Daniel H Monson, Ph.D.
Dan is a Research Wildlife Biologist with the Alaska Science Center and sea otter research lead within the Nearshore Marine Ecosystem Research Program. His work focuses on sea otter ecology and conservation including developing metrics of sea otter population status and exploring drivers of variation in sea otter foraging and demographic patterns.
Professional Experience
1995 - Present Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1995, 1996, 1998, 1999 Biologist, University of Minnesota, Antarctic Research Program, McMurdo, Antarctica
1992 - 1995 Graduate Research Assistant, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
1992 - 1995 Statistical Assistant, NBS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1987 - 1992 Biological Technician, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska
1985 - 1987 Research Assistant, University of Minnesota, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota
1983 - 1985 Biological Technician, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Kawishawi Field Station, Ely, Minnesota
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2009 University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
M.S. 1995 University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Marine Science
B.S. 1983 Luther College, Decorah, IA Biology
Affiliations and Memberships*
The Wildlife Society
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Ecological Society of America
Science and Products
Retrospective characterization of ontogenetic shifts in killer whale diets via δ13C and δ15N analysis of teeth
Stress-related hormones and genetic diversity in sea otters (Enhydra lutris)
Using stable isotopes to investigate individual diet specialization in California sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)
Understanding and predicting ecological dynamics: Are major surprises inevitable
Activity budgets derived from time-depth recorders in a diving mammal
Patterns of growth and body condition in sea otters from the Aleutian archipelago before and after the recent population decline
Population demographics, survival, and reporduction: Alaska sea otter research
Studying sea otter foraging ecology: A review of some methodological approaches
Sea otter studies in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Foraging depths of sea otters and implications to coastal marine communities
Sea otter studies in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: annual report 2002
Sea otter (Enhydra lutris) perspective: Part C. Trophic linkages among sea otters and bivalve prey in Prince William Sound, Alaska, in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill: Implications for community models in sedimentary habitats
Science and Products
Retrospective characterization of ontogenetic shifts in killer whale diets via δ13C and δ15N analysis of teeth
Stress-related hormones and genetic diversity in sea otters (Enhydra lutris)
Using stable isotopes to investigate individual diet specialization in California sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)
Understanding and predicting ecological dynamics: Are major surprises inevitable
Activity budgets derived from time-depth recorders in a diving mammal
Patterns of growth and body condition in sea otters from the Aleutian archipelago before and after the recent population decline
Population demographics, survival, and reporduction: Alaska sea otter research
Studying sea otter foraging ecology: A review of some methodological approaches
Sea otter studies in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Foraging depths of sea otters and implications to coastal marine communities
Sea otter studies in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: annual report 2002
Sea otter (Enhydra lutris) perspective: Part C. Trophic linkages among sea otters and bivalve prey in Prince William Sound, Alaska, in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill: Implications for community models in sedimentary habitats
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government