J (Jip) Vrooman, MSc

After high school, my passion for the animal world led me to sign up for a bachelor's degree in Biology in Utrecht. Subsequently I followed two Master's programs in Wageningen; Forest & Nature Conservation and Aquaculture & Marine Resource Management. For both I specialized in ecology, with which I am now grounded in both marine and terrestrial ecology and nature management. However, the sea came out as a favorite. After my training, I therefore started working as a marine ecologist and project manager at Stichting De Noordzee (North Sea Foundation). I enjoyed working there for three years and learned a lot about project management, nature policy and (the playing field on) the North Sea. I worked on marine protected areas and protected species, the effects of offshore wind farms and various North Sea expeditions. As a next step, I wanted to get back into research a bit more, and I switched to Wageningen Marine Research. I am now working there as an ecologist and researcher. I work on cetaceans and fish. Subjects I work(ed) on concern a.o. harbour porpoise in Dutch waters, International Whaling Commission, Wadden Sea fish and fish surveys. I hope to contribute to sustainable nature management and conservation through research.