mmazzoil@hboi.fau.edu
Telephone: 772-242-2603

Title

Research Associate

Education

1983. B.S., Education, The Ohio State University

Career

Marilyn Mazzoil's first experience with marine mammals began in 1987 as a killer whale trainer. Since that time, she has dedicated her career to wildlife studies with an emphasis on dolphins inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. In 1997, Marilyn joined Harbor Branch and helped establish the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation (MMRC) program that supports multi-faceted scientific and conservation initiatives. In order to fund such initiatives, Marilyn helped to pass two Florida State Laws, creating top-selling specialty license plates that support research, conservation, and education activities throughout the state: Protect Wild Dolphins and Protect Florida Whales. Marilyn also worked to develop a stranding/rescue program that has responded to more than 175 sick or injured dolphins and whales since 1999. As a scientific investigator, Marilyn helped create and continues to conduct photo-identification surveys, which cover 40% of Florida's East coast, to assess the distribution and abundance of dolphins.

Her lab currently focuses on dolphin fitness using photo-identification to monitor reproductive success and survival, in combination with HBOI's ongoing molecular genetic and health studies.

Research Interests

Population Ecology, Marine Mammal Health, Policy, and Education