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Ocean Health Home
Project Lead
Greg O’Corry-Crowe, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor
Project Team
Brooke Symmonds, B.Sc., Biologist
Project Description
The Polar Research Program focuses on the use of molecular genetic techniques and satellite-linked telemetry in the study of northern temperate, Arctic, and Antarctic marine mammals. Research focuses on the molecular and behavioral ecology of these apex predators, investigating interactions between these species and their environment, and on the application of our research findings to the conservation and management of these key species and marine ecosystems. Recently, these interests have expanded to using a range of modern field and lab techniques to investigate the effects of climate change and ecosystem regime shifts on marine mammals and other apex predators. Much of our research is conducted in collaboration with Native communities as well as federal, state, and local agencies across Alaska, Canada, Russia, Norway, and Greenland.
Our team’s current research projects span the Arctic, North Pacific, and North Atlantic Oceans and include studies on Beluga whales in Alaska, Canada, Russia, Greenland, and Svalbard (Norway); Steller sea lions in the North Pacific Ocean; Harbor seals in Alaska; and four species of Ice seal across the Arctic. We have also begun research in the Antarctic working on Antarctic Fur Seals, and have recently initiated collaborations with HBOI-FAU’s Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program to conduct genetic research on Bottlenose dolphins, and Dwarf and Pygmy Sperm Whales off Florida.
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