The NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources profile series highlights staff members from various backgrounds who contribute to the field of marine ecology and conservation, and specifically individuals who work on Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act programs that support our mission.
Meet Sara Young, Protected Species Biologist
Sara Young issues scientific research permits under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. She is part of a team of about 10 people in the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources who work on scientific research permits under the MMPA. Her area of focus specifically is issuing research permits for pinnipeds (i.e., seals and sea lions).
Learn more about Sara Young, Protected Species Biologist
Meet Trevor Spradlin, Marine Mammal Biologist
Trevor Spradlin works to protect threatened and endangered marine mammals in the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources. He is a marine mammal biologist and has been at NOAA Fisheries for 26 years. He is currently the Deputy Chief for the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division in the Office of Protected Resources.
Learn more about Trevor Spradlin, Fisheries Biologist
Meet Jonathan Molineaux, Fisheries Biologist
Jonathan Molineaux is a fisheries biologist and winner of the 2020 Science Spectrum Trailblazer Award, part of the Black Engineer of the Year Award STEM Conference. He explains how his interest in endangered species conservation began at a local pond and led to the ocean.
Learn more about Jonathan Molineaux, Fisheries Biologist
Meet Shane Guan, Acoustic Marine Biologist
Dr. Shane Guan is a marine bioacoustician in the Office of Protected Resources. He explains how his passion for math and biology help him minimize the impact of ocean noise on protected marine species.
Learn more about Shane Guan, Acoustic Marine Biologist
Meet Kristen Koyama, National Endangered Species Recovery Coordinator
Kristen Koyama is the National Endangered Species Recovery Coordinator in the Office of Protected Resources. She explains how being eager to try new things led her to a career in policy and conservation.
Learn more about Kristen Koyama, National Endangered Species Recovery Coordinator
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The NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources is committed to a diverse workforce. Learn more about the work we do (PDF, 2 pages) and the pathways to work with us (PDF, 2 pages).
Sunset over the ocean during a research cruise for the Northwest Fisheries Science Center. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
Students investigate a spider conch in Fouha Bay, Guam as part of a monitoring event with the Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
A school of lined butterflyfish swim above a shallow coral reef at Kona, Hawaii. Credit: Christine Shepard.