Charles Littnan, Ph.D.

​Dr. Littnan assumed his role as the new Science and Research Director for NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center​ ​on June 18, 2023. ​He is a marine biologist with 20 years of experience in marine mammal and sea turtle science and research. ​As the Director, he works to ensure sustainable fisheries and protecting marine life is a joint effort between the Pacific Islands Regional Office and the Science Center.

Dr. Littnan was the Protected Species Division Director at the Center from 2017–2023. In 2015, he stepped in as the acting Deputy Director at the Science Center for several months. From 2007–2017, he led the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program within the Protected Species Division. He has also authored and coauthored more than 50 scientific and technical papers, and is credited with pioneering and implementing an innovative research and conservation program for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. He holds a Ph.D. in environmental science from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Ecology from Texas A&M University.