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Casey Boleman Butler

 

Address:  2796 Overseas Hwy Suite 119, Marathon, FL 33050

E-mail: ButlerCaseyB@gmail.com

Tel: +1 (321) 720-4508

EDUCATION

 

PhD     Florida International University, Biology                                         in progress

 

Dissertation: Investigating the linkages between habitat quality, animal health, and spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery management

Advisor: Mark J. Butler, IV

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MS       Florida Institute of Technology, Marine Biology                                 May 2011

 

Thesis: “The Role of Chemical Cues and Predation in Determining the Post-Settlement Distributions of Larval and Juvenile Horseshoe Crabs, Limulus polyphemus”

Advisor: Richard A. Tankersley

 

BS       Florida Institute of Technology, Marine Biology                                   Dec 2003

            cum laude

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Marathon, FL                          2013 to Present

Research Associate, Spiny Lobster Research Group​

  • Work as a senior member within the Spiny Lobster group examining the interaction and impacts of the spiny lobster fishery with the biology and ecology of the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus)

  • Design research projects, manage and analyze data, develop manuscripts, apply for and execute research grants, and disseminate findings to public and scientific audiences

  • Organize and lead field and lab research activities, including boat and dive operations and deployment and retrieval of specimen collection gear

  • Develop and execute collaborative research projects on the effects of confinement in ghost fishing lobster traps on the health of lobsters, as well as the effect of long-term confinement on conspecific bait lobster attractiveness, and present the results at national and international conferences

  • Analyze and develop reports regarding past and present boat count data from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to understand the change in boater use patterns

  • Design and establish long-term monitoring projects aimed to better understand the juvenile lobster population through lobster trap surveys and dive surveys at established sites

  • Assist the Restoration Ecology group with Acropora cervicornis restoration, including maintaining corals at the coral nurseries, fragmenting, outplanting, and monitoring coral outplant colonies

  • Develop web material and outreach activities showcasing spiny lobster ecology and the fishery in the Florida Keys

  • Organize and/or participate in many FWC outreach activities, including: Marine Quest (2014, 2015), many local outreach events, including: Ocean Fest, Key West Seafood Festival, Bahia Honda’s Earth Day (2014, 2015), and presentations, including: KML winter science series, Coral Shores marine science class, Ocean Studies Charter School, Key West Public Library

 

Old Dominion University, Long Key, FL and Norfolk, VA                       2011 to 2013

Research Technician

  • Coordinated day-to-day field and laboratory operations at a remote field laboratory

  • Collected and reared P. argus larvae and performed various experiments investigating the transmission and effects of the PaV1 virus on survivorship of young lobsters

  • Collected P. argus postlarvae (pueruli) and early benthic juveniles from collectors to investigate the prevalence of PaV1 in various habitats

  • Conduced experiments pertaining to transmission of PaV1 between infected and uninfected P. argus

  • Managed a sponge restoration and monitoring project in Florida Bay

  • Examined the response of blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, infected with Hematodinium sp. to various chemical cues

 

Thesis Research, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL             2008-2011

Advisor: Richard A. Tankersley

  • Thesis: “The Role of Chemical Cues and Predation in Determining the Post-Settlement Distributions of Larval and Juvenile Horseshoe Crabs, Limulus polyphemus”

  • Used a combination of field and lab assays to determine whether young horseshoe crabs use chemical cues to locate advantageous settlement habitats (experiments: tethering, chemically-mediated rheotaxis, time to metamorphosis, phototaxis, chemical choice chambers, flume experiments

GRANTS

 

Grants Awarded:

 

NOAA

Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program Grant                                                 2017

Matthews, T.R., Renchen, G.F., and C.B. Butler. Evaluation of alternative fishing technology and strategies to increase yield in the Florida spiny lobster fishery. ($72,829)

 

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Coral Reef Conservation Fund                                                                                2017

Matthews, T.R., Renchen, G.F., and C.B. Butler. Reducing coral reef bycatch and mortality in lobster traps. ($78,857)

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Grants Applied For:

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NOAA Marine Debris Program

Marine Debris Prevention Through Education and Outreach                     2019

Ross, E.P., Butler, C.B., Butler, J.B. Recreational stone crab trap loss prevention and education in the Florida Keys. ($101,100)

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NOAA Marine Debris Program

Marine Debris Prevention Through Education and Outreach                     2015

Butler, C.B. Matthews, T.R., and G.F. Renchen. Marine Debris Cinema: A community film festival. ($74,972)

 

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Fishing For Energy                                                                                                    2015

Butler, C.B., Matthews, T.R., and G.F. Renchen. Assessing and reducing the contribution of recreational traps to derelict fishing gear in Florida. ($82,152)

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TEACHING AND OUTREACH EXPERIENCE 

Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA                                      Aug 2012 to May 2013

Adjunct Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

  • Taught Invertebrate Zoology (BIOL 307) lecture and lab courses

  • Taught Marine Biology (BIOL 331) course

  • Sponsor for the undergraduate senior seminar (BIOL 405)

  • Advisor for the ODU Pre-Vet Club

 

Old Dominion University, South Water Caye, Belize            May to June 2012, 2013

Teaching Assistant, Department of Biological Sciences

  • Helped lead a Marine Field Studies Course in Belize (Biol 444), with Dr. Mark J. Butler, IV

  • Assisted with lectures and field work

  • Helped students design and execute independent field projects

  • Coordinated outreach events focused on lobster sociality and disease for the local elementary students for 80 5th-6th graders Hopkins, BZE

 

Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL                     Aug 2010 to May 2011

Integrated Science Teaching Enhancement Partnership (InSTEP)

Project Coordinator

  • Coordinated outreach activities for public events and school groups

  • Led the ‘Lunch with a Scientist’ program for elementary class groups

  • Participated in National GK-12 meetings

  • Operated the SEAS Mobile Laboratory (RV)

  • Organized Florida Tech’s Ocean Science Bowl competitions

 

Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL                     July 2008 to July 2010

Integrated Science Teaching Enhancement Partnership (InSTEP)

Graduate Teaching Fellow

  • Co-taught high school integrated science, biology, and chemistry courses with a marine science theme

  • Designed and implemented educational lessons for classroom and outreach

  • Developed presentation and writing skills, created and executed inquiry lesson plans

  • Coached a National Ocean Science Bowl team, leading discussions and activities

 

Marine Lab, Key Largo, FL                                                            Jan 2006 to Nov 2007

Marine Ecology Instructor

  • Taught school groups marine ecology through PowerPoint lessons and labs, including field excursions involving piloting 25’ vessels to various habitats where I involved the students in discussions about the habitat, led snorkeling and diving excursions, and collected organisms to show the students 

  • Created PowerPoint lectures, updated labs, maintained aquaria, trained instructors

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Newfound Harbor Marine Institute, Big Pine Key, FL            Aug 2004 to Jun 2005

Marine Ecology Instructor

  • Coordinated all activities of school groups arriving at NHMI, including creating program schedules and adapting curriculum to meet their needs

  • Designed and taught many science programs (on boats, in classroom, and outdoors) focusing on the ecosystem and marine communities of the Florida Keys to students age 9-18 and teacher workshop

  • Evaluated interns on their lessons and teaching techniques

 

Seacamp, Big Pine Key, FL                                                           May 2004 to Aug 2005

Daycamp and Residential Science Instructor

  • Taught marine science and skin diving to students age 10-17

  • Assisted other instructors in SCUBA check out dives, as well as Fisheries and Shark Biology programs

  • Facilitated public outreach events throughout the Florida Keys, where we introduced the general public to various marine organisms

 

Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, FL                                                        Aug 2003 to Jan 2004

Marine Ecology Instructor

  • Taught the public about various animals and conservation

  • Worked with zoo keepers to provide meals and enrichment for animals

PUBLICATIONS

 

Gravinese, P.G., Page, H.N., Butler, C.B., Spadaro, A.J., Hewett, C., Considine, M., Lankes, D., Fisher, S. 2020. Ocean acidification disrupts the orientation of postlarval Caribbean spiny lobsters. Sci. Rep. 10:18092 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75021-9

 

Neely, K.L., Butler, C.B. 2020. Seasonal, lunar, and diel patterns in spawning by the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta. Coral Reefs. XX:XX.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-020-02009-2

 

Butler, C.B., Tankersley, R.A. 2020. Smells like home: the use of chemically-mediated rheotaxes by Limulus polyphemus larvae. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol. 525:151323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2020.151323

 

Butler, C.B., Butler, J., and T.R. Matthews. 2018. Starvation reduces attractiveness of live bait lobsters and trap catch in the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery in Florida. Bull. Mar. Sci. 94(3):1171-1184. https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2017.1138

 

Butler, C.B., Gutzler, B.C., and T.R. Matthews. 2018. Sublethal and lethal effects of confinement of Caribbean spiny lobsters, Panulirus argus in ghost traps. Bull. Mar. Sci. 94(3):1153-1169. https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2017.1137

 

Butler, C.B., and T.R. Matthews. 2015. Effects of ghost fishing lobster traps in the Florida Keys. ICES J Mar Sci 72(1):i185-i198, https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsu238

 

Boleman, C.L., Gravinese, P.M., Muse, E.N., Marston, A.E., and J.G. Windsor. 2013. Corals on Acid: An Inquiry-based Activity Leading Students to a Better Understanding of Ocean Acidification Impacts. Oceanography 26(4):164–169, https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2013.87

 

Non-Refereed Articles

 

Matthews, T.R., Renchen, G.R., and C.B. Butler. TBA. Trap debris prevention and awareness in the spiny lobster fishery in Florida. Proc. Gulf Carib. Fish. Inst.

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Manuscripts in Prep


Kronstadt, S., Butler, C.B., and R.A. Tankersley. Effect of chemical and structural cues on the metamorphosis of American horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus larvae. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol.

 

Tankersley, R.A., and C. B. Butler. Habitat use by early life stages of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus larvae and early juveniles in a lagoonal estuary. Bull Mar Sci.

 

Bollinger, M., Butler, C.B., Renchen, G.R., Hutchinson, E.A., and T.R. Matthews. An evaluation of vessel use in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Sanctuary Preservation Areas.

 

Technical Reports

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Matthews, T.R., Cooksey, M., Butler, C.B., Renchen, G.R. 2018. Vessel use in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. https://data.nodc.noaa.gov/coris/library/NOAA/CRCP/NOS/ONMS/Projects/30047/Matthews2018_Florida_Vessel_Use.pdf

PRESENTATIONS

Conference Presentations

 

Butler, C.B., Butler, J., Ross, E. P., and T.R. Matthews. “Unhealthy love baits pose problems for Florida spiny lobster trap harvest”  Western Society of Naturalists Virtual Meeting, November 2020. Oral Presentation.

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Butler, C.B., Butler, J., and T.R. Matthews. “The Hunger Games: starvation affects attractiveness of the live bait lobsters and trap catch in the Florida spiny lobster fishery.” Benthic Ecology Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX, March 2018. Oral Presentation.

 

Butler, C.B., Butler, J., and T.R. Matthews. “A lobster’s guide to skirting the trap fishery: how lobster bait starvation affects trap catch in the Florida spiny lobster fishery.” International Conference and Workshop on Lobster Biology and Management, Portland, ME, June 2017. Oral Presentation.

 

Butler, C.B., Gutzler, B.C., and T.R. Matthews. “Nutritional condition of Caribbean spiny lobsters, Panulirus argus in ghost traps.” International Conference and Workshop on Lobster Biology and Management, Portland, ME, June 2017. Oral Presentation.

 

Matthews, T.R., Renchen G.R., and C.B. Butler. “Trap debris prevention and awareness in the spiny lobster fishery in Florida.” Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute, Grand Cayman, November 2016. T.R. Matthews Oral Presentation.

 

Butler, J., Butler, C.B., Matthews, T.R., and B.C. Gutzler. “Ghosts in the Florida Lobster Fishery: Effects of ghost fishing lobster traps in the Florida Keys. “Florida Keys Lobster Fishermen’s Workshop, Marathon, FL, July 2016. J. Butler Oral Presentation.

 

Butler, C.B., Matthews, T.R., and B.C. Gutzler. “Sublethal effects of confinement on the nutritional condition of spiny lobsters, Panulirus argus.” Benthic Ecology Meeting, Portland, ME, March 2016. Poster.

 

Butler, C.B., Matthews, T.R., and B.C. Gutzler. “Trapped for life: Effects of ghost fishing lobster traps in the Florida spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery.” Benthic Ecology Meeting. Quebec City, Canada, March 2015. Oral Presentation.

 

Butler, C.B., and T.R. Matthews. “Ghost fishing lobster traps and fishing mortality in the Florida Keys.” International Conference and Workshop on Lobster Biology and Management. Cancun, Mexico, May 2014. T.R. Matthews Oral Presentation.

 

Gravinese, P.M., C.L. Boleman, M.E. Buckley, A.E. Marston, and E.N. Muse. “Corals on Acid: Inquiry-Based Ocean Acidification Lesson Plans.” Ocean Sciences Meeting, February 2012. Salt Lake City, NV. Poster.

 

Boleman, C.L. “The role of chemical cues and predation in determining the post-settlement distributions of larval and juvenile horseshoe crabs, Limulus polyphemus.” Thesis seminar, May 2011. Melbourne, FL.

 

Boleman, C.L., and R.A. Tankersley. “Effects of habitat-associated chemical cues on rheotaxis and metamorphosis of horseshoe crab larvae.” Benthic Ecology Meeting. Mobile, AL, March 2011.  Oral Presentation.

 

Boleman, C.L., and P.M. Gravinese. 2010. “pHate of Corals: Ocean Acidification Lessons for the Classroom.” Florida Marine Science Educators Association Conference. Key Largo, FL, May 2010. Oral Presentation.

 

Outreach Presentations

 

Butler, C.B., Matthews, T.R., and B.C. Gutzler. 2015. “Ghosts in the Florida lobster fishery: Effects of ghost fishing lobster traps in the Florida Keys.” Keys Marine Lab winter seminar series. Long Key, FL.

 

Butler, C.B., and G.F. Renchen. 2014. “Lobsters and Marine Debris in the Florida Keys.” Ocean Studies Charter School, Tavernier, FL.

 

Butler, C.B., and G.F. Renchen. 2013. “A lobster's life in the Florida Keys.”  Coral Shores High School, Islamorada, FL.

 

Gravinese, P.M., and C.L. Boleman. 2012. "Lobster science is sick!" Seacamp Science Night. Big Pine Key, FL.

 

Boleman, C.L. 2010. "Horseshoe crabs and their environment." Marine Lab Instructor Training. Key Largo, FL.

 

Boleman, C.L. 2009, 2010. "The amazing Arthropods!" Merritt Island High School. Merritt Island, FL.

 

Boleman, C.L. 2010. "My research on Horseshoe crabs." Bayside High School. Palm Bay, FL.

    

FILM PRODUCTION

 

Films entered into Film Competitions:

 

Producer "Trapping Lions: A Fish Tale" a short video describing the collaborative lionfish trap project between Florida Keys Lobster fishers and FWC. Featured in the GCFI Cinefish 2020 competition. https://vimeo.com/445519618

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Producer “Coral Restoration Just Took a Major Leap!” a short video highlighting the coral restoration efforts and collaborations with Florida Aquarium’s ex-situ spawned corals. Featured in the Association for Conservation Information (ACI) annual awards competition. 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPS7XBH8iNE&feature=youtu.be&list=PLiUqGVEXczKbmyyiPQYY_UfxwaXpeu9lJ

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Producer "Protecting Special Places: Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations". A short film describing collaborative research efforts to understand fish spawning aggregations in the Dry Tortugas. Featured in the GCFI Cinefish 2019 competition. https://vimeo.com/306727537 

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Co-producer “A Little Ditty ‘Bout Florida Bay,” a music video describing sponge restoration efforts in Florida Bay. https://vimeo.com/86668997.  Featured in the 2014 Beneath the Waves Film Festival.

 

Producer “Ghosts in the Florida Lobster Fishery,” a film showcasing the issue of ghost fishing by derelict spiny lobster traps in the Florida Keys. Featured in the 2015 Beneath the Waves Film Festival.

 

Other outreach films produced:

Producer “A success story for Dry Tortugas National Park,” a video describing the success of the Research Natural Area marine protected area for fisheries management within the Dry Tortugas National Park. 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbCchmZn78Y

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Producer “Spiny lobster life cycle,” a video that describes the various stages of development and the habitats important for the survival of young lobsters. 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCSOb6MkQM0&t=11s

 

Producer “Lobster Mini Season,” a video that introduces the two-day recreational lobster season and some tips to keep people legal and safe. 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuwXRrTmiec

 

Producer “Spiny lobster molting,” is a video of a lobster caught in the act of molting. 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DklrhozWQK0

 

Producer “Barrel sponge spawning,” a video that captures the mass spawning of Xestospongia muta in the Florida Keys. 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zWrSmpkV_I

SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS

 

Computer Applications:

  • Microsoft Office

  • Adobe Suite

  • CorelDraw

  • ArcGIS

  • Video editing software: iMovie, Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects

 

Statistical Analysis Software:

  • SPSS

  • R

  • SigmaPlot

 

Certifications: 

American Academy of Underwater Scientists, Scientific Diver        2010-present

  • More than 300 scientific dives

  • PADI Divemaster since 2006 (open water since 2001)

  • Nitrox, O2 administration, CPR, First Aid

  • FWC FWRI Trailer Operator

 

Licenses: 

  • U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) Captain’s License

  • Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC)

  • Florida Driver’s License

 

Other skills and experience:

  • Coral, sponge, seagrass, and mangrove restoration techniques

  • Establishment and maintenance of flow-through and recirculating marine systems

  • Collection and rearing of larval and juvenile crabs and lobsters

  • Various collection and tagging techniques

  • Maintenance of marine engines and boat trailers

  • Experience with power tools for building and repairing equipment, fiberglass repair

 

Training:

Statistical Methods Using R – Univariate and Multivariate

One day course, presented by Dr. P. Petraitis, Benthic Ecology Meeting, March 2018

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Video Storytelling Bootcamp

Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE), January 2015

 

Working with the Media Workshop

Florida Fish and Wildlife, July 2014

FELLOWSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND AWARDS

Excellence in Outreach                                                                                             2015

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

 

National Science Foundation                                                  2008-2009, 2009-2010

GK-12 Graduate Teaching Fellowship

Integrated Science Teaching Enhancement Partnership (InSTEP)

($30,000 plus tuition stipend)

 

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship                                                                      1998

 

Florida Gold Seal Award                                                                                          1998

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

41st Benthic Ecology Meeting                                                      Oct 2011 – Mar 2012

Administrative Assistant

  • Organized registration, oral and poster presentation selection and scheduling

  • Established a team of volunteers for the 4-day meeting

  • Created a dining and discount guide to downtown Norfolk

  • Planned the banquet party for 500 scientists

 

Peer-Reviewed Articles/Grants for Bulletin of Marine Science, NOAA

 

2010 - present

2010 - present

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