Ryan Carle (2012)

Fellowship Year: 2012
Academic Background: Moss Landing Marine Labs, San Jose State University - MS - (Marine Science)
Current Position: Año Nuevo Island Project Ecologist , Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge
Currently Working On: Año Nuevo Island seabird habitat restoration; native plant restoration and citizen science on Westcliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA; master's thesis work on Rhinoceros Auklet diet and reproductive success
Ryan is a master’s student in the Vertebrate Ecology Lab at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, and a lead ecologist for the non-profit Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge. His current work is centered on the conservation of a small and threatened population of Rhinoceros Auklets (a burrowing seabird similar to puffins) breeding at Año Nuevo Island, CA. In 2009-11, Ryan collaborated with Oikonos and a diverse group of artists, scientists, and managers to restore damaged auklet habitat by re-establishing native plants to the island and installing ceramic nest sites that mimic natural auklet burrows. His master’s research focuses on Rhinoceros Auklets as indicators of changing ocean conditions, and specifically on how prey availability in winter and spring affects adult diet and subsequent breeding success. Ryan has worked for the Mono Lake Committee, the International Crane Foundation, Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Friends of the Inyo, and CA State Parks. Through these experiences he gained a broad background in water policy, endangered species conservation, rangeland management, and habitat restoration, and was inspired by the potential of the non-profit sector to conserve biodiversity through creative, collaborative land management. His goal is to continue to find solutions for the conservation of islands and marine wildlife by utilizing scientific research and partnering with diverse groups and local communities.
Expertise: Conservation Science & Biology, Natural Resource Management, Coastal & Marine Issues