Robert Roemer, M.S.

I was born and raised outside of Baltimore in a town called Monkton. This unique location was in close proximity to both cold water trout streams and the Chesapeake Bay. As my passion for fishing (particularly fly fishing) grew, it provided a conduit to expand my hobby into the sciences. I started conducting field work by volunteering at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center at the age of five, and never looked back. By the time I entered college, I had participated in over seven research projects in addition to being a project lead.

 

During my time at Coastal Carolina University, my love of fish and fisheries spatial ecology morphed into elasmobranch ecology through the hands of my extremely talented advisors. I've had the privilege of conducting shark research with the Cape Eleuthera Institute and NOAA's Highly Migratory Species Division in Silver Spring, MD. I received by Masters of Science from the University of Miami, conducting research on the spatial ecology of sharks in urban regions. During my tenure with the University of Miami, I worked closely with Bonefish Tarpon Trust as a research assistant, investigating bonefish spawning and movement in the Bahamas. After receiving my Master of Science, I became the Science Program Coordinator for OCEARCH.

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While living in South Florida, it didn’t take me long to notice the inherent data deficits surrounding enigmatic shark species and how they might affect gamefish ecology. Additionally, I witnessed a very large gap between scientists and stakeholders, such as fishermen. After years of dreaming and relentless planning, Project Dorsal was born through much cooperation. Our inaugural research project kicks off in summer 2026 and will be the first-ever shark research project in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, and made possible entirely through collaboration with fishing guides, watermen, and recreational fishermen.

 

I am now a PhD student at George Mason University, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, studying the movement ecology of River Herring.

 

When I am not in the field or the lab, you will find me spending my time fly fishing, fly tying, surfing, pursuing wildlife photography, enjoying live music, or kayaking.