The ocean covers around 70 percent of Earth’s surface and is the largest livable space on the planet. Beneath the surface exists a world inhabited by different marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and manatees, that embody a mysterious and profound connection to cultures worldwide. These animals are spiritual symbols, a source of sustenance, and top predators that play a crucial role in the ecosystem of the ocean.
However, dumping tons of plastics, overfishing, industrial pollution, and increased boat traffic have introduced several stressors into our marine environments, from disruptive noise to toxic contaminants. Moreover, changes in oceanic conditions spurred by climate change pose additional challenges that impact the delicate balance of predator-prey dynamics and affect important aspects of marine mammal biology, including reproductive success and population distributions.
Recognizing the urgent need for comprehensive research and conservation efforts, BRI recently launched its Marine Mammal Program. Co-directors Julia Stepanuk, Ph.D., and Megan Ferguson, Ph.D., have been at BRI for less than two years, but with decades of experience observing and researching marine mammals worldwide, they have hit the ground running. Together, they lead a multidisciplinary team that aims to unravel the complexities of marine mammal ecology and address emerging threats to their populations to better aid conservation efforts.
The program’s staff are highly skilled in various ocean research methods, including visual and digital aerial and vessel-based surveys, acoustic monitoring, marine spatial planning, and ecological forecasting, among others. These biologists provide critical insights necessary for the effective management and conservation of marine mammal species through rigorous fieldwork, data analysis, and dissemination of research findings.
Despite the program’s recent launch, BRI’s interest in marine mammals began almost two decades ago when David Evers and Kate Taylor embarked on a transformative expedition with the Ocean Alliance. They collaborated with its founder and renowned marine biologist Dr. Roger Payne to collect samples and data on global pollutants from sperm whales. This expedition planted a seed that would ultimately lead to the formation of BRI’s Marine Mammal Program.
Though still in its infancy, the breadth and scope of knowledge of the program’s staff and BRI’s commitment to “assess emerging threats to wildlife and ecosystems through collaborative research” inspires confidence that this program will tackle urgent threats to marine mammals head on.
