CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA), a marine environmental consulting firm that specializes in multidisciplinary projects concerning potential impacts of activities in coastal and marine ecosystems, is happy to announce that Kayla Hartigan has joined the team at CSA’s headquarters in Stuart, Florida, as an underwater acoustic Project Scientist.

In this role, she will use her experience gained while studying for her Master’s Degree in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University in North Carolina and her expertise as a soundscape ecologist to assist with CSA’s projects that address underwater sound.

Ms. Hartigan comes to CSA with a well-rounded background in marine biology and bioacoustics-based laboratory and field projects. While at Duke University and Stony Brook University in New York, she acquired a broad range of data collection and analytical skills, as well as a detailed understanding of environmental legislation encompassing the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. She conducted research that quantified sounds produced by bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) in both laboratory and field settings using passive acoustic monitoring techniques. She also evaluated the effectiveness of bioacoustic indices such as the Acoustic Complexity Index to quantify biological activity and identify changes in biodiversity over time.

“I am excited to be provided this opportunity to utilize and expand my underwater acoustics knowledge, contribute to CSA’s Ocean Sound services, and grow with the company,” stated Ms. Hartigan. Dr. Michele Halvorsen, Director of the Ocean Sound and Marine Life group added; “We are thrilled that Kayla has joined our team, she is quickly proving herself to be an essential and valuable partner on our team. She is key in contributing to the growth of CSA’s underwater acoustic capabilities and services.”