Field of research/work: Marine biology and ecology
YTS Years: 2026
Brooke's Notable career moments
Hated science in primary school
Realised science was actually interesting after doing a project on space in high school
Decided I wanted to study some form of animal science after doing work placement at my local vet clinic in grade 10
Began studying marine biology in Hobart
Completed my degree in marine biology
Began studying southern rock lobster (crayfish)
About Brooke McLachlan
As a kid, one of my favourite things to do at the beach was look under rocks for crabs. I would find it fascinating how they could be all different colours and sizes. I have always loved sea creatures, but it wasn’t until I was in college that I really thought I could turn this passion into a career.
During my studies, I had the opportunity to conduct a research project on southern rock lobster, also known as crayfish, where I examined differences in lobsters between fished and unfished areas. One of my favourite parts of the project was the field work, where I spent a few days out on a boat catching and handling lobsters as well as any other marine life that would find themselves in our pots. This project opened my mind to the importance of lobsters in our oceans and inspired me to do further studies.
I am now undertaking a project investigating the decline of a lobster population in southern Tasmania. The particular group of lobsters I am looking at are located in a marine research area and are protected from fishing. So, if no one is allowed to fish them, how is the population going down? Is it from changes in the weather? Are there changes in the reef, which is their home? Or are people illegally fishing here? Well, these are the questions I am looking to answer.
