Our lab focuses on the conservation biology and ecology of marine vertebrates
We are interested in the life history and population dynamics of threatened and endangered species, the application of spatial analysis to marine ecosystems, the intersection of oceanography and foraging ecology and the development of new approaches to conservation. Our research approaches include fieldwork, laboratory research and modeling. We are committed to seeking practical solutions to marine conservation problems and working toward their implementation — and to have the most fun possible while doing so.
Recent news from our lab:
- CEE Trial on August 1st – and Gervais’ beaked whales
Every day working on pelagic cetaceans off Cape Hatteras is interesting and we seldom have a field day without learning something new. On Saturday, August 1st we were planning… Read more: CEE Trial on August 1st – and Gervais’ beaked whales - First CEE Trial of 2026 – and False Killer Whales
We had an extremely productive day on Friday, July 17th. The R/V Shearwater departed from Beaufort on the afternoon of the 16th and steamed overnight to the shelf break off… Read more: First CEE Trial of 2026 – and False Killer Whales - Atlantic BRS 2026 is Underway
After waiting patiently for some calm offshore weather, we finally had a good start to the 2026 Atlantic BRS field season this week. We were able to spend… Read more: Atlantic BRS 2026 is Underway - New Paper on the Response of Goose-Beaked Whales to Simulated MFAS Signals
We are proud to report the publication of our paper “Behavioral responses of goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) to simulated military sonar” in the journal Ecosphere. You can access the… Read more: New Paper on the Response of Goose-Beaked Whales to Simulated MFAS Signals - Final Vessel Survey in the Jacksonville Shallow Water Training Range
In November 2025, our team deployed the R/V Barber from Jacksonville, Florida to conduct offshore vessel surveys and visual species-identification trials of marine mammal and sea turtle species… Read more: Final Vessel Survey in the Jacksonville Shallow Water Training Range