Julie reimer
PhD turned practitioner, conservation advocate, ecologist turned social scientist
PROFESSIONAL
I recently completed a PhD in Geography at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (St. John's, NL) under the co-supervision of Dr. Rodolphe Devillers (IRD, France) and Dr. Joachim Claudet (CNRS, France). My research looked to the bigger picture of conservation, using marine spatial planning and area-based management to bring together conservation and sustainable resource use.
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I hold a Master of Marine Management from Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS) where I conducted research on industry receptiveness to large whale conservation technologies. My undergraduate training is in biology, with a particular focus on ecosystem ecology, received at Queen's University (Kingston, ON).
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I come to marine spatial planning research with a keen interest in applied projects that ultimately seek to improve the social feasibility and ecological effectiveness of conservation and sustainability solutions. My perspective on ocean management stems from my experience in the ecotourism industry, my work with non-governmental organizations, and my desire to understand the communities who impact and are impacted by ocean management.
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I am currently employed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the National Marine Spatial Planning Program.
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For a complete list of my professional and academic contributions, please download my full CV here or review below.
PERSONAL
You know those photos of "grooms blown away by their bride"? I always love those photos— look at this guy who just can't believe how lucky he got! This is why it's extremely important that I share this photo of my husband on our wedding day with you. My husband is the best. Ever. We share an affinity for board games, Lord of the Rings, our dog, Luna, and chasing our career dreams. That's how we ended up living in separate provinces for 2+ years.
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While Peter and our girl Luna were living in Ontario, I was delving deeper into my Maritime heritage as I studied in Newfoundland. There are some boxes you need to check to be a true Atlantic Canadian: can you shuck a lobster? Has Keith's at one time been your brew of choice? Do you know the appropriate response to "The year was 1778..."? I am a Maritimer, born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and an Atlantic Canadian, having lived in three of the four Atlantic provinces.
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Being a Maritimer, you might think that I've always dreamed of a career in the ocean sector. In grade 3 I did a project on octopus. In grade 9 I got my first job, working at a local seafood market; however, like many high-achieving high school graduates, I wanted to go to medical school. When I took my first human physiology course at university, I hated it and performed terribly. Trying to find a new passion, I signed up for a biology field course in St. Andrews, New Brunswick because it was close to home and less expensive than other courses (I was on a student budget!). This field course ignited a passion in me for marine conservation, and started me on this new path that I feel so fortunate to have found. When I'm not working in ocean conservation, I'm an avid at-home-yogi, an excellent pie-maker (thanks Mom), and a committed bargain shopper.
Photo (right) by Sarah Kierstead
CURRICULUM VITAE
ACADEMIC
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy, Geography (2022)
Dept. of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Supervisors: Dr. Rodolphe Devillers & Dr. Charles Mather
Supervisory Committee: Dr. Joachim Claudet & Dr. Natalie Ban
Thesis: Amplifying the potential of marine spatial planning for conservation and sustainability
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Master of Marine Management (2016)
Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS)
Supervisor: Dr. Christopher T. Taggart
Mentor: Dr. Moira W. Brown (NEAQ & CWI)
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Bachelor of Science (Honours), Biology (2014)
Queen's University (Kingston, ON)
Supervisor: Dr. Bruce Tufts
Committee Member: Dr. Yuxiang Wang
Thesis: Developing new approaches in aquaculture: dietary preference of calico crayfish (Orconectes immunis) and applications in polyculture
PUBLICATIONS
Reimer, J.M., Devillers, R., Zuercher, R., Groulx, P. & J. Claudet. In Prep. The Marine Spatial Planning Index: A tool for assessing marine spatial planning processes.
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Reimer, J.M., Devillers, R., Trouillet, B., Ban, N.C., Claudet, J. & T. Agardy. In Prep. Conservation ready marine spatial planning.
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Reimer, J.M., Glithero, L., Bodwitch, H., Ramachandran, A., Paul, K., Noisette, F. Maggs, D., Haine, E. & G. Singh. 2022. Towards a new ocean science : engaging with culture to promote sustainable development. Canadian Commission for UNESCO.
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Castro-Cadenas, M., Loiseau, C., Reimer, J.M. & J. Claudet. 2022. Tracking changes in social-ecological systems along environmental disturbances with the Ocean Health Index. Science of the Total Environment, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156423
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Reimer, J., Devillers, R., & J. Claudet. 2020. Benefits and gaps in area-based management tools for the ocean Sustainable Development Goal. Nature Sustainability, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-020-00659-2
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Reimer, J., Gravel, C., Brown, M.W. and C.T. Taggart. 2016. Mitigating vessel strikes: the problem of the peripatetic whales and the peripatetic ships. Marine Policy 68: 91-99.
CONFERENCES
Reimer, J., Devillers, R., Trouillet, B., Ban, N.C., Agardy, T., & J. Claudet. (2021). Informing conservation ready marine spatial planning. MARE People and the Sea Conference. Oral presentation.
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Reimer, J., Devillers, R. and J. Claudet. 2020. Setting sail for SDG 14: Benefits and gaps in use of area-based management tools. International Marine Conservation Congress, Online Conference. Oral presentation.
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Reimer, J., Devillers, R. and J. Claudet. 2019. An assessment of area-based management tools and outcomes. Atlantic Canada Association of Geographers Annual Meeting. Regional Conference. St. John’s, NL. Poster presentation. Award: Best Student Poster
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Reimer, J. Devillers, R. and J. Claudet. 2019. Setting sail for SDG 14 Life Below Water: An assessment of area-based management tools and outcomes. Sustainable Oceans Conference, Halifax, NS. National Conference. Poster presentation.
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Reimer, J., Devillers, R. and J. Claudet. 2019. Mapping area-based marine management tools to SDG 14: Life Below Water. IMBeR: Future Oceans2 Conference, Brest, France. International Conference. Oral presentation. Award: Top 10 Student Presentations
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Reimer, J. and R. Devillers. 2018. Community reality in marine spatial planning: can communities and their experiences be better captured? Communities, Conservation, & Livelihoods Conference, Halifax, NS. International Conference. Oral presentation.
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Reimer, J., Gravel, C., Brown, M.W. and C.T. Taggart. 2015. Vessel needs, preferences, and restrictions related to minimizing risk to whales without compromising vessel operations and the safety of navigation. Making Waves, Halifax, NS. Institutional Conference. Oral presentation.
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders in Canada (2021)
Awarded by the Corporate Knights
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Marty Memorial Scholarship ($28,000, 2021)
Awarded by Queen's University
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Graduate Student Unions' Award in Community Service ($500, 2021)
Awarded by Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Commander Peter G. Chance Scholarship ($2879, 2021)
Awarded by Memorial University of Newfoundland
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New Brunswick Environmental Network Phoenix Award (2020)
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TD Graduate Bursary for Environmental Study ($3400, 2020)
Awarded by Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Royal Bank Fellowship in Marine Studies ($5000, 2020)
Awarded by Memorial University of Newfoundland
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National Scholarship for Ocean Studies ($9748, 2018)
Awarded by Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Mitacs Globalink Research Award ($6000, 2018)
Received at Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Scotiabank Bursary for International Travel ($2000, 2018)
Awarded by Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Millennium Prize in Marine Management ($350, 2015)
Awarded by Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University
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Sobey Fund for Oceans Scholarship ($10,000, 2014)
Received at Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University
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Dean's Honour List (2013, 2014)
Awarded by Queen's University
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Queen's Excellence Scholarship ($2000, 2010)
Awarded by Queen's University
TEACHING & RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS
Adjunct Professor - Lecturer, Queen's University (Summer 2022)
Developed ENSC 307: Marine Environmental Issues, including course design, content, and assignments
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Research Assistant, Memorial University (Feb 2020-Sept 2021)
Qualitative research to categorize international commitments related to sustainability goals under Dr. Gerald Singh; systematic search for offshore Strategic Environmental Assessments under Dr. Leah Fusco; support to the Canadian Commission for UNESCO's report on a culturally-grounded approach to science in support of sustainability
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Head Teaching Assistant, Dalhousie University (Winter 2016)
MGMT 1702: Ecosystem Goods and Services
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Teaching Assistant, Dalhousie University (Winter 2016)
SUST 1001: Introduction to Environment, Sustainability, and Society II
ENVS 1200: Current Environmental Challenges: Analysis and Solutions, Dalhousie University.
MGMT 1001: Managing Organizational Issues II, Dalhousie University.
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Research Assistant, Dalhousie University (April-Aug 2015)
Whales, Habitats, and Listening Experiment (WHaLE), Dept. of Oceanography
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Teaching Assistant, Dalhousie University (Fall 2015)
ENVS 1100: Foundations of Environmental Science: Ecosphere, Resources, and Sustainability, Dalhousie University.
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Teaching Assistant, Dalhousie University (Winter 2015)
MGMT 1702: Ecosystem Goods and Services, Dalhousie University
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Research Assistant, Queen's University (Summer 2013)
Herbivory driven alternate stable states in Ontario forests, Grogan Lab
SKILLS & ABILITIES
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Proposal and report writing
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Project management
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Presentation design
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Public speaking
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Event planning
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Teamwork and collaboration
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Science communication
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Interdisciplinary research
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Qualitative research
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Board governance
PROFESSIONAL
WORK EXPERIENCE
Analyst, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Sept 2021-Present)
Supporting DFO's Marine Spatial Planning Implementation program, developing guidance for MSP in Canada to balance objectives for marine conservation with those for the blue economy
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Interim Executive Director, The Starfish Canada (Feb 2022-May 2022)
Mobilizing a team of part-time staff and volunteers in growing The Starfish as a community that amplifies the voices of young change-makers in the environmental movement
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Consultant, Ducks Unlimited Canada (Jan-Mar 2018)
Developed a provincial guide to the Wetland Centre of Excellence program to be distributed to program leaders
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Education Specialist, Ducks Unlimited Canada (Jul-Dec 2017)
Developed and delivered wetland education programs; wrote funding proposals; coordinated education partners; managed provincial budgets
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Senior Marine Biologist/Interpreter, Island Quest Marine Whale Watching (Jun-Sept 2017)
Interpreted natural and cultural experiences on the Bay of Fundy; trained incoming interpreters; maintained vessel safety
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Recruitment Representative, Queen's University Undergraduate Admission & Recruitment (May-Dec 2016)
Scheduled and delivered more than 100 presentations to prospective undergraduate students in audiences ranging from 5-300 members
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Coordinator, Peer Academic Support Service, Queen's University Faculty of Arts and Science (Mar 2013- Apr 2014)
Coordinated volunteers providing academic advising to undergraduate students; Maintained quality service via the Faculty of Arts and Science
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Marine Biologist/Interpreter, Island Question Marine Whale Watching (Jun-Aug 2014)
Interpreted natural and cultural experiences on the Bay of Fundy; managed cruise bookings; served as deckhand
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VOLUNTEER COMMITMENTS
All-Atlantic Ocean Youth Ambassador-Canada, All-Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Dec 2020-Sept 2022)
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National President & Regional Director- Atlantic Canada, Sierra Club Canada Foundation (June 2019-Jan 2022, Elected President Sept 2020)
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Chair, Board of Directors, The Starfish Canada (April 2019-April 2020)
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Outreach Committee Member & Blog Coordinator/Contributor, CPAWS-NB (May 2018-Sept 2020) Read the latest blog here!
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President, Board of Directors, Canadian Parks and Wildness Society- New Brunswick (Mar 2017-Sept 2020, Elected as President Feb 2020)
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Contributor, CPAWS-NB Newsletter Committee (Mar 2017-Sept 2020)
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Research Volunteer, Nature Trust of New Brunswick (Mar 2017-Mar 2018)
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Event Committee Member, Sustainable Oceans Conference (2016)
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INVITED TALKS
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Speaker. 2022. Marine protected areas in Canada. Ocean Protection Series by Nature Canada, online.
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Speaker. 2021. Amplifying the potential of marine spatial planning from theory to practice. Bluebox Seminar Series, Dept. of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, online.
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Opening address. 2021. All-Atlantic DATA & POLICY Forum, Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung (ZMT), online.
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Speaker. 2021. Planning a protected ocean in the climate crisis. Biodiversity in a Time of Climate Crisis Conference, New Brunswick Environmental Network, online.
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Panelist. 2021. WILD Futures Speaker Series, Canadian Wildlife Federation, online.
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Webinar. 2021. Marine protected areas and beyond: setting sail for a sustainable ocean. All Hands on Deck Webinar Series, Sierra Club Canada Foundation, online.
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Guest Lecture. 2020. Marine protected areas meet marine spatial planning, GEOG 2425 Natural Resources, online.
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Speaker. 2020. Amplifying the potential of marine spatial planning from theory to practice. International Marine Spatial Planning Workshop hosted by the Interdisciplinary Marine Early Career Network and Integrated Marine Biosphere Research project, online.
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Guest Lecture. 2020. Ecotourism and education on the Bay of Fundy, HKR 2545 Outdoor Education and Recreation, online.
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Speaker 2020. Finding your ocean eyes for conservation and sustainability. WILD Outside, Canadian Wildlife Federation, online.
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Speaker. 2020. Seeing the bigger picture of ocean conservation in Canada. CPAWS-NB Tuesday Talks, Fredericton, NB.
MEDIA
"Julie Reimer talks oceans on Earth Day", radio segment on CBC's Mainstreet PEI, Mainstreet Cape Breton, and Shift NB (2021)
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"How marine protected areas help safeguard the ocean", story by Julie Reimer for The Conversation's international Oceans 21 series (2021)
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"Sustainably managing our oceans, Julie Reimer looks at Canada's commitment . . ." radio segment on CBC's The Broadcast (2021)
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"An ocean of potential in common management tools", blog by Julie Reimer for Nature Sustainability Community (2020)
"Memorial University study says sustainable ocean management requires holistic approach" news story in The Telegram (2020)
"Oceani di possibilità. Le Aree marine protette necessarie per lo sviluppo sostenibile" story in Greenreport (2020)
"Special Video Message from President Julie Reimer" video blog by Julie Reimer for the Sierra Club Canada Foundation (2020)
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Julie Reimer talks oceans and marine spatial planning on VOCM Newfoundland Local News Lunch Bunch with Andrew Hawthorn (2020)
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"Problems of Place: Fluid as the Ocean", invited blog by Julie Reimer for Environmental History Now. (2020)
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"When, Where, and Whale: Welcome Home Right Whales!", story by Julie Reimer for the Sierra Club Canada Foundation. (2020)
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Julie Reimer 3MT Three Minute Thesis Competition at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (2019)
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"Canada: A Conservation Super-Nation", blog by Julie Reimer for Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society- NB (2019)
"From Sightseer to Supporter on the Bay of Fundy", blog by Julie Reimer for Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society- NB (2018)
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"Students take action against climate change", story by Ducks Unlimited Canada (2017)
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"Changing focus to change the oceans", story by Dalhousie University Alumni (2016)
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"Celebrating the generosity of Dal's donors", story by Ryan McNutt, Dalhousie University News (2014)