Earlier this year we profiled AFMA’s 2017 graduate Elisa Plati. As part of AFMA’s Graduate Program our grads do rotations with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR). Likewise, throughout the year AFMA hosts DAWR graduates on rotations. From June to October DAWR grad Katie Murphy is working in the Antarctic Fisheries Team of the Tuna & International Fisheries Section.
Here Katie tells us a bit about herself and her rotation so far.
Graduate Katie is working in the Antarctic Fisheries Team
Why did you want to do a rotation at AFMA?
I majored in marine science with honours at ANU and I adore and am fascinated by anything marine or fisheries related. So AFMA was the obvious first choice. I knew some of AFMA’s work and role however since I’ve been on this rotation I’ve realised that I’m a little fish in a big pond of fisheries management expertise. I admire the scale, depth and porpoise of AFMA’s work. (Web admin note: we promise pun writing was not part of the selection criteria! However we are quite proud.)
What are you currently working on?
I’m in the Antarctic Fisheries Team looking at AFMA’s Antarctic Fisheries permit conditions and the Conservation Measures in the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Sometimes I feel like a fish out of water but all in all it’s coming up…Hunky Dory.
What has been your favourite part about working at AFMA?
Diving into the intricacies of fisheries management, I’ve enjoyed how cooperative, friendly and engaged everyone at AFMA is. I’ve also reeled in the ability to use fish puns on a daily basis without restraint. (Web admin note to future grads: pun writing is not parting the psychometric testing, no matter how hard we’ve tried to get it on there.)
Have you had any memorable experiences?
I was hooked on the presentations about ghost nets and DNA testing innovations for fish. I had a whale of a time seeing the collaboration between AFMA, industry and other organisations in meetings.
Welcome Katie! While the puns cod be batter, be assured that AFMA and DAWR’s grads are highly educated with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
While our applications for our 2018 program have closed, you can find out more about it, and hear from past grads at afma.gov.au.