Talley uses science to advance the field of ecology, address coastal environmental issues, train tomorrow's leaders, and raise awareness of our local natural ecosystems. Her research in coastal ecosystems spans both coasts of North America, with experience from New England, California, and Baja California, Mexico.
Expertise
• Coastal ecology, ecosystem restoration, and invasive species
• Climate resilience of ecosystems and communities
• Marine debris and watershed pollution
• Local and sustainable seafood
• Coastal and marine education and workforce development
Research
Talley's research is grounded in ecological principles and incorporates human dimensions in order to address today's complex environmental issues and pursue novel opportunities that promote a balance of the use and conservation of coastal and marine resources. All projects work towards healthy ecosystems, communities, and people by improving our understanding of ecosystems and sharing knowledge in order to foster well-informed decisions, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Her work has included studies of plastics in the environment; climate resilience of people and ecosystems; and historical ecology.
Education and Outreach
Talley uses science to spark interest, nurture curiosity and learning, and connect people with nature and place in order to encourage environmental stewardship, provide blue and green workforce training, and improve community well-being. Talley leads outreach activities for the public, school kids, environmental practitioners, and educators, and since 2005 has taught a diversity of ecology, biology and environmental science classes at UCSD (Muir College), University of San Francisco, and University of San Diego. Since 2005, Talley has also served as a science advisor and wetland scientist for the Ocean Discovery Institute. She is currently a lead for the California Commercial Fisheries Apprenticeship Program.
Featured Outreach Products
- California Seafood Profiles: Biological, fisheries and nutritional information on (eventually) every major fishery landed in California
- Fish to Families
- Oral histories from San Diego's fisheries and farms
- Local seafood availability and benefits
- Testing the Feasibility of Urban Coastal Direct Seafood Markets
- Project Wipeout - Sea Creatures & Safety
Recent Publications
Talley, T.S., C. Loflen, N. Venuti, D. Pedersen, R. Gossett, M.D. Baker. 2023. Contaminant risk and social vulnerability associated with crustacean shellfish harvest in the highly urbanized San Diego Bay, USA. Environments 10: 91. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060091
Talley, T.S. 2023. Microfiber solutions at your fingertips! A review of “Polluting Textiles: The Problem with Microfibres” CERF’s Up Quarterly Newsletter. 49(2): 7. https://cerf.memberclicks.net/assets/bulletin/Bulletin_2023/CERFs_UP_49....
Talley, T.S., C. Loflen, R. Gossett, D. Pedersen, N. Venuti, J. Nguyen, R. Gersberg. 2022. Contaminant concentrations and risks associated with the Pacific oyster in the highly urbanized San Diego Bay. Marine Pollution Bulletin 174: 113132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113132
Talley, T.S., R. Ruzic, L. Goodwin, N. Venuti, R. Mothokakobo. 2021. Using community science to address pollution in an urban watershed: Lessons about trash, diverse engagement, and the need for science mindsets. J. of Contemporary Water Research & Education 174: 21-44. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1936-704X.2021.3359.x
Talley, T.S. and P. Halmay. 2021. Fish only become seafood because of fishermen: Commentary. Food Vision 2030. Objective 1, Pg. 20. https://www.sdfsa.org/vision
Talley, T.S., N. Venuti, R. Whelan. 2020. Natural history matters: Plastics in estuarine fish and sediments at the mouth of an urban watershed. PLoS ONE 15(3): e0229777.
Talley, T.S., N. Venuti, R. Starr, C. Myrick. 2019. Evaluation of a White Seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) enhancement program in California. J. Kideghesho (ed.) Wildlife Management - Failures, Successes and Prospects. Download PDF
Talley, T.S., N. Venuti, C. Adams, J. Barkan, E. Bowlby. 2018. Building Climate Resilience of Urban Waters, Ecosystems, and Communities. Final Report for State Coastal Conservancy submitted by Ocean Discovery Institute in partnership with California Sea Grant and San Diego Canyonlands. Project no. 3760-101-6083007. 31 July 2018. Publication No. CASG-18-024 Full Report (PDF) (One-page summary, Post-award evaluation, Manzanita Canyon plant list)
Talley, T.S., H. Warde, N. Venuti. 2016. Local seafood availability in San Diego, California seafood markets. Future of Food: Journal on Food, Agriculture and Society 4(2): 40-49. Download PDF
Novoa, A., T.S. Talley, D. Talley, J. Crooks, N. Reyns. 2016. Spatial and temporal examination of bivalve communities in several estuaries of southern California USA and northern Baja California, MX. PLoS One. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0148220
