Dianna Schulte
Dianna Schulte has led the South Carolina right whale aerial survey team for the past two winter calving seasons. Endangered North Atlantic right whales migrate from November through April to give birth to their calves off of the Southeast coast. This region is the only known calving ground for the species and has been designated as a critical habitat for right whales. Wildlife Trust’s aerial surveys provide location information to port authorities to avoid potential ship strikes of right whales. The team also records individual whales using photo-identification to help track the population more accurately.
Previously, Dianna spent five winter seasons working with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s right whale aerial survey program in a similar capacity. Dianna received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with a concentration in Marine Biology from the University of New Hampshire. She’s also maintains a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license for 100-ton vessels.
During summer seasons, Dianna serves as a lead naturalist and research scientist aboard commercial whale watching boats in New England. With 15 years of experience in the field of marine science and education, she co-founded Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation and currently serves as president for the organization.
Prior to her role at Blue Ocean Society, she worked for Lindblad Expeditions aboard environmental cruise ships traveling to Alaska and Baja California, Mexico. Dianna provided passengers with unique experiences and information about the natural surroundings.
