Andrea Ahrens

Experience

1. Senior Marine Biologist, Environmental Management

   Stantec

   Sep 2008 — Present · Honolulu, HI, US

   Andrea is a professional marine biologist with nineteen years’ experience practicing marine ecology and environmental science, including conducting baseline and analytical research, policy and planning for protected areas, and recovery planning and management of endangered species. Her current work focuses on developing environmental impact assessments and monitoring programs, with an emphasis on mitigating potential effects of industrial activities, particularly underwater noise, on marine wildlife and species at risk. Andrea is Stantec’s subject matter expert for marine mammals and sea turtles, and regularly serves as the discipline lead for major marine projects in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans.Andrea has been the Technical Director and/or Quality Reviewer on dozens of multi-disciplinary marine projects. In this role, she has overseen and managed development of scientific assessments, literature reviews, technical appendices, monitoring and/or management plans, field programs, permit applications, and compliance reports in the United States, Canada, and internationally. She believes in early coordination with regulatory agencies, and is skilled at leading large collaborative teams, and at presenting technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. She is proficient at interpreting acoustic modelling to assess potential effects of underwater noise on marine wildlife and she strives to develop innovative mitigation and monitoring options that balance industry, regulatory, and environmental needs. Andrea also has extensive marine field experience, including more than 220 days at sea.Ms. Ahrens’ Master of Science answered critical questions concerning the population abundance and distribution of humpback whales in BC, Canada. She served as an advisor for the Canadian North Pacific Humpback Whale Recovery Team, co-authored the Draft Recovery Strategy, and wrote the COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Humpback Whale in Canada.

Education

• The University of British Columbia

  BSc., Marine Biology

  1998 — 2004

• The University of British Columbia

  MSc., Zoology

  2006 — 2008

Skills

• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Ecology
• Environmental Management
• Field Work
• Marine Mammals
• Wildlife
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Education
• Endangered Species
• Marine Biology
• Environmental Management Systems
• Aquatic Ecology
• Wildlife Biology
• Environmental Permitting
• Biodiversity
• Environmental Consulting
• Conservation Issues