In the Leslie Lab at the University of Maine, we focus on the connections among people and coastal marine ecosystems. As marine conservation scientists, we use a combination of field observational and experimental studies, modeling, and other approaches grounded in the ecological and social sciences and humanities. We investigate how diverse environmental and socioeconomic factors influence ecosystem and social interactions and outcomes. Our ultimate aim is to create scientific knowledge and tools that supports marine conservation and management that benefits both nature and people.
We hope that fellow researchers as well as our partners in education, policy making and community-based management will find something of interest on this site. If you are interested in learning more or exploring a way to work together, please contact us!
I recently participated in a panel discussion entitled A Journey in Fisheries and Ecosystem Thinking: A Conversation About the Past, Present, and Future.* This was an excellent opportunity to reflect…
For more than 20 years, Heather has collaborated with an international group of researchers to study how coastal communities respond to environmental, economic and political pressures in the Gulf of California…
Lab alumna Marina Tomer shares her research journey in this recent post by the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions. Welcome back to Maine, Marina!
Leslie Lab members Heather, Sarah, and Emma hosted the entire sophomore class of Lincoln Academy, the local high school, at the Darling Center earlier this fall. This field trip, designed…
Civil Eats recently featured Leslie Lab member Sarah Risley’s doctoral research on wild and farmed oysters. Read all about it here!
Leslie Lab member Joelle Kilchenmann shares the journey that brought her to UMaine and her interdisciplinary PhD research related to Maine’s lobster fishery.
