Description: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has formally adopted Ecological Reference Points (ERPs) for Atlantic menhaden, recognizing their crucial role as prey for predators like ospreys. Michael’s thesis was conducted in Mobjack Bay and it revealed that when ospreys have access to an adequate supply of menhaden, their breeding success significantly improves. This highlights the urgent need to maintain menhaden populations at levels that can sustain not only commercial interests but also the ecological balance of the entire ecosystem. Failure to do so could lead to the decline of important species like ospreys, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and ecotourism along the Chesapeake Bay.

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OspreyWatch is a global community of observers focused on breeding osprey. The observers are linked by an interest in osprey, concern for the health of aquatic environments, and data submitted to a repository through the OspreyWatch website. The mission of OspreyWatch is to collect information on a large enough spatial scale to be useful in addressing three of the most pressing issues facing aquatic ecosystems including global climate change, depletion of fish stocks, and environmental contaminants.

Presenter:
Michael Academia holds a comprehensive seven-year focus on osprey research, showcasing an unwavering commitment to understanding and conserving these iconic species. His academic journey includes earning Summa Cum Laude honors for an M.S. in Biology from William & Mary and receiving prestigious accolades like the George R. Healy Fellowship and the William Andersen Award for groundbreaking osprey-menhaden research. His impactful work includes identifying localized depletion of fish, conducting food addition studies, and utilizing nest web cameras for citizen science initiatives, all within the framework of his extensive osprey-focused research. Michael excels not only in research but also in outreach, mentoring, and program coordination, notably as a Research Technician and Outreach Coordinator at The Center for Conservation Biology, demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship. With teaching experience at various levels and a strong background in wildlife biology and ecology, Michael continues to champion scientific advancement and conservation efforts in aquatic ecosystems.

Host: Michelle Prysby, Virginia Master Naturalist Program Director