Tonya van der Velde

Before her retirement, Tonya van der Velde participated in a diverse variety of themes and roles since she commenced with CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric (now Environment Research Unit) Research in 1983. She specialised in reproductive biology with international standing. Her science field and expertise has supported research in understanding reproductive biology of penaeid prawns and pelagic fish species and has been pivotal in contributing to stock assessment to various fisheries. Tonya also led the logistics and co-ordination of field research on a variety of important coastal marine and economic issues. She was highly adaptable and consistently delivered projects whilst developing critical relationships with external clients and agencies. She was also a highly skilled Histologist and managed the Oceans and Atmospheric Business Unit histology department.

Additionally, Tonya was a pivotal contributor to Marine Debris research projects, conducting coastal marine debris field surveys, engaging with schools and interest groups through the TeachWild program.