Mike Williams

Mike earned a Master of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1997, studying northern fur seal behavioral responses to harassment.  Since August 2005, Mike has been the Pribilof Islands Program Manager and Fur Seal Research Coordinator for the NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Region.  He works extensively with local residents, tribal governments, and Alaska Native Organizations on marine mammal conservation and management issues. Mike has extensive experience capturing, handling and restraining northern fur seals for research and management.

Prior to joining NOAA, Mike spent 8 years designing, supervising and coordinating marine mammal monitoring programs around Alaska to assess the effects of human activities on marine mammals, primarily related to airborne and underwater acoustic effects while working at a private biological consulting business. Mike lived in on St. George Island for 4 years working under contract to NOAA as a Conservation Officer. Mike has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications related to marine mammal responses to human activities and various agency reports.

Mike's professional interests include management of entangled marine animals, management of subsistence harvests of marine mammals, marine mammal response to anthropogenic harassment including underwater and airborne sounds, and quantifying the effects of anthropogenic harassment. His personal interests include spending time with his wife, two adult daughters, and the 16 year-old family dog, fishing, hunting, bicycling, and gardening.