Contact Information

Dr. Richard M. Starr
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
8272 Moss Landing Rd.
Moss Landing, CA 95039
Phone #: 831-771-4442
Fax #: 831-632-4403
e-mail: starr@mlml.calstate.edu

Click here for a list of publications.

Biography

Dr. Rick Starr is a Marine Advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension Sea Grant Program and a Research Faculty Member at Moss Landing Marine Labs. His work as a marine advisor in the UC system includes research, education and outreach. Rick’s research is focused on the biology and ecology of marine species that are harvested as fishery resources. As a Marine Advisor, Rick’s job is to help find research-based solutions to coastal problems. This involves a wide variety of research and extension work, including developing educational materials, advising groups on ways to find creative solutions to coastal issues, forging partnerships with schools and organizations, participating in community committees and workshops, and conducting research.

Marine Reserve Research

Much of Rick’s current research is intended to help evaluate the marine reserve concept as a tool for conservation and for managing fisheries. Marine reserves appear to have the potential to conserve stocks of fish, but there are some critical variables that influence their effectiveness. For example, estimates of sizes of home ranges and frequency of movements of a species are vital elements to determining an appropriate design for a marine reserve that would help conserve that species. However, little is known about typical movements of many coastal species. Rick is working to develop the tools and techniques needed to determine the home ranges and frequency of movements of key species of coastal fish.

Recreation

In addition to his professional work, Rick is an avid kayaker. He has run difficult rivers in many parts of the world, and has been a member of the US Surf Kayak Team since 1995.  He and his teammates won the 1999 World Championships in Brazil and 2005 Worlds in Costa Rica.  Rick also enjoys underwater photography.  Look at some of his photos on our website.