Marine Mammal Research Program

Project Leader: Dr. Ruth Carmichael

Project Details

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Marine Mammal Research Program conducts primary research and monitoring of marine mammals (cetaceans and manatees) that reside in or visit the north-central Gulf of Mexico and surrounding waters through which they travel.

Our research program focuses on marine mammal health and ecology, with a goal to understand the habitat and resource use, food web interactions, movement patterns and migration, and threats and causes of stranding or death.

Our program includes DISL’s Manatee Sighting Network, the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and other related research projects. In addition to enhancing our basic understanding of marine mammal ecology, we provide data to guide the management and conservation of marine mammals and their habitat.

Learn more about the program by clicking here.