New College of Florida Professor Awarded Federal Sea Grant for Offshore Marine Species Research

SARASOTA, Fla. (September 2025) — Dr. Athena Rycyk, Associate Professor in New College of Florida’s Marine Mammal Science program, has received a federal Sea Grant award of more than $330,000 to lead innovative research on marine species in the Gulf of America.

The project, titled “The Development of a Cost-Effective and Scalable Protected Species Monitoring Plan for the Velella Epsilon and Future Finfish Aquaculture Projects in the Gulf of America,” will provide critical insights into how dolphins and other marine wildlife use offshore habitats in connection with the first offshore finfish net-pen project of its kind in the Gulf.

Conducted in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries and Ocean Era, Inc., the research will develop a scalable monitoring plan for marine species including bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins before, during, and after the year-long deployment of the Velella Epsilon project, located approximately 45 miles southwest of Sarasota.

“This project will support graduate student research on offshore dolphin species,” said Dr. Rycyk. “Their work will expand our understanding of these understudied populations, especially in the context of developing offshore activities. Dolphins are a vital part of the Gulf ecosystem, and this project will help us better understand how they use offshore habitats alongside emerging aquaculture efforts.”

In addition to advancing marine mammal science, the project will provide hands-on thesis opportunities for graduate students in New College’s Marine Mammal Science master’s program. Students will gain experience in study design, survey techniques, and behavioral response analysis, strengthening their training as emerging scientists.

“By engaging directly with protected species research, students are gaining the scientific foundation needed to become leaders in marine conservation,” Dr. Rycyk added. “Because this is the first offshore net-pen project of its kind in the Gulf, the data we collect will be foundational for both marine mammal science and aquaculture planning moving forward.”

This award underscores New College’s growing national role in marine mammal and conservation science, while ensuring that graduate students are at the forefront of pioneering, applied research.

“This groundbreaking project builds on New College’s proud legacy as a leader in marine mammal research,” said New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran. “Dr. Rycyk’s work not only advances scientific understanding of our Gulf waters but also provides our students with unmatched opportunities to engage in research that has both regional and global impact. It is this combination of innovation and hands-on learning that continues to distinguish New College as Florida’s Honors College.”  

About the Marine Mammal Science Program at New College of Florida

The Marine Mammal Science master’s program at New College of Florida is one of the nation’s only graduate programs dedicated to the study of marine mammals. Based on the Gulf Coast, the program provides students with immersive, field-based research opportunities, advanced coursework in ecology and conservation, and close mentorship from faculty experts. Graduates go on to careers in research, wildlife management, conservation policy, and higher education, contributing to the stewardship of marine ecosystems worldwide.