Melanie Lancaster PhD

Melanie Lancaster is Senior Specialist, Arctic species, for WWF’s Arctic Programme and a member of the leadership team of the Protecting Whales & Dolphins Initiative.

Melanie is a conservation biologist and since attaining her PhD, she has worked for a decade and a half on research and management of the multitude of threats facing wildlife and habitats. Her work has taken her to the ends of the earth - from the Antarctic to the Arctic. 

Melanie works with WWF offices around the Arctic to implement conservation of Arctic species, including polar bears, walrus, beluga and bowhead whales, narwhals and caribou/reindeer. She is particularly engaged in ensuring these species have the conditions they need to adapt to rapid changes taking place in the Arctic. This includes protecting and connecting their important habitats and safeguarding them from impacts of increased industrial activity such as shipping and associated underwater noise.