Blake Munz

EDUCATION

B.S. Marine Science – Biology, Minor: Chemistry, The University of Tampa, 2022.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My thesis will focus on studying the diadromous movements of the Atlantic Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus). I will be conducting elemental and stable isotope analyses of tarpon scales to track individual movements between marine to freshwater habitats. This will be a historical analysis utilizing archival scales dating back to the 1950’s, 1990’s, and present day to reconstruct a 30–60-year time series. Atlantic Tarpon are considered threatened; therefore, the results will allow me to see if there has been a change in their movements over this timespan which can ultimately be used to help further their present conservation and management. This study will also help validate the use of scales as non-lethal analogues

My broad research interests involve conservation ecology of neglected species, particularly in estuarine ecosystems. I am interested in studying the movement and migration patterns of these organisms to gain a better understanding of their life history and habitat use to designate critical habitat and improve fisheries and ecosystem management.