My research projects are inspired by an interest in how animals respond physiologically and behaviorally to changes in environmental conditions.  I have been involved in a wide variety of studies, ranging from diving physiology to chemical ecology, but am particularly interested in the thermal biology of sea turtles.  Sea turtles may experience a wide range of temperatures seasonally, during long-distance oceanic migrations, and even during individual dives.  I use a combination of laboratory and field techniques to study the effects of temperature on metabolic biochemistry, cardio-respiratory physiology, movements, and diving behavior of sea turtles.  In my studies, I strive to integrate data collected from different levels of biological organization to better understand the organismal response to temperature change.  For example, biochemical analyses of temperature effects on metabolic enzyme activity may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying seasonal changes in field metabolic rates and diving patterns. 

I also have a strong interest in applying knowledge gained from objective scientific research to further the cause of marine conservation and foster responsible stewardship of the oceans, especially with regards to fisheries bycatch issues.  I have participated in collaborative efforts to identify gear and bait modifications to reduce the incidental take of sea turtle and shark species in longline fisheries.  Future research efforts will be directed towards determining the physiological and behavioral consequences for sea turtles captured in coastal fishing operations, with the ultimate goal of refining mortality estimates used in current fisheries management practice.  Click here to view my lab poster (pdf).

Southwood, A.L., Reina, R.D., Jones, V.S., Speakman, J.R., and Jones, D.R.  2006.  Seasonal metabolism of juvenile green turtles at Heron Island, Australia.  Can. J. Zool. 84 (3): 125-135.

Southwood, A.L., Andrews, R.D., Paladino, F.V., and Jones, D.R.  2005.  Effects of diving and swimming behaviour on body temperatures of leatherback sea turtles in tropical seas.  Physiol. Biochem. Zool. 78(2): 285-297.

Jones, D.R., Southwood, A.L., Andrews, R.D.  2004.  Energetics of Leatherback Sea Turtles.  In Experimental Approaches to Conservation Biology.  Gordon, M.S. and S. M. Bartol (eds).  Berkeley.  University of California Press, Ltd. pp 66-82.

Southwood, A.L., Darveau, C.A., Jones, D.R.  2003.  Metabolic and cardiovascular adjustments of juvenile green turtles to seasonal changes in temperature and photoperiod.  J. Exp. Biol. 206: 4521-4531.

Southwood, A.L., Reina, R.D., Jones, V.S., and Jones, D.R.  2003.  Seasonal diving patterns and body temperatures of juvenile green turtles at Heron Island, Australia.  Can. J. Zool. 81(6): 1014-1024.

Southwood, A.L., Andrews, R.D., Lutcavage, M.E., Paladino, F.V., West, N.H., George, R. H., and Jones, D.R.  1999.  Heart rates and diving behaviour of leatherback sea turtles in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.  J. Exp. Biol. 202:1115-1125.