Prof. Paul Nachtigall is an internationally recognized expert in marine mammal sensory biology, with over five decades of experience in auditory and behavioral research. A Research Professor Emeritus at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, he previously directed the Marine Mammal Research Program, where he pioneered non-invasive hearing tests in cetaceans, leading to critical insights into biosonar and auditory mechanisms. Holding a Ph.D. in Psychology, his distinguished career includes senior scientific positions with the U.S. Navy and collaborations with universities and institutes worldwide. He has chaired and served on numerous national and international advisory panels addressing the impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine mammals and was elected President of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in 2002. Dr. Nachtigall has authored or co-authored hundreds of peer-reviewed papers and several influential books on bioacoustics and echolocation. A dedicated educator, he has mentored generations of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and remains active in scientific publishing and global collaborations. His legacy continues to shape marine mammal science, environmental policy, and acoustic research worldwide. This presentation will provide an overview of his career, highlighting key contributions to marine mammal science, acoustic research, and environmental policy.
Pacini et al. (2025) studied this question.