smccull5@hboi.fau.edu
772-462-0950

Title

Program Manager

Education

1969-1971 Gordon Military College (HS), Barnesville, GA.

1969-1971 U.S. Army/R.O.T.C. MT-II/Staff Sergeant/E-3

1971-1972 Congressional Appointment, USMA, West Point

Career

Steve McCulloch first began his career training marine mammals in the Florida Keys in 1971 and has more than 30 years specialized experience working within the marine mammal industry and research community. During this time, he has contributed to dozens of special projects, films, research programs and publications. In 1997, Steve joined Harbor Branch, established the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation program, and worked to establish programs that support several multi-faceted scientific and conservation initiatives. In order to fund such initiatives, Steve helped to pass three Florida State Laws, creating four top-selling specialty license plates which support research, conservation, and education activities: Protect Wild Dolphins, Protect Florida Whales, Florida Aquaculture and Save Our Seas. Along the way, Steve has also introduced Harbor Branch to many famous marine artists and luminaries including Philippe Cousteau, Wyland and Guy Harvey. As a scientific investigator, Steve helped create and continues to conduct ongoing photo-ID field research surveys that cover 40% of Florida's east coast. Steve also developed a stranding response and rehabilitation capability to care for sick and injured marine mammals, and since 1999 has responded to more than 200 stranding events. Each year since 2003, Steve has logistically planned and executed Harbor Branch's annual live dolphin health and risk assessment studies conducted in the Indian River Lagoon, and has also participated in similar projects throughout Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and South Carolina. Steve is a two-time nominee for the prestigious Indianapolis Prize for his commitment and tireless dedication to the conservation of marine mammals and their environment.

Research Interests

Population Ecology, Marine Mammal Health, Rehabilitation, Release and Telemetry, Advancement of Research Technologies and Education