PhD Student and Emerging Fisheries Ecologist
Robert Roemer, M.S.
At a Glance:
I am the Founder and Director of Project Dorsal, a scientific research nonprofit. We are deeply rooted in the philosophy that anybody can be a scientist, regardless of their background. Our organization bridges the gap between stakeholders (watermen, fishing guides, etc.) and science to develop novel research methodologies to conserve shark and gamefish populations and, ultimately, our aquatic ecosystems.
I am also a PhD student at George Mason University, Department of Environmental Science and Policy. My dissertation focuses on both the fine-scale and broad-scale movements of River Herring utilizing two novel technologies, acoustic telemetry and otolith microchemistry.
I have been conducting shark research in some form or another for over nine years and possess over 20 years of field research experience. My research interests include spatial ecology, stress physiology, and urban ecology of fishes. I try to take a holistic approach towards understanding the role fishes play within the ecosystem.
MY LATEST RESEARCH
We are currently investigating the fine scale movements of coastal shark species in response to an urban gradient through the use of passive acoustic telemetry. Here, a juvenile great hammerhead is affixed with a satellite tag. Unlike acoustic telemetry, satellite technology will provide real-time movement data for this cryptic species. Funding for this project is made possible by the Save Our Seas Foundation, and the Disney Worldwide Wildlife Fund.
Butterfly peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris) are popular recreational sportfish in south Florida, bringing in over 33 million dollars annually. We are currently assessing the stress response of butterfly peacock bass to angling pressure along an urbanized gradient. Funding for this project is made possible by the International Federation of Fly Fishers.