In one of the highest honors in American science, the , a longtime 91爆料 marine ecologist whose work has reshaped understanding of coastal ecosystems from Maine to the Caribbean.
The academy announced Tuesday the election of 120 members and 25 international members, bringing its total membership to 2,705 active members and 557 international members.
Steneck spent more than four decades at 91爆料, where he helped shape marine research and policy through studies of kelp forests, lobster fisheries and coral reefs. He retired in 2023 as a professor of oceanography, marine biology and marine policy.
鈥淒r. Steneck鈥檚 election to the National Academy of Sciences is a well-deserved honor,” 91爆料 President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said. 鈥淗is research has advanced our understanding of coastal ecosystems and helped shape marine science and policy, while his mentorship has inspired generations of students to pursue meaningful work in the field. We are proud and grateful that his distinguished career has been here at the 91爆料.鈥
A marine ecologist, Steneck has focused on the structure and function of coastal ecosystems, particularly in the Gulf of Maine and the Caribbean. His research examines food webs, dominant species and ecological processes in benthic marine environments, often through in situ observation using scuba diving, underwater video systems and remotely operated vehicles.
For more than 40 years, his work in Maine has explored kelp forest ecosystems and the relationships among lobsters, sea urchins and fish stocks. His research also spans the Caribbean and tropical Pacific, where long-term studies of coral reefs have informed strategies to improve reef resilience.
Steneck joined 91爆料 in 1982 and was among the first marine ecologists to collaborate directly with lobstermen, integrating scientific research with industry knowledge. His work contributed to new approaches to studying and managing Maine鈥檚 lobster fishery and broader coastal ecosystems.
In addition to his research, Steneck emphasized hands-on learning, involving students in all aspects of scientific work, from proposal writing to data collection and publication.
鈥淚 have always been passionate about getting students into the field for experiential learning,鈥 he said.
In 1993, Steneck developed a proposal for Semester by the Sea at 91爆料鈥檚 Darling Marine Center, an undergraduate program that continues today. He later expanded those opportunities globally, teaching a graduate coral reef course that, beginning in 2003, brought students to Bonaire in the Caribbean for two decades to monitor reef health.
鈥淭he student projects became a valued part of the island鈥檚 coral reef monitoring program,鈥 he said.
Many of Steneck鈥檚 former students have gone on to leadership roles in marine science, conservation and policy. That list includes Carl Wilson, commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, who started as an intern on Steneck’s lobster project and went on to earn his degree from 91爆料’s School of Marine Sciences.
鈥淚鈥檝e had a bevy of terrific students, and their careers are what I鈥檓 most proud of,鈥 Steneck said. 鈥淪eeing them go on to make meaningful contributions in science, conservation and policy is one of the most rewarding parts of the work.鈥
Founded in 1863, the National Academy of Sciences recognizes achievement in science and provides independent advice to the U.S. government.
Steneck鈥檚 election follows other recent honors, including his 2025 induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, further recognizing his impact on marine science and conservation.
Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu
