Of a Scientist

What brought you to the Falklands? 

I first moved to the Falklands in October 2018 for a 2-year contract as a Stock Assessment Scientist with the Falkland Islands Fisheries Department. Fisheries are the main economic activity in the Falkland Islands and take place in a very dynamic environment. I saw this as an interesting opportunity to collaborate with a group of experienced scientists and to contribute to a better understanding of the region’s fisheries resources. The Falklands are widely known for their wildlife, and I also wanted to explore and to see species that I would probably not be able to see elsewhere.

How has your career evolved? 

Over the past six years, I’ve been working in the Falkland Islands Fisheries Department, where I’ve gained insight into the diversity and biology of the species that sustain the region’s fisheries. Being part of a group of international scientists has been a positive experience, allowing me to learn from my colleagues and share with them what I’ve learned in previous roles.

Have you taken on other roles? 

My current position at the Fisheries Department has kept me quite busy, and I’m where I want to be at the moment, so I haven’t really considered taking on other roles. However, the Falklands have a vibrant economy with a wide variety of work opportunities, and it’s common to see people doing two or more jobs.

Have you found opportunities here that you wouldn’t have elsewhere? 

Yes, marine science is a very competitive field but in the Falklands I have found work stability. Being part of a small group of scientists has allowed me to get involved in different projects and to learn things in a short period of time that I might not have been able to learn as quickly elsewhere.

How does work-life balance compare? 

There is so much to do in the Falklands, and I think it’s a place where you can truly disconnect from work and relax. Despite being a small community, there’s always something happening, whether it’s going for a hike, walking along the beach, fishing, playing sports, or just hanging out with friends at the pub.

What were your first impressions of life on the Falklands? 

The first time I travelled from the airport to Stanley, I was impressed by the landscape, the vast flat land and the rock formations. I liked how lively Stanley is, with its colourful houses, walking paths, stunning views, and its close proximity (literally a 10-minute drive) to beautiful beaches and wildlife.

How did the community welcome you? 

Overall, the community has been welcoming. The longer I’m here and the more I get involved in social activities, the more I get to know both the locals and the contractors. Through sports, I’ve been able to meet people of different nationalities, ages, and beliefs, and this diversity is what brings us closer. Some of these people have become really good friends and are now my “extended family.”

What hobbies have you picked up? 

Sports. I’ve loved hockey since I was a kid, but I never had the chance to play it back home. When I arrived in the Falklands, a friend I was playing basketball with told me he was now going to hockey training, and I was like “What?!” Ten minutes later I was skating, falling, skating again, and trying on hockey gear, and I’ve been playing ever since.

Volleyball is another sport I’ve been playing regularly while in the Falklands, and I take up other sports when the hockey season is over, such as badminton, table tennis, and sometimes basketball. There are many other options too, like football, rugby, netball, boxing, jiu-jitsu, cricket, archery, shooting, paintball, and fishing.

I also enjoy jogging, or sometimes I’ll go to the beach for a walk and encounter wildlife. One evening, I walked near what I thought was a trunk by the beach, only to realise it was actually a leopard seal. That day, I learned I can run faster than Usain Bolt and speak 20 different languages at once!

Is it easy to socialise? 

Absolutely, people are friendly and welcoming. You just need to put yourself out there and take part in different activities. One of the things that impresses me most about the Falklands is that there are so many activities happening despite the small size of the community.

What were the biggest challenges you faced moving to the Falklands?

The distance from my home country, the limited number of weekly flights, the limited access to some fruits and vegetables, and communication challenges are all aspects that affect daily life. Being from a distant country, it’s essential for me to be able to communicate with my family back home, which can be difficult due to the limited and quite expensive internet currently available in the Falklands. The weather also plays a role, as it’s often windy and rainy, making it tempting to stay indoors and watch a movie. However, this can also be complicated by the limited internet access.

How would you sum up life in the Falklands? 

It’s an interesting experience. Life here can be relaxed; you feel a sense of community, and you can actually make a difference if you want.

Day in the Life of Jorge

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Images supplied by Jorge Ramos