Michael O'Neill
Michael O’Neill is the Giant Ocean Tank Supervisor at the New England Aquarium and recent graduate of UMass Boston’s School for the Environment with a Master’s degree in Marine Science & Technology. His thesis entitled Characterizing the Relationship Between Species Richness and the Seasonal Phenomenon of Tropical Fish Dispersal in New England, focused on both historical reports of the GSO phenomenon and the distribution of GSOs within Pleasant Bay, Orleans. This work was completed in partnership with the Center for Coastal Studies and supported by the New England Aquarium and the Friends of Pleasant Bay.
Mike grew up in the Boston area and became fascinated with the occurrence of Gulf Stream Orphans while diving in the New England. This website launched in 2016 to help improve our understanding of the phenomenon, teach us more about our coastal ecosystems, and promote environmental conservation efforts by coastal communities. Getting out in the water and finding these amazing fishes makes for some of the best diving in New England and who doesn’t love an underwater treasure hunt!