Wessley Merten

Title: Ph.D.

Association, Company, Affiliations: Beyond Our Shores Foundation and Dolphinfish Research Program

Location: Western Central Atlantic Ocean

Your message or mission statement: I am dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of marine fisheries and ocean habitats and the coastal communities they support.

I recognize the value of integrating the public in scientific research and strive to provide opportunities for the public, particularly fisherman and their families, to actively participate in rich, educational, and meaningful marine science experiences and scientific research. Visit beyondourshores.org to learn more.

Your latest endeavors and where they take place: Satellite tracking dolphinfish, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna in the western central Atlantic Ocean; studying fish aggregating devices in the Caribbean Sea; researching seafood trends in Puerto Rico.

What efforts are you most proud of? On a day-to-day basis I am most proud of providing the opportunity for the public to engage in a global tagging effort to support the scientific research and conservation of mahi-mahi.

Anything else you’d like us to know? I was in graduate school in Puerto Rico when lionfish began to invade the waters. I assisted fellow graduate students with research on lionfish and participated in several lionfish derbies. One of my colleagues is a chef and I love recipes that can be created using lionfish.