James Sulikowski

My interdisciplinary research integrates aspects of fisheries biology such as reproduction, maturity, age and growth, the physiological responses to stress and how these parameters influence by-catch mortality, as well as investigating the composition, movements, and spatial/temporal distribution of commercially valuable species in both the coastal and pelagic environments. Shark and other charasmatic megafuana are at the forefront of this research. I use a combination of both physiological (e.g. reproductive and stress biomarkers) and mobile technology (telemetry and ultrasound) to conduct this work. The majority of this research continues to be conducted, along the Atlantic sea board and Gulf of Mexico with multiple state, federal, and academic institutions. In addition, I have active collaborations with federal agencies and academic institutions in Canada and Turkey. Since 2006, I have secured numerous external collaborative grants  to support the operations of my laboratory, technicians, and undergraduate and graduate students.  My funding has come from diverse sources including, private donations, NOAA’s Species of Concern Program, NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy Program, NOAA Section 6, Commercial Fisherman Research Foundation, NOAA Southwest Cooperative Research Program, and the NOAA Sea Grant Programs. This research has led to the authorship of 87 peer reviewed publications during my career, many of which have influenced policy making decisions. My research success has hinged on my ability to bring eclectic groups together for the purpose of solving issues pertaining to the marine environment. I also believe that the involvement of dedicated, responsible, and motivated students are not only essential to advancing our understanding of biological processes but also provide critical training of future marine scientists. Finally, my work has been covered in local, regional, and national newspapers, regional news channels, as well as by the BBC,  the discovery channel (shark week) and National Geographic.