Heather Spence

Marine Biologist, Musician, Composer

Dr. Heather Spence is a marine biologist, musician, composer, and pioneer in acoustic monitoring. Her unique blending of science and music has led her to be featured on National Geographic, funded by the National Academy of Sciences, and chosen as a TEDx editor’s pick. Heather combines her expertise in marine biology, behavioral neuroscience, and sound to explore the power of listening.

More about Heather
Heather Spence Credit Click & Pledge
As seen On:
  • craft in america heather spence centered
  • wild heather spence
  • studio heather spence centered
music
research
community
“What do we want our future to sound like
and how do we get there?”

Mission:

to orchestrate creative solutions for ecologic and economic sustainability through sound transdisciplinary coastal marine investigation and dynamic educational outreach

Focus Areas:

Research Subjects – Interspecies interaction; Sound, music, vibration, communication; Ecosystem dynamics and human influence; Acoustically conspicuous species; Invasive species; Recruitment and connectivity; Ocean Memory

Research Locations – Seashore and shallow waters; Coral reefs; Coastal sites with maximum human interface including tourism; Marine Protected Areas

Research Methods – Field surveys, monitoring; Soundscape assessments; Developing new Marine Passive Acoustic Monitoring Networks; Linkages of biological and physical factors; Citizen Science; Integration of Sciences and Arts

Outreach Objectives – Collaborative community engagement; Respect among government, commercial interests, scientists and environmentalists, to develop mutually beneficial strategies; Effective policymakers and environmental stewards; Ocean and Soundscape literacy; Valued existing capacity; Engagement of multiple senses; Inspiration

“The investigation of truth is in one way hard and in another way easy. An indication of this is found in the fact that no one is able to attain the truth entirely, while on the other hand no one fails entirely, but everyone says something true about the nature of things, and by the union of all a considerable amount is amassed.”
-Aristotle

Latest from the Blog

Events in May/June 2026

Events in May/June 2026

May 2026 Series of coral reef and music events in Cancun, Mexico June 5, 2026 10am-noon “Expert is In” Acoustic Ecology drop-in program at U.S. Botanic Garden, Washington DC June 7, 2026 ~10am Guest appearance on cello at MoCA event in MetPark, Arlington Virginia June 8, 2026 World Ocean Day! Virtual and live events July…

Just as the order of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
helps us prioritize our actions,
remember to
RESPECT, RESTORE, REPLACE!

For inquiries related to media interviews, consulting, science talking head, show host, performing artist, visiting scientist, or keynote speaker, please send an email outlining the request to info (at) heatherspence.net

Looking for info on upcoming concerts, workshops or speaking engagements?

Events Page

Looking for interviews with and articles about Heather?

Press Page

Main image: © Click and Pledge