Damian’s research interest is in the behavioural ecology of marine mammals. He has conducted marine mammal research since 1993 in the fields of behavioural, physiological, population and molecular ecology and thus has experience in a wide range of techniques. Since 1997 he has been actively involved in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada grey seal program on Sable Island, Canada. His current position is a research associate with the Ocean Tracking Network, Dalhousie University where he is investigating interactions between the grey seal and fish using satellite and acoustic telemetry. Damian is also an academic instructor for the courses Marine Mammalogy and Field Methods in Marine Mammal Ecology.
Besides science, Damian has a keen interest in photography and is a professional sommelier.
1999-2003
Thesis: Intraspecific variation in male mating behaviour in the grey seal: linking phenotype, behaviour and success
2009-present
Examiming inter- and intra-species interactions with grey seals on the Eastern Scotian Shelf and Gulf of St. Lawrence using satellite and acoustic telemetry.
2009-present
SEASIDE 3626 “Field Methods in Marine Mammal Ecology”
Marine Mammalogy 4060
2003-2005
Dispersal of male grey seals during the breeding season in the UK.
The role of stress, and longitudinal changes, in reproductive behaviour and success in the male grey seal.