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NewsSarasota MagazineJune 24, 2026Sarasota County

Longtime Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Director Randy Wells to Retire

Dr. Randy Wells, the longtime director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, is retiring effective July 1. He will be succeeded by Dr. Katie McHugh, a scientist who has worked with the program for 25 years. Wells will remain involved as director emeritus.

marine biologySarasotaconservationleadership transitionwildlife research
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Why It Matters

The leadership change marks a transition in the management of the world's longest-running study of a wild dolphin population, 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 named as the successor to Dr. Randy Wells.
  • Dr. Randy Wells will transition to the role of director emeritus.
  • The SDRP is the world's longest-running study of a wild dolphin population.
  • Brookfield Zoo Chicago has overseen the SDRP since 1989.
  • The program is developing a public-facing platform to allow users to hear and locate dolphins in real time using acoustic monitoring.
  • The SDRP currently operates the Sarasota PALS (passive acoustic listening stations) Network.
  • Dr. Randy Wells began his career at Mote Marine Laboratory in 1970.
  • Dr. Katie McHugh joined the SDRP as an intern in 2000.

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.”personPeter Tyack“Collaborator on acoustic research.”personRandy Wells“Retiring director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program.”personBlair Irvine“Founder of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program.”personKatie McHugh“Incoming director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program.”organizationBrookfield Zoo Chicago“Institution overseeing the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program since 1989.”