Performing basic research that enhances the overall understanding of the biology of marine mammals with the goal of improving species conservation.
Marine mammals face many challenges in their environment, such as finding food, competing for mates, raising offspring, avoiding disease, and evading predators. They also face challenges from human activities, including competition for food, interactions with fishing gear, pollution (trash and chemicals), and noise. Many of the challenges imposed by humans on marine mammals can be mitigated, but this can only be effectively done when sufficient information about the biology of marine mammals is known.
The goal of the Biologic and Bioacoustic Research program is to perform fundamental research on the biology of marine mammals, including their behavior, physiology, and ecology, with the goal of mitigating human impacts and improving the conservation of marine mammal species. Applied research is also conducted to better understand how certain types of human activity affects marine mammals. For example, we study the behavioral and physiological responses of marine mammals to noise exposure.
The results of studies conducted by the Biologic and Bioacoustic Research program tie directly into the conservation efforts of the NMMF.
The information is made readily available through publications in scientific journals, presentations at scientific meetings, outreach to the community and public schools, and through NMMF social media. Members of the Biologic and Bioacoustic Research group also engage with federal regulators to ensure they are informed of the latest science relevant to marine mammal conservation and management.
Acoustic Monitoring of River Dolphins in the Amazon
Biologic and Bioacoustic Research Team

Dorian Houser
Director of Biologic & Bioacoustic Research

Jason Mulsow
NMMF Scientist

Brian Branstetter
NMMF Scientist

Brian Matsuyama
NMMF Scientist

Patrick Moore
NMMF Scientist

Stephen W. Martin
NMMF Scientist

Cassondra Williams
NMMF Scientist

Alyssa Accomando
NMMF Scientist

Gabriela Alongi
Research Assistant
