Collin Williams
Who I am
I grew up in the southern USA and spent much of my time on the water catching all kinds of critters, but fish have always been at the forefront of my mind. My fishy interests eventually developed into a career in marine research, focusing on the spatial ecology and life histories of predatory fishes. I’ve had the opportunity to conduct research at various institutions, including the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Oregon Sea Grant and the National Marine Fisheries Service. During a particularly dark and cold Alaskan winter, I realised that I needed more sunshine in my life, which led me to pursue graduate studies at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. I have now spent many years here in Saudi Arabia, studying various aspects of fish biology in the Red Sea and surviving the extreme sun and heat.
Where I work
I have been fortunate enough to conduct research on all sides the Arabian Peninsula and study some of its wildest places. The Arabian Peninsula is surrounded by several gulfs and seas that restrict connectivity and result in the hottest sustained ocean temperatures on the planet. These distinct physical features shape ecological patterns and can provide us with valuable insights into how marine systems may function under future oceanic conditions. Managing marine systems in Arabia is complex, since many nations share the coastline of relatively small bodies of water. The region is also undergoing a rapid transformation due to large-scale coastal development projects that warrant immediate conservation action. My research has focused primarily on studying the movement patterns of large fish at offshore coral reefs in the Red Sea to inform regional management plans. There is still so much to learn about these animals and how they utilise the unique environment of the Arabian region. I hope to continue working here for years to come.
What I do
I mostly utilise electronic bio-loggers and animal tracking devices to study the movement patterns of big fish and how they interact with their environment. I’m especially interested in how biological insights can be translated into management strategies, so my research often includes other methodologies that are best suited to addressing the most urgent conservation challenges. Through my current project, I aim to examine patterns of shark reproduction in the Red Sea using ultrasound scans and other complementary techniques.