Felicia C. Coleman

Dr. Felicia C. Coleman is a Professor at Florida State University's Coastal & Marine Laboratory, specializing in marine ecology and conservation. Her research focuses on grouper species, particularly the Atlantic Goliath Grouper, addressing their ecology, conservation policies, and habitat engineering roles. She collaborates across disciplines to bridge science and policy, advocating for ecosystem-based management.

• Education: Ph.D. (1991), MSc (1981), and BSc (1976) from Florida State University and College of Charleston.

Her work emphasizes the intersection of marine ecosystems and human activities, including fisheries management and climate change impacts. Key interests include spawning aggregations, mercury contamination in marine species, and policy implications for endangered species. She has served on councils like the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and IUCN's Groupers & Wrasses Specialist Group.

Publications highlight Goliath Grouper recovery, mercury effects, and Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacts. Her lab investigates habitat modification by red grouper and evaluates marine reserve efficacy. Currently, she leads global reassessments of Goliath Grouper conservation status.