Reese Tolbert
Undergraduate Researcher, Fisheries Scholar (S26)
Project titles: F25: Preliminary analysis of schoolmaster gonatid squid (Berryteuthis magister) population dynamics in Southeast Alaska. S26: Recreating a plankton kreisel for hatching Berryteuthis magister eggs
From an early age, I had opportunities to travel extensively along the U.S. East Coast, West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii. Visiting beaches, aquariums, and wildlife centers fostered a strong appreciation for the diversity of marine ecosystems and the wide range of adaptations among marine species. A formative experience at the Alaska SeaLife Center, where I encountered wolf eels, further deepened my interest in marine biodiversity. I have worked with Idaho Fish and Game at a fisheries facility in Ahsahka, Idaho, on Indigenous land. This experience provided first hand insight into regional fisheries management and underscored the importance of public engagement and collaboration with local and Indigenous communities for effective conservation.
My current work in the Navarro Lab focuses on evaluating the feasibility of a sustainable Berryteuthis magister fishery in Alaska by examining population dynamics, morphology, and distribution. A complementary project involves recreating appropriate water currents and environmental conditions to hatch B. magister eggs using a plankton kreisel system. This work will enable detailed observation of hatching processes and early paralarval morphology and behavior, addressing key knowledge gaps in the species’ early life history.
My primary research interests focus on venomous, poisonous, and invasive species—particularly taxa that are often understudied or avoided. I am especially interested in lionfish as an emerging fishery and in their behavior and use of venom for defense. My goal is to learn more about how to effectively mitigate invasive species. The removal and management of invasive species is critical for maintaining healthy ecosystems and protecting native species, including Chinook salmon smolts.