Dr. James Marcus Drymon is an Associate Extension Professor at Mississippi State University's Coastal Research and Extension Center, focusing on marine fisheries ecology. His research emphasizes shark behavior, fisheries management, and conservation challenges like depredation. He holds a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of South Alabama, an M.S. in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston, and a B.S. in Biology from Coastal Carolina University. Key research interests include shark population dynamics, the ecological impacts of climate change on marine predators, and the intersection of fisheries practices with conservation. His work often addresses human dimensions, such as angler behavior and stakeholder engagement in fisheries management. Recent studies highlight his contributions to understanding microplastic contamination in apex predators, age/growth dynamics of marine species, and genetic connectivity of sharks across ocean basins. Drymon collaborates with institutions globally, as seen in multi-authored papers on bull shark genetics and transoceanic migration patterns. He advises graduate students and leads outreach via extension publications like Mississippi's Sharks and Rays , bridging scientific findings with public education. Projects like the Great Red Snapper Count demonstrate his commitment to informing policy through direct visual surveys and habitat analyses.
