Our Experts
Nick Whitney, PhD
Senior Scientist and Chair
Fisheries Science and Emerging Technologies Program, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean LifeEducation
PhD, Zoology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2009
MS, Zoology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2007
BA, Biology, Albion College, 2000
About
Dr. Nick Whitney is a senior scientist and chair of the Fisheries Science and Emerging Technologies Program at the Anderson Cabot Center. Dr. Whitney’s work focuses on the use of cutting-edge technology to answer important questions for species conservation and responsible management of natural resources. Most recently this has involved the use of accelerometers, the same technology found in smartphones, Fitbits®, and other modern electrics to study the fine-scale behavior of sharks, fishes, and sea turtles in the wild. He and his team have used this technology to study shark mating behavior and energy expenditure, and to determine whether and how sharks survive the stress of being caught and released by fishermen. He also focuses on communicating science to the public, particularly around the issue of shark-human interactions. He has published multiple op-eds, conducted media interviews, and appeared before the U.S. Senate to speak on this topic.
Affiliations
- Senior Research Scientist, Newport Aquarium
- Adjunct Scientist, Mote Marine Laboratory
- American Elasmobranch Society
- American Fisheries Society
- American Institute of Fisheries Research Biologists
Recent Publications
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The physiological stress response, postrelease behavior, and mortality of blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) caught on circle and J-hooks in the Florida recreational fishery
Aquarium Affiliate Author(s): Nick Whitney, PhD
Published January 12, 2023 -
Interspecific foraging association of a nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) with bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Aquarium Affiliate Author(s): Harold Pratt, Nick Whitney, PhD
Published November 22, 2022 -
Vertical distributions of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean suggest variability in potential associations with floating objects
Aquarium Affiliate Author(s): Nick Whitney, PhD
Published November 01, 2022
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Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life
Through pioneering conservation research and strategic partnerships, our team of 40 scientists works to combat the unprecedented impacts on the ocean from climate change and other human activities.
