Overview
I study the conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, particularly marine mammals, seabirds and sea turtles. My work, and that of my students, documents the effects of human activities on populations of these species. Our work involves field work, experimentation and modeling. I am particularly interested in the development and application of new conservation tools.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Stephen A. Toth Distinguished Professor of Marine Biology in the Nicholas School of the Environment
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2016 - Present
Marine Science and Conservation,
Nicholas School of the Environment
Professor of Marine Conservation Biology
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2012 - Present
Marine Science and Conservation,
Nicholas School of the Environment
Recent Publications
A Comparison of Diving Behavior of Goose-Beaked and Dense-Beaked Whales From Tagging Studies in Multiple Ocean Basins
Journal Article Marine Mammal Science · January 1, 2026 Studies of cetacean diving behavior in multiple locations in different ocean basins allow for an assessment of variability within and among populations. We examine foraging dive behaviors of goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and dense-beaked whales ... Full text CiteShort-finned pilot whales modulate surfacing and breathing patterns more strongly in response to dives than in anticipation.
Journal Article American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology · January 2026 Diving marine mammals must allocate time between respiring at the surface and foraging underwater. Previous studies of optimal diving theory have attempted to predict such patterns, but the amount of time divers must spend at the surface before and after d ... Full text CiteComplex population structure revealed using genomic data from Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus)
Journal Article Marine Biology · December 1, 2025 In the waters of North Carolina, on the United States east coast, Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops erebennus) is managed as four stocks, differentiated largely based on photo-identification and satellite telemetry data. Two of the stocks reside prim ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Cuvier's beaked whale integrated ecosystem study: Systematic use of novel eDNA methodology to characterize and compare beaked whale populations and their associated prey community across regions
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Kelp Marine Research · 2023 - 2027Atlantic Behavioral Response Study III 2025 - Continuously Active Sonar
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by HDR, Inc. · 2023 - 2026Defining the molecular physiologic impacts of stress on beaked whale hypoxia tolerance: implications for behavioral response
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Office of Naval Research · 2022 - 2026View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Guelph (Canada) ·
1990
Ph.D.
University of Guelph (Canada) ·
1983
M.S.
University of Guelph (Canada) ·
1980
B.S.