Megan Amico
Megan Amico
Megan was born and raised in Framingham, Massachusetts. She often spent summers on the coast of Maine and the beaches of Cape Cod, which nourished her interest and passion for marine life. She earned her B.S. in Marine Science from the University of Maine in 2019, and then trained as a Northeast Fisheries Observer. She went on to receive her at-sea monitor, long-line, pot/trap, and high volume observer certifications. In November 2021, Megan joined the Protected Species Gear Research Team as a contractor, and has since become a FTE. Her main focus has been collaborating with fishermen to research and develop on-demand ("ropeless") fishing technologies to reduce North Atlantic right whale entanglements, while also ensuring the survival of local fishing industries. Megan is also involved in other research projects aimed at reducing bycatch of other protected species by collaborating with commercial fishermen and other stakeholders. She earned her M.S. in Conservation of Marine Predators from Unity Environmental University in 2023, while working full time for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Her Master's research was completed alongside the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, and he continues to contribute to white shark research where she can. Megan pursues art as a hobby and has been fortunate enough to often incorporate it into her role at NEFSC.