Jeremy Kiszka

Marine mammals are highly charismatic species. They feed at a variety of trophic levels, occur from coastal to open-ocean ecosystems, and are found across virtually all latitudes. Due to their high historical - and sometimes present-day - abundances, capability for large-scale movements and highly variable metabolic rates, they have the potential to affect the structure and function of ecosystems through a variety of mechanisms over both ecological and evolutionary time. They also face major conservation challenges at the global scale due to bycatch, overfishing, habitat destruction and climate change.

Dr. Kiszka is a community and behavioral ecologist who studies the ecological roles and importance of marine mammals in marine ecosystems. More specifically, he investigates how they use habitats and resources (their ecological roles) and how ecosystems can be affected by the presence of these animals, which includes their top down effects on resources and behavior, as well as nutrient dynamics. His work involves the use and development of new and innovative research tools and methods to study marine mammal ecology and conservation issues, particularly since these species are so challenging to observe. Through research and education, he also creates outreach tools and works on providing opportunities for students from minority groups and developing countries to build capacity.