Our Experts

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Orla O'Brien

Orla O’Brien

Research Scientist
Ecology, Mapping and Assessment of Marine Populations, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life

Education

MS, Marine Biology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, 2017
BS, Marine Biology, Brown University, 2010

About

Orla O’Brien is a research scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, in the EcoMAP department. She manages the aerial survey team, which conducts aerial surveys in several key habitats in New England waters, including the wind energy development areas of southern New England, the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, and offshore basins of the Gulf of Maine. These surveys identify species such as marine mammals, turtles, and fish, monitor changes in animal populations, and document changes in habitat use.

In addition to leading the data collection efforts for aerial surveys, Orla conducts analyses of these data that further our understanding of marine mammal distributions and how they change over time. This includes assessing seasonal density and abundance of large whales, and looking for trends in habitat use.

Featured Research

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Related Posts

Aerial Survey Extends Dynamic Management Area

Aerial Survey Extends Dynamic Management Area

As a result of the Aquarium’s 2020 survey, a vessel speed restriction was extended to protect right whales in New England.

right whale skim feeding

A Zoomed in Look at Our Aerial Survey Photographs

Learn why our aerial survey team takes so many photos.

Fall Aerial Survey Sightings

Fall Aerial Survey Sightings

As summer turns into fall, our aerial survey team observes changes in their sightings of marine animals in New England waters.

Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life

Through pioneering conservation research and strategic partnerships, our team of 40 scientists works to combat the unprecedented impacts on the ocean from climate change and other human activities.

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