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NewsSarasota MagazineJune 24, 2026Sarasota County

Longtime Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Director Randy Wells to Retire

Dr. Randy Wells, the director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) for over 50 years, is retiring effective July 1. He will be succeeded by Dr. Katie McHugh, a longtime colleague and former intern who has been part of the program for 25 years. Wells will remain involved as director emeritus.

marine biologySarasotawildlife conservationleadership transitionscientific research
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Why It Matters

The leadership change marks a transition in the management of the world's longest-running wild dolphin study, which influences local conservation efforts and global marine research.

Key Facts

  • Dr. Randy Wells will retire as director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) effective July 1.
  • Dr. Katie McHugh has been appointed as the new director of the SDRP.
  • The SDRP is the world's longest-running study of a wild dolphin population.
  • Brookfield Zoo Chicago has overseen the SDRP since 1989.
  • Dr. Katie McHugh joined the SDRP as an intern in 2000 and has served as a scientific leader for 25 years.
  • Randy Wells will transition to the role of director emeritus.
  • The SDRP is currently developing a public-facing platform to allow users to hear and locate dolphins in real time using acoustic monitoring.
  • The program utilizes the Sarasota PALS (passive acoustic listening stations) Network to monitor dolphin sounds and tagged animals.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSarasota Dolphin Research Program“Long-running research program based in Sarasota Bay.”organizationMote Marine Laboratory“Research institution where Wells began his career.”organizationDolphin Biology Research Institute“Nonprofit where Wells will continue his work.”personRandy Wells“Retiring director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program.”personKatie McHugh“Incoming director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program.”organizationBrookfield Zoo Chicago“Institution overseeing the SDRP since 1989.”