Kris Winiarski

Department of Environmental Conservation

Marine birds and ecosystem-based marine spatial planning

Kris received his BS in wildlife biology and a MSc in environmental science from the University of Rhode Island. From 2009-2013 Kris worked on a marine spatial planning exercise (RI Ocean Special Area Management Plan) that was initiated in response to proposed offshore wind energy development. Kris led a research team which conducted aerial and ship-based marine bird surveys, developed predictive models of marine bird distribution and abundance based on those survey data and communicated research findings to stakeholders and policy makers. Kris enjoys spearfishing, bird hunting with his dog Blue and hiking with his wife Sarah.