Researchers at FIU’s Institute of Water and Environment are investigating the behavior and ecology of the Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whale, one of the world’s most endangered whale species, with only around 33 individuals remaining. Little is known about their habitat, food requirements, and history.

The whales are heavily affected by human impacts like vessel strikes, energy exploration and development, oil spills, fishing gear entanglement, and ocean noise. “The goal of the study is to generate new information that would lead to changes in conservation and management,” says marine biologist Jeremy Kiszka.

• Jeremy Kiszka