Juno Beach, Fla. (July 11, 2023) ─ Dr. Justin Perrault (pictured above), the director of research at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), was selected as Sea Turtle Week’s 2023 Audience Choice winner for “Scientist of the Year.” Celebrated annually, Sea Turtle Week highlights individuals working on important, groundbreaking, and novel projects that advance our understanding of sea turtles and their conservation.
Before votes became open to the public, Dr. Perrault was selected as one of four finalists by Sea Turtle Week’s international panel of judges made up of sea turtle conservationists and scientists. The judges evaluated Perrault’s overall impact of his research on sea turtle conservation and management, his collaboratation with peers and organizations, and the inclusion of diversity in his research.
Dr. Perrault’s leadership at the Center’s research department has contributed to one of the most comprehensive sea turtle data sets, enabling evidence-based conservation that contributes to the recovery of local and global sea turtle populations. His research aims to understand the effects of humans on the health, reproduction, and survival of sea turtles.
“As scientists, we put in the hard work because we love our jobs and the species we work to protect. Sea turtles become a part of our identities,” said Dr. Perrault. “I am honored to have been chosen for this award and will continue to further conservation efforts of our sea turtles on our local beaches.”
For his selection as the Audience Choice Winner, Dr. Perrault received a $500 prize that will be allocated toward his sea turtle rehabilitation and conservation projects at LMC.
For more information, visit seaturtleweek.com.
About Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC)
Loggerhead Marinelife Center, located in Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach, Fla., is a sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education, and conservation center. The Center also manages the Juno Beach Pier across the street from the park. Established in 1983, LMC seeks to promote conservation of ocean ecosystems with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. Its facilities include a sea turtle hospital, a research laboratory, and exhibit areas, including live sea turtles and other coastal creatures.