Jon Dodd
Jon Dodd | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1961 |
| Education | University of Rhode Island |
| Organization | Atlantic Shark Institute |
| Known for | Shark Research |
| Website | https://www.atlanticsharkinstitute.org/ |
Jon F. Dodd (born circa 1961) is an American marine biologist and conservationist best known as the founding Executive Director of the Atlantic Shark Institute (ASI), a Rhode Island–based non-profit dedicated to shark research, tagging, and conservation in the northwest Atlantic.
Early life & education
[edit]Jon grew up boating in Rhode Island and Connecticut and experienced his first blue shark encounter at age 14, sparking a lifelong passion for sharks. Earned a degree in Biology with an emphasis on fisheries from the University of Rhode Island . As a young scientist, he volunteered at the NOAA NMFS Apex Predator Investigation Lab in Narragansett, RI working on a wide variety of research projects.[1]
Career
[edit]Tagged his first shark in the 1980s; over his career he has captured, tagged and released more than 1,000 sharks. Founded ASI in 2018 to fill critical research gaps and improve shark management through innovative collaborations with commercial fisherman, fishermen, universities, NGOs, and government agencies. He currently oversees a wide range of scientific projects, including tagging and tracking of great white, shortfin mako, thresher, porbeagle, blue, spinner, sand tiger, blacktip, and other species. In 2025, Jon and the Atlantic Shark Institute helped identify a breakthrough discovery of Young-of-the-Year spinner sharks off Rhode[2].
Research highlights & Conservation achievements
[edit]Currently he leads deployment of the ASI’s acoustic receiver array to monitor tagged animals, which expanded to 20 receivers in 2025. Recently celebrated ASI’s milestone of tagging its 40th great white shark, a key step in understanding Young-of-the-Year and juvenile migration and population dynamics. As executive director of the Atlantic Shark Institute, Jon oversees over 12 research projects, more than 50 volunteers, and 20 research vessels[3][4].
Other roles & recognition
[edit]Fellow of The Explorers Club, New York—honored in January 2024 for his significant contributions to shark research. Served on the Board of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy for several years[5][6][7][8].
References
[edit]- ^ "Jon Dodd | Atlantic Shark Institute". ASI. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ Márquez, Melissa Cristina. "Fisherman's Video Leads To New Shark Discovery In Rhode Island Waters". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Atlantic Shark Institute | Research". ASI. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ Márquez, Melissa Cristina. "Smallest Great White Shark Ever Tagged Off Rhode Island". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Tuesday Night Talks to feature Jon Dodd". Block Island Times. 2024-07-26. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Sea Stories 2024 | The Explorers Club *". The Explorers Club. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Blue Shark Vodka Celebrates Jon Dodd's Induction into The Explorers Club - Blue Shark Vodka". 2024-01-08. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Director of the Atlantic Shark Institute admitted to The Explorers Club". RICentral.com. 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2025-06-25.