Research Professor; Ph.D. Columbia University, 1960.

Coastal-marine ecology, conservation and policy; polar ecology; coastal-marine biological diversity and ecological processes; marine mammals and fishes.

271 Clark Hall
434-924-0551
cr@virginia.edu

Primary emphasis is on marine and coastal ecology, with a strong emphasis on ecological processes and conservation policy. Global coastal-marine processes and distributions of the biota (especially vertebrates) are of special interest. Past research and teaching have centered on the roles of marine mammals in the ecosystems of the polar regions. Present research emphasizes the ecology of temperate fishes in coastal zones and relationships between biological diversity and ecosystem function. In addition, with colleagues in this department and elsewhere, Ray is developing approaches to coastal-marine classification, principally for the purposes of conservation, research and monitoring. This work has been supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Man and The Biosphere Program, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, private foundations, and others. Ray and colleagues are involved in conservation and development strategies for Caribbean island nations, the Bahamas in particular.

Ray has authored or co-authored more than 150 scientific papers, reports, books, atlases, and films on science and conservation.