Ann Zoidis

Ann Zoidis founded the Cetos Research Organization in 2003. The mission of this 501(c)3 non-profit is to conduct original research mainly on marine wildlife species but also other wildlife, and then through our findings augment conservation and management of animals. We study endangered whales, porpoise, and other federally protected species about which little is known. With almost 30 years of experience as a field researcher, wildlife biologist, and marine mammal scientist, she has directed field research all over the country. When not the Principle Investigator (PI), Ann has worked as a researcher with organizations including Allied Whale, University of Hawaii, BioWaves, New England Aquarium, and others. Over the last 15 years, Ann has been observing and collecting data on humpback whales underwater. She has a great understanding of their behaviors, stressors, and how to approach them in the least invasive and most successful (for collecting data) way. Ann is currently the PI on the National Marine Fisheries Service government research permit to study humpbacks in Hawaii, and is also a Hawaii State Permit holder for humpback whale research. Ann authored over 8 peer-reviewed publications including “Vocalizations produced by humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calves recorded in Hawai‘i” and “Effects of Sex, Seasonal Period, and Sea State on Calf Behavior in Hawaiian Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)”. She has presented at almost every American Cetacean Society conference and Society for Marine Mammology conference since 2003.

December 2015