Cynthia Taylor

Associate Vice President of Aquatic Programs, Wildlife Trust

Cynthia Taylor has more than 15 years of experience working with federal, state and private organizations dealing with marine mammal research, rescue, management and conservation. She coordinates research for Wildlife Trust’s Edge of the Sea Aquatic Conservation Program nationally and internationally with a focus on human-wildlife conflict in increasingly populated coastal regions. She is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing research programs with the goal of providing sound scientific results to managers in an effort to conserve endangered species and their habitats.

Ms. Taylor's wide range of field experience with endangered species includes working to recover North Atlantic right whales in the face of increasing injury and mortality from collisions with large vessels and entanglement in fishing gear, to studying the effectiveness of research and management actions on the recovery of endangered manatee species worldwide. Using tools such as aerial surveys, photo-identification, tagging, and behavioral observations results in data that is used to determine survivability of the species, changes in behavior due to management actions or human activity, and habitat availability and adequacy.

Ms. Taylor has participated in marine mammal research and conservation efforts worldwide, including Central and South America and West Africa. Her research interests include the direct and indirect effects of human activities on endangered marine mammals and their habitats in regions of increased human use. Ms. Taylor's work includes collaboration with key stakeholders to develop effective conservation plans.