Dr Robert Bonde is a Research Biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and holds an adjunct faculty position with the graduate school of the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. Bob has been studying manatees for 38 years and specializes in their natural history, biology, genetics, and conservation. He has served on graduate committees for 29 students focusing on topics related to genetics, endocrinology, osteology, virology, behaviour, physiology, contaminants, health monitoring, blood chemistry, and behaviour. In his position he has over 90 academic publications and has written a book along with Dr Roger Reep entitled The Florida Manatee: Biology and Conservation.