Overview
Patrick Halpin is a Professor of Marine Geospatial Ecology in the Marine Science and Conservation Division of the Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University. Prof. Halpin leads the Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab with laboratory facilities located at the main campus of Duke University as well as the Duke University Marine Lab. He received his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia in 1995. Prof. Halpin’s research focuses on marine geospatial analysis, ecological applications of geographic information systems and remote sensing; marine conservation and ecosystem-based management. Prof. Halpin sits on a number of international scientific and conservation program steering committees including the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS), the Global Oceans Biodiversity Initiative (GOBI), the Marine Working Group for the Group on Earth Observations - Biodiversity Observing Networks (GEO-BON) and the Google Oceans Advisory Council.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor
·
2018 - Present
Marine Science and Conservation,
Nicholas School of the Environment
Professor in the Division of Environmental Natural Sciences
·
2024 - Present
Environmental Natural Science,
Nicholas School of the Environment
Recent Publications
What is an ecologically or biologically significant area?
Journal Article Npj Ocean Sustainability · December 1, 2025 The first iteration of the ecologically or biologically significant areas (EBSA) process, which aims to ascribe ecological value to marine and coastal regions, has drawn to a close. This Convention on Biological Diversity process has collated vast amounts ... Full text CiteRecommendations for built marine infrastructure that supports natural habitats
Journal Article Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment · August 1, 2025 The extent of built marine infrastructure—from energy infrastructure and ports to artificial reefs and aquaculture—is increasing globally. The rise in built structure coverage is concurrent with losses and degradation of many natural habitats. Although his ... Full text CiteMarine megavertebrate migrations connect the global ocean.
Journal Article Nature communications · May 2025 Animal migrations are extensive, ubiquitous, and in decline. To effectively protect migratory species, it is often crucial to identify the interconnected sets of sites they rely upon. Gaps between primary ecological research and synthesised information tha ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Marine Species Density Data Gap Assessments and Update for the AFTT Study Area
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Department of the Navy · 2024 - 2030Cooperative Research Proposal for Near Real-Time North Atlantic Right Whale Density Modeling and Database Support
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management · 2024 - 2028IRA-Near Real-Time North Atlantic Right Whale Density Modeling
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · 2024 - 2028View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Virginia ·
1995
Ph.D.