Say hello to Bianca Brooks! Bianca is taking on a four-month rotation at the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) as part of the Department of Agriculture Graduate Program. AFMA hosts graduates from the Department of Agriculture each year for one of three rotations, while AFMA’s graduates undertake a rotation at the Department. Bianca is working in the Northern Fisheries section, focusing on the Torres Strait fisheries.
Hear more from Bianca below about why she applied for the rotation at AFMA and what she’s looking forward to the most.
Can you tell us about your background?
Growing up on the NSW south coast I spent a large portion of my childhood with my head in a rock pool, so it wasn’t really a surprise when I enrolled in a Bachelor of Marine Science at the University of Wollongong (UoW). During my time at UoW I fell in love with molluscs, population genetics and fisheries management. After graduating, I begrudgingly moved away from the ocean to Canberra to pursue a Master of Environmental Management and Development at ANU, focusing on fisheries and marine protected area management in the Asia Pacific. Upon completion I was lucky enough to be accepted into the 2019 Department of Agriculture Graduate Program.
What inspired you to apply for a rotation at AFMA?
Coming from a marine science and environmental management background I was always very keen to apply for a rotation at AFMA. I was particularly excited when I saw that there was an opportunity to work in the Torres Strait fisheries section as it aligns with my personal interests.
What are you most looking forward to during your time at AFMA?
Learning more about the Torres Strait fisheries and the complexities of fisheries management.
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