William Sydeman

Dr. William (Bill) J. Sydeman, BSc, MSc, PhD, is a distinguished marine ecologist with over three decades of experience in marine ecological research. In 2007 he founded the Farallon Institute, a Petaluma-based non-profit marine research organization. Bill’s interdisciplinary research focuses on the nexus of marine climate change, ocean conditions, zooplankton, forage fish, and marine predators. He has conducted extensive “plankton to predator” studies, examining climate effects on seabirds (including especially Tufted Puffins and Rhinoceros Auklets), marine mammals, and fish. His work has described dramatic and abrupt ecosystem changes in response to climate variability. Throughout his career, Dr. Sydeman has served on numerous scientific panels, including as Chair of the Advisory Panel for Marine Birds and Mammals for the North Pacific Marine Science Organization. He has presented to state and federal policymakers on the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and the design and utilization of ocean observing systems. Dr. Sydeman’s scholarly contributions are substantial, with his publications cited over 30,000 times, reflecting his significant impact on the field of marine ecology. Under Dr. Sydeman’s leadership, the Farallon Institute has become a model for conducting both academic and conservation-oriented research outside of traditional academic institutions and government agencies, while maintaining collaborative efforts with them. The institute embodies his values of pursuing cutting-edge marine science and engaging extensive collaborative networks. Dr. Sydeman’s dedication to marine ecology continues to advance the understanding of climate impacts on marine ecosystems, informing conservation strategies and policy decisions aimed at preserving marine biodiversity.