Our Committee
The Blue Whale Study (BWS) is a not-for-profit Incorporated Association under Victorian law, and a charitable research and education institution registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. BWS is also an Approved Research Institute (ARI) endorsed by CSIRO.
As an incorporated association we are required to have a management committee whose role is to oversee Blue Whale Study’s management and administration. As an ARI we are required to have a Scientific Committee whose legal role is to ensure that we work we carry out is scientific in nature and is of value to Australia, and that funds dedicated to research are properly accounted for. Under our Constitution the BWS Committee fulfils both roles. The Committee meets on a quarterly basis, with an annual AGM being held toward the end of each year.
Blue Whale Study’s eight-member Research Committee has a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in disciplines spanning marine ecology and geology, marketing and communications, business management and planning, environmental law and conflict resolution, and commercial fisheries. This robust, cross-disciplinary mix ensures that Blue Whale Study’s delivery of research and education remains relevant, focused and internationally recognised.
The Committee’s shared passion for the marine environment, and for the Blue Whale Study’s endeavours, provides strong motivation and a determination to ensure this vital research is continued.
Our current Committee members
Susie Lyons (Chairperson)
Susie is a marketing and communications expert with over 30 years’ experience in a broad range of disciplines at business management level – media and journalism, public relations and event management, fundraising and sponsorship development, and arts management.
Her interest in the marine environment was piqued when she joined an Antarctic tourist expedition. She is passionate about supporting critical environmental science research and education.
Susie has worked in all levels of government and most recently has been employed as a Director with Regional Arts Victoria.
A proficient linguist – Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese – she is adept at cross cultural communication and enjoys fostering the development of skills in others at a local community level.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), a Graduate Diploma in Communications and Certificate IV in Governance.
Dr Pete Gill (CEO and Lead Researcher)
Dr Pete Gill has been involved in large whale research since 1983, and started the Blue Whale Study research program in 1998.
Dr Andrew Levings (Marine Scientific Advisor)
Dr Andrew Levings has a lifetime interest in fishing, geology and the marine environment and has worked extensively as a commercial fisherman, diver and marine researcher. A graduate in Applied Geology and Community Studies with a PhD in Marine Science, his multiple academic and trade skills provide a unique interface and a record of good outcomes for the diverse groups interested in marine species and offshore activity.
Chris Loorham (Legal and Planning Advisor)
Chris Loorham B.Juris, LLB, MSS. is a planning consultant based in Port Fairy. He has a background in environmental law including heading up the Environment Defenders Office in Victoria from ‘92 to ‘98 and lecturing in Environmental Law at the Australian Maritime College and Victoria University.
Professor Rob McCauley
Rob McCauley has been active in marine acoustics research since 1987. Research carried out includes: 1) studying sounds produced by invertebrates, fish, whales and dolphins; 2) observations and experimentation of the impacts of marine petroleum seismic survey sound on plankton, squid, octopus, scallops, pearl oyster, lobster, fish, sea turtles and great whales; 3) characterising underwater sound fields produced by various man-made sources; 4) sound transmission modelling; 5) overseeing a multi-institution program on the use of the Perth Canyon by pygmy blue whales; 6) running an Australia wide IMOS program of Australian underwater acoustic observatories over 2008 to 2018; 7) completing scores of Industry funded programs using sea noise to monitor fauna near petroleum or wind farm developments; or 8) running projects studying ambient noise, sound propagation and oceanography for Australian Defence Department.
Rebecca Hall
Alex Shute
Alex joined the Blue Whale Study in 2024 after connecting with the team during his PhD research at Deakin University. His childhood dream of studying whales ultimately grew into a focus on biological oceanography, which investigates how physical processes such as currents and coastal upwelling influence where and when apex predators choose to feed. Alex is particularly interested in how long-term climate change is reshaping coastal dynamics and the downstream impacts on important prey species such as krill.
Jack Caithness
Our most recent Committee member, Jack is a Portland local who at the age of 16 was a student in our Youth Mentoring Program. An experienced naturalist, he has a strong interest in the marine environment and for the past few years has been a regular observer during our aerial and vessel research surveys. A keen surfer, Jack is also a photographer, artist and musician.
We would also like to remember previous Committee member, Louise Sheba, who died in February 2017. Louise’s dedication, kindness, enthusiasm and business acumen helped to shape and form our operations, particularly our donor recognition and community participation. Thank you Louise.