Information Science and Management
Researchers in this section address complex natural resource issues by integrating ecological, cultural and socioeconomic information using statistical and spatial analysis techniques. Staff develop maps and model distribution patterns of fish and wildlife, identify lands and waters that are conservation priorities, and assess economic impacts of recreational activities. The section’s database experts, statisticians, research librarians, specimen collection managers, outreach specialists and scientific editor provide additional support to FWC scientists and managers.
René Baumstark, Section Leader
Rene.Baumstark@MyFWC.com
Staff: 62
FY 2022-2023 Budget: $5,001,998
The Center for Biostatistics and Modeling provide agency staff with statistical and data management consulting support: create data storage and archiving solutions, develop study designs and statistical analysis plans, analyze scientific data and produce user-friendly software tools for data collection and statistical analysis, modeling procedures and information visualization.
Subsection Leader
Paul Schuller, Paul.Schuller@MyFWC.com
The Center for Spatial Analysis consists of technical experts that manage FWC’s Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping infrastructure and resources, scientific coordinators for oil spill and emergency response operations, and research scientists that examine how spatial heterogeneity influences ecological patterns and processes. Staff collect, curate, and visualize geographic data to produce derivate products; products include fishing guides, environmental monitoring dashboards, habitat maps, species distribution models, ecosystem models, and landscape conservation tools for internal and external end-users.
Subsection Leader
Luke McEachron, Luke.Mceachron@MyFWC.com
Conservation Social Science (CSS) focuses on the human dimension of our fish and wildlife systems. Staff use diverse social science tools and methods to study the complex relationships between people and the fish, wildlife, and habitat resources FWC conserves and manages. This includes learning what people think about fish and wildlife, how they interact with wildlife and nature, and how they engage with management, science, and conservation. These studies help other researchers and managers within FWC engage with and learn about our public and their communities. CSS includes a wide range of disciplines like economics, environmental/conservation education, and human dimensions.
Subsection Leader
Chelsey Crandall, Chelsey.Crandall@MyFWC.com
Staff coordinate the management and development of FWRI databases and applications; oversee production and distribution of digital and hard-copy publications; and oversees one of the largest natural history collections of marine fish and invertebrate specimens in the southeastern U.S.
Subsection Leader
Jon French, Jon.French@MyFWC.com