Skylar Tupper joined LGL Ecological Research Associates in July 2020 after earning her bachelor’s degree at Colby College in Environmental Policy. Skylar assists in research and policy work primarily focused on marine mammals, sea turtles, and fisheries. With an emphasis on providing scientific, regulatory and policy support to LGL clients, Skylar has conducted scientific and policy reviews of Marine Mammal Protection Act regulations, Endangered Species Act Biological Opinions, and National Environmental Policy Act documents (Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements). She has also prepared MMPA incidental take authorization applications and developed reporting guidelines and forms to assist clients with regulatory compliance.

Prior to working for LGL, Skylar’s academic studies focused largely on U.S. fisheries management, forest ecology, and coral reef ecology. She has a strong passion for ocean sciences as well as bridging the gap between scientific findings and the public. Throughout her time at Colby College she took part in multiple internships as well as served as a research assistant for two professors. As a resource management research assistant, she collected and analyzed data from traffic counters at a local park for use in future management decisions. Her other research project focused on taking environmental samples of soil and snow for polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination. Skylar’s strong passion for sustainability was evident in her work on campus to initiate the shift to compostable plastics as well as creating a dorm certification program. Additionally, she interned at a non-profit in Bend, Oregon, focussed on the growing issue of local food access within central Oregon.