Goldie Phillips

Biography 

Goldie Phillips is a PhD graduate and Fulbright Science and Technology Fellow in the Division of Marine Science and Conservation. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, she graduated from Livingstone College, North Carolina as the Salutatorian and with a B.S. in Biology.

Her research interests include cetacean behavior and ecology and the effects of anthropogenic noise on these marine mammals. Her dissertation research focuses on the effects of seismic exploration on cetaceans in her home country, where she plans to bring about the country’s first cetacean species management plan.

Project Description

With one of the largest oil and gas industries in the Wider Caribbean Region, and the impacts of these activities on marine life unexplored there, the problem of marine mammal conservation in Trinidad and Tobago is a pressing one. My dissertation research involves the assessment of the local cetacean population through an investigation of seasonal species composition, abundance and distribution in offshore areas prior to, during and after seismic exploration. The behavior of tagged animals during seismic surveys will also be used to determine finer scale impacts on species present. Research results will be used to inform local decision makers so that species management can be initiated in this country. Results will also be used to build predictive habitat models that can be applied to other sensitive areas within the Wider Caribbean Region.

Check out my website for current project description.