Andrew Kough, Ph.D.
Research Biologist
Education
Ph.D., Marine Biology and Fisheries, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science
B.Sc., Biology, Gettysburg College
Expertise
Invertebrate fisheries conservation, larval connectivity, movement ecology
A passionate marine biologist, Andrew Kough’s work at Shedd Aquarium focuses on investigating invertebrate fisheries conservation. This group includes ecologically, culturally, and commercially valuable species that are increasingly threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and changing ocean conditions.
In his research, Kough conducts diverse experiments, field surveys, and mathematical modeling to better understand these challenges and develop strategies to mitigate them. His applied research on Queen Conch (Aliger gigas), a species listed on the U.S. Endangered Species Act, has direct conservation management implications including evaluating fishery policies, testing translocation as a remediation tool, and assessing the effectiveness of protected areas in replenishing populations. The goal of his research on these sometimes uncharismatic, yet vital, snails is to guide conservation efforts and inspire people to protect them.
His Ph.D. dissertation research examined the larval connectivity of the Caribbean spiny lobster.