“The Exploration of the Pacific”

Marine Mammal Science and Conservation

Research Interests

The conservation of natural systems requires biological and ecological research to direct management efforts and inform stakeholders. I am interested in the application of science and scientific techniques to marine conservation issues including: understanding the habitat needs of marine animals at various spatial and temporal scales; the design and utility of marine protected areas and the concept of marine wilderness; the effects of climate variability and climate change on marine animals; the sustainability of incidental mortality and directed harvests of marine animals; the effects of sound and noise pollution on marine mammals and the suitable application of new technological approaches to marine conservation.

I have experience in all of these areas. For example, my Ph. D. research has focused on the fine scale habitat needs of foraging marine predators and marine protected areas; my M. Sc. research focused on stock assessment techniques using contaminants as population markers. I have worked collaboratively to assess the effects of climate variability and global change on the breeding habitat of ice-associated seals; I have studied the effects of noise pollution from salmon farms on non-target species and worked collaboratively to assess the management and sustainability of the Canadian harp seal hunt. I am also interested in ethical approaches to marine science and conservation and have recently worked to develop objective decision frameworks to direct the use of invasive techniques and novel technologies in conservation research and management.