservation. Whalefish is uniquely positioned to offer insight into career opportunities in the marine industrial and academic sectors while connecting with the public to share their scientific expertise through training, workshops and voluntary projects.
Niru Dorrian
Co-Founder
BSc (Hons) CMarSci CSci FIMarEST
Marine Mammal Biologist
Dr Els Vermeulen
Co-Founder
PhD, MSc, BSc AIMarEST
Marine Mammal Biologist
Lorenzo Scala
Co-Founder
MSc, BSc (Hons) CMarSci CSci MIMarEST
Marine Acoustic Scientist
Dr James Thorburn
Associate Consultant (Lecturer)
PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons)
Elasmobranch Spatial Ecologist
Ludo, Dex, Thor & Benji
Intern Team
In training
Sea Dog Ecologists
Boglarka Baksay
Outreach Assistant
MSc, BSc (Hons) AIMarEST
Marine Environmental Scientist
Whalefish Alumni
We would also like to thank everyone else who has contributed valuable assistance and advice in the development of the Whalefish over the years: Education Officer Amy Ferguson (Niven), Outreach Officer Wanda Bodnar, Associate Researcher Cris Pinedo, and Social Media Assistants Alice Jones & Emily Burnett.
Our Marine Partners
About Our NGO Partnership
Our NGO Partnership with The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) provides access to free membership benefits, knowledge-sharing, online promotion and free membership for our volunteers and course delegates. The partnership offers support to organisations that have demonstrated a continued commitment to conservation and sustainability of the marine environment.
IMarEST Accredited Training Provider
The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) is an international society for marine professionals. IMarEST provides a peer-reviewed assessment of courses to ensure effective delivery of rigorous technical content. Whalefish’s ‘Marine Research Techniques & Conservation’ workshop is recognised as an accredited continuing professional development (CPD) course.