Alana Jute_0.jpg

 

Contact Information

Department of Life Sciences
The University of the West Indies
St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
 

Location

Institute of Marine Affairs
Hilltop Lane, Chaguaramas
Tel: 1(868)634-4291
Ext: 1313
 
 

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” 
 Jacques Yves Cousteau

“It is a curious situation that the sea, from which life first arose should now be threatened by the activities of one form of that life. But the sea, though changed in a sinister way, will continue to exist; the threat is rather to life itself.” 
― Rachel Carson, The Sea Around Us

I am a currently the curator of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest marine collection of specimens at the Institute of Marine Affairs. Though a large task it is also a humbling experience as I examine specimens from Trinidad and Tobago’s waters that were collected since, the 1960s. Some of these specimens may not still exist in the natural environment, therefore, making it, vital to not only preserve these species but also to utilize them for research and education and awareness. My interest in the marine environment was nurtured during my undergraduate days in DLS, where I got a great combination of both the theory and practical experience in marine field work and I was also fortunate to be mentored by some of the great minds that walk the halls of DLS who were generous with their time and experience outside of the scheduled lab and lecture times. This has all helped to shape me as a person in general and as a research officer at IMA. As I continue to walk the challenging road towards my PhD I know I am not alone in this journey to expand my knowledge of the unknown waters.

Education

  • PhD Candidate in Environmental Biology – The University of West Indies St Augustine (2016 to present)
  • Masters in Marine Science – The University of Auckland, New Zealand (2013-2015)
  • Bachelor of Science – Major in Environmental Resource Management, Minor in Marine Biology – The University of West Indies St Augustine (2006-2010)
  • Awardee of New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship (2012)

 

Project Details

Title of Project – “An Ecological Investigation of Ballast water from vessels entering Trinidad’s waters”
Supervisor: Dr. Judith Gobin (DLS)
Academic Advisory Committee: Dr. Judith Gobin (DLS)
 

Work Experience

  • Taxonomy Research Officer (IMA) – 2016 to present
  • Demonstrator/Teaching Assistant (UWI) – 2015-2016
  • Research Assistant (Dr Judith Gobin UWI) – 2008 - 2015
  • Field Assistant (Dragonfly Science, NZ) – March to June 2014
  • Marine Technician/Researcher (IMA) – 2011 – 2012
  • Research Assistant (The Cropper Foundation) – 2009 – 2010
  • Research Assistant (Halcrow Ltd UK Consultants) – 3months 2009
  • Environmental Educator/Supervisor (Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust) – 2002-2007

 

Special Interest

Marine Invertebrates, Marine Invasive Species (MIS), Ballast Water, Biofouling
 

PUBLICATIONS

Pitombo, F.B, Gobin, J, Nunes Abreu, N.M and Jute, A. (2017) A Cryptic Invasion in the Western Atlantic: Presence of the Fouling Barnacle Megabalanus zebra (Darwin, 1854) (Crustacea, Cirripedia) in the Caribbean Sea. Zootaxa 4237 (1): 131-153

Jute, A and Dunphy, B. J. (2016). The potential efficacy and application of freshwater and hypersaline immersion to control the spread of a marine invasive species. Biological Invasions. DOI 10.1007/s10530-016-1350-8

Jute, A. H. C, Gobin, J.F and Rocha, R. M. (2013). A preliminary list of ascidians for the island of Trinidad, West Indies. Marine Biodiversity Records, Vol. 6; e62; page 1 -4 doi: 10.1017/S1755267213000390

Jute, A.H.C.  2012. Trinidad and Tobago Terrific and Tranquil, 50th Anniversary Edition Hansib Publishing. Environment Chapter. Hansib Publications. ISBN: 978-1-906190-37-8

Gobin, J, Jute, A. H.C and Singh, A. (submitted) Biofouling and the potential for marine invasive species in Trinidad and Tobago and in the Caribbean (in review)

Gobin, J, Amon, D and Jute, A. (in progress) Present knowledge of the deep-sea invertebrate and fish fauna of Trinidad and Tobago.

 

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