Kelly Robertson

Research Interests:

My main role in the Marine Mammal Genetics Group is to participate in various genetics projects, including sequencing, microsatellites, and SNPs. I am also responsible for maintaining the Ancient DNA laboratory. I am in charge of species identifications on material collected from unidentified marine mammals that stranded or were taken incidentally in fishing operations. I also oversee the day to day operations of the SWFSC Marine Mammal and Marine Turtle Molecular Genetics Archive for the mammal group. This involves overseeing the archiving of samples, receiving samples, coordinating loans of samples, updating the database with data generated from processing samples, and providing CITES permit support for the import and export of samples.

In addition to my work in genetics, I also have technical skills in marine mammal life history. I am experienced in food habit and reproductive analyses, and aging of marine mammal teeth.

Selected Publications:

• Robertson, Kelly M., LeDuc, Carrie A., LeDuc, Rick G., and Morin, P. A. Extraction of DNA from Formalin-fixed Cetacean Tissues. 2008. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-418.
• Beasley, I., Robertson, K. M., and P. Arnold. 2005. Description of a new dolphin, the Australian Snubfin Dolphin Orcaella heinsohni sp. n. (Cetacea, Delphinidae). Marine Mammal Science 21(3):365-400.
• Robertson, K. M. And S. J. Chivers. 1997. Prey occurrence in pantropical spotted dolphins, Stenella attenuata, from the eastern tropical Pacific. Fishery Bulletin 95:334-348.