Erin Satterthwaite

Erin is a marine ecologist who works at the interface of applied marine research, policy engagement, and science communication to advance ocean knowledge for sustainability. She works on ocean sustainability issues related to marine biodiversity, fisheries and mariculture, social-ecological systems, citizen science, and biological oceanography. She is a California Sea Grant extension specialist based at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. In this role, she is coordinating the longest marine ecosystem time series, the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI). She works on engaging with key stakeholders within California, nationally, and internationally within the North Pacific and conducting applied research relevant to sustainable marine resources in the context of a changing climate. Satterthwaite provides scientific expertise related to emerging issues affecting marine ecosystems & biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, and social-ecological systems in the context of a changing climate. Her current research priorities include the application of novel technologies, such as environmental DNA, to understand the effects of human induced stressors and changing climate on marine ecosystems and to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources, such as through marine ecosystem-based management. She works with local, state, national, and international partners to identify priority needs for ocean observing and monitoring off the coast of California in order to understand effects of climate change and human induced changes on coastal communities. In addition, she is passionate about engaging early career ocean professionals in applied research, community engagement, and policy processes.  Erin completed a PhD in Ecology at the University of California, Davis and a B.A. in Biology at Juniata College.