Janet Coetzee

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About

Dr. Janet Coetzee is a leading figure in the application of ocean robotics to fisheries science, with a career dedicated to modernizing the management of South Africa’s critical small-pelagic fishery. Her seminal work, *Ocean robotics in support of fisheries research and management* (2016, 21 citations), demonstrates her pioneering role in integrating autonomous underwater and surface vehicles into traditional hydro-acoustic survey methods. This research directly addresses the limitations of infrequent, ship-based surveys for species like anchovy (*Engraulis encrasicolus*)—a fishery second only to demersal trawl in national value. By championing robotic platforms, Coetzee has enabled more frequent, cost-effective, and higher-resolution data collection, fundamentally improving stock assessments and ecosystem-based management. Her contributions bridge engineering and marine biology, offering a scalable model for data-poor fisheries worldwide. A respected voice in South African marine science, Coetzee’s work not only advances technological frontiers but also safeguards the livelihoods of thousands dependent on this vital sector.