Jaime Jahncke
Background:
I serve as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology and a Principal Investigator at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center at San Francisco State University, where I mentor graduate students, develop collaborative research initiatives, and contribute to advancing marine science education.
In addition, I direct the California Current Group at Point Blue Conservation Science, leading applied research, policy engagement, and partnerships to accelerate climate-smart ocean conservation. I oversee a team of 17 staff and coordinate research activities involving 20–25 seasonal volunteers and 6–10 graduate students annually. Through collaboration with agencies, academia, and NGOs, I help translate scientific insights into actionable solutions that protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
My work emphasizes a Connected Conservation approach—integrating applied science, community engagement, and policy—to enhance ocean resilience, support sustainable fisheries, and safeguard marine wildlife from climate-driven threats. I leverage long-term datasets from the Farallon Islands and the Applied California Current Ecosystem Studies (ACCESS) program to inform adaptive management, ocean zoning, and fisheries policies.
With over three decades of experience, I have led marine ecological research from Peru to Antarctica, Alaska, and California, focusing on seabird foraging ecology, whale habitat modeling, and climate change impacts on marine food webs. I earned my BS in Biology from Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina and my PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine.
Born and raised in Peru, I carry a lifelong passion for the ocean and a strong commitment to fostering equity in marine conservation. My work bridges science and policy to ensure long-term stewardship of the California Current and beyond.
When I’m not working from my home office in Santa Rosa, CA, or our headquarters in Petaluma, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband, son, and dog—preferably by the ocean, though I’m just as happy by a river or lake, soaking in the natural world that fuels my passion for conservation.
Selected Publications from past EOS Students
Anderson, R., E. Hines, P. Mazzini, M. Elliott, J.L. Largier, J. Jahncke. 2022. Spatial Patterns in Aragonite Saturation Horizon over the Northern California Shelf. Regional Studies in Marine Science 52:102286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2022.102286
Ingman, K., E. Hines, P.L.F. Mazzini, R.C. Rockwood, N. Nur, J. Jahncke. 2021. Modeling changes in baleen whale seasonal abundance, timing of migration, and environmental variables to explain the sudden rise in entanglements in California. PLoS ONE 16:e0248557. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248557
Studwell, A., E. Hines, N. Nur, J. Jahncke. 2021. Using habitat risk assessment to assess disturbance from maritime activities to inform seabird conservation in a coastal marine ecosystem. Ocean & Coastal Management 199:105431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2020.105431
Studwell A., E. Hines, M. Elliott, J. Howar, B. Holzman, N. Nur, J. Jahncke. 2017. Modeling Pelagic Seabird Foraging Distributions to Inform Ocean Zoning in Central California. PLoS ONE 12:e0169517. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0169517
Dransfield, A., E. Hines, M. Elliott, J. Howar, N. Nur, J. Jahncke. 2014. Where the whales are: using habitat modeling to support changes in shipping regulations within National Marine Sanctuaries in Central California. Endangered Species Research 26:39-57. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00627
McGowan, J., E. Hines, M. Elliott, J. Howar, N. Nur, J. Jahncke. 2013. Using habitat modeling to inform ocean zoning within Central California’s National Marine Sanctuaries. PLoS ONE 8:e71406. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0071406