Emilie Novaczek
Emilie Novaczek is a PhD candidate with Memorial University’s Marine Geomatics Research Lab and an instructor with the Department of Geography. Her work, including; “High resolution habitat mapping to describe coastal denning habitat of a Canadian species at risk, Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus)” and "Mapping the future of our oceans: Sharing conservation science at sea” has been published in several journal articles. When she is not doing her research on land, she is a scientific diver and also works at Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium in Newfoundland. Emilie has several journal articles published on the endangered Atlantic wolfish.
Q. What project(s) have you worked on that you are most proud of? / What got your career in GIS started?
A. A few years ago I was working with the Seaflower Marine Protected Area in San Andres, Colombia. I was studying the impact of tourism & recreation on shallow coral reefs. The project was designed to meet an important data gap for managers: little information existed about how the MPA was being used for non-fishing activities. My research involved participatory mapping with tourism operators and SCUBA surveys of coral health and biodiversity. It was an incredible opportunity to work in the community and on the water. By mapping recreational activity types within the MPA boundaries and impact on reefs, managers were able to efficiently allocate resources (like targeted educational materials/incentives) while fostering a constructive relationship with communities and businesses who use and enjoy the Seaflower.