Our lab is dedicated to advancing marine conservation by deepening our understanding of marine animal behavior, movement ecology, and responses to environmental stressors.

We use cutting-edge methods to uncover how marine species navigate their habitats and adapt to both natural and human-induced disturbances. Focusing on key questions around recreational fisheries, predator-prey interactions, and species of management concern—including Atlantic tarpon, permit, striped bass, giant trevally, and multiple species of elasmobranchs and sea turtles—we collaborate with management agencies and partners to develop adaptive strategies that reflect the complexity of marine ecosystems.

Our work spans marine ecosystems globally, with a focus on the Gulf of Mexico, the Carribean, the Atlantic Ocean, and Indo-Pacific regions. Central to our approach is integrating movement data with local ecological knowledge to co-produce actionable solutions for science-based management. Whether addressing climate change, harmful algal blooms, or human-wildlife conflicts, our research bridges the gap between ecological insights and practical conservation outcomes, working closely with management agencies and stakeholders.

Integrative Marine Ecology

Our Focus: We investigate how species interact with their environments using diverse methods such as acoustic telemetry, stable isotope analysis, biologging, and local ecological knowledge. By integrating these approaches, we develop a comprehensive view of species' movements, behaviors, and ecological roles, enabling us to tackle conservation challenges more effectively.

Why It Matters: Marine ecosystems are complex, and understanding them requires a multifaceted approach to inform science-based conservation strategies.

Disturbance Ecology and Resilience

Our Focus: We examine how species respond to a range of environmental stressors, including climate change, harmful algal blooms, and eco-tourism impacts. Through a combination of field studies and advanced data analysis, we assess species' resilience, adaptability, and identify areas for management improvements to enhance ecosystem stability.

Why It Matters: Understanding how species cope with environmental stress is key to protecting both species and vulnerable ecosystems, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

Collaborative and Stakeholder-Engaged Research

Our Focus: Collaboration with stakeholders—such as anglers and local fishing communities, NGOs, and management agencies—is central to our work. We incorporate local ecological knowledge into our scientific research, ensuring that conservation strategies are practical, actionable, and co-developed with those most affected by marine resource management.

Why It Matters: Conservation is most successful when it is inclusive. By engaging with stakeholders, we produce science that not only addresses ecological concerns but also reflects the needs and knowledge of communities that depend on marine resources, leading to more effective and lasting conservation outcomes.