Dr. Bradley Wetherbee is professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Rhode Island, where he involves many undergraduates in his research. He is also the assistant director of the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) at Nova Southeastern University, and adjunct faculty, teaching online courses on the biology of sharks and rays and advising graduate students. He has frequently and regularly taken part in Guy Harvey research expeditions dating back to the early 2000s and has participated in many GHOF activities since inception of the foundation.
Dr. Wetherbee received his undergraduate degree in biology and environmental science at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, his masters from the University of Miami and his PhD from the University of Hawaii. He developed an interest in wildlife particularly in fishes while growing up in Oregon. As a child, he often accompanied his father on his job as a state fisheries biologist working in rivers, lakes and streams of Oregon.
Dr. Wetherbee’s interest in sharks and marine fishes began as a graduate student working with renowned shark researcher Sonny Gruber at the University of Miami. He has spent over 30 years working over a broad range of research topics spanning from biochemistry of deep-sea sharks to behavioral ecology of sharks and rays. The majority of his research involves collecting information on the biology and ecology of marine fishes that can used to improve management of their populations. Dr. Wetherbee likes to point out the goal of his research is not to restrict fishing, but to make a meaningful contribution towards sustainable fisheries that can be enjoyed by future generations for many years to come.