Tyler Stynes
Honolulu,HI
Summary
Marine biologist with hands-on experience in field research, laboratory analysis, and aquatic animal husbandry. Skilled in marine species identification, behavioral analysis, and data processing using tools such as R, BORIS, and SeaGIS. Experienced in remote and offshore field operations, including small vessel handling, BRUV deployment, and animal tagging. Strong background in elasmobranch biology and ecology. Current research utilizes BRUV systems to investigate elasmobranch behavioral responses to magnetic and electromagnetic stimuli in coastal Fiji waters, with the goal of evaluating deterrent applications for reducing depredation and bycatch.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Shark Behavior Video Coder
Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
Kaneohe, HI
01.2023 - Current
- Managing and assisting concurrent research projects examining elasmobranch behavioral responses to electromagnetic stimuli, alongside studies on bycatch dynamics and mitigation
- Collected, processed, and analyzed observational and spatial data using BORIS, SeaGIS, and R
- Assisted in animal capture and tagging operations, ensuring adherence to ethical and safety protocols
- Operated as a deck hand and small craft operator, supporting offshore research missions and equipment deployment
- Conducted extended fieldwork in remote and offshore environments, demonstrating adaptability, endurance, and team coordination
Shark Lab - Intern
Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
Kaneohe, HI
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Supported husbandry and enclosure maintenance for captive sharks
- Utilized SeaGIS to aid in data analysis for ongoing experiments
- Assisted in the execution of captive experiments and field research operations
Aquarist
Reef and Ray
Honolulu, HI
06.2021 - 06.2022
- Performed daily husbandry for aquatic animals and plants, ensuring optimal health and habitat conditions
- Maintained aquarium and pond systems, including filtration, backwashing, and pump repair
- Conducted basic tank and enclosure repairs to support system functionality and safety
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University Of Hawaii At Manoa, Amend Lab
Honolulu, HI
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Collected and processed marine samples via skin diving, including curation, dilution, and preparation for analysis
- Isolated, catalogued and cultured marine fungi and bacteria
- Assisted with PCR and DNA sequencing for microbial identification
- Operated and maintained laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, autoclaves, and microscopes
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
University of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI05-2023
Skills
- Remote/Offshore Field work
- Vessel Maintenance/Operation
- Animal Husbandry
- BRUV Research
- Shark Biologging
- Animal Handling
- BORIS, SeaGIS, R, Photoshop
- Scientific writing
- Statistical analysis
- Scientific Diver
Certification
- Marine operator certification course (03/2023)
- Boating education certificate (09/2022)
- PADI Open Water SCUBA diver (08/2021)
- NAUI Nitrox Diver (07/2023)
- NAUI Advanced Rescue Diver (07/2023)
- NAUI Master Diver (07/2023)
- NAUI Training Assistant (08/2025
- AAUS Scientific diver (07/2023)
- Forklift Certification (09/2023)
- Marine Crane certification (10/2023)
- DAN first aid certification (02/2023)
Timeline
Shark Behavior Video Coder
Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
01.2023 - Current
Shark Lab - Intern
Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
01.2022 - 01.2023
Aquarist
Reef and Ray
06.2021 - 06.2022
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University Of Hawaii At Manoa, Amend Lab
01.2021 - 07.2021
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
University of Hawaii At Manoa
Publications
In Submission
- Arnold, L., Stynes, T., Deppmeier, M., Nueku, H., Rogers, L., Meyer, C. Distribution, relative abundance, and demography of elasmobranchs around Oʻahu, Hawai’i. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2026.
Posters/Presentations
- Stynes, T., Sorovakatini, I., Deppmeier, M.,Nueku, H., Rogers, L., Royer, M., Meyer, C. Testing Shark Deterrent Technologies in Fiji’s Coastal Waters. Accepted poster, Sharks International, 2026.
- Arnold, L., Stynes, T., Deppmeier, M., Nueku, H., Rogers, L., Meyer, C. Distribution, relative abundance, and demography of elasmobranchs around Oʻahu, Hawai’i. Presented talk at the Northeast Pacific Shark Symposium VII, 2026.
- Nueku, H., Rogers, L., Stynes, T., Deppmeier, M., Arnold, L., Sorovakatini, I., Schidmore-Rossing, K. Meyer, C. Behavioral responses of Hawaiian sharks and rays to electric and magnetic deterrent devices. Accepted talk, Sharks International, 2026.