TJ Morrell

My name is T.J. Morrell and I am one of the four authors of Wild Miami. This South Florida species and nature guide is my attempt at combining my knowledge, education, and expertise of environmental science into a resource that I believe people will love and enjoy. Having the opportunity to work with Shannon, Brian, and Fernando on this project was an unforgettable experience and I truly hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as we all enjoyed writing it.

Originally from Brigantine, NJ, I eventually moved to the warmer Florida climate where I received my bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Florida and my master’s degree in marine and environmental science from Nova Southeastern University. From interning in South Africa with great white sharks, to working at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with fish larvae, migratory species, and commercial fisheries, to even restoring beaches through the removal of invasive vegetation and marine debris, my varied and numerous experiences have paved the way to where I am today and allowed me the unique perspective to provide you as the audience a book you would want to read.

Currently, I work for The Billfish Foundation, focusing on billfish conservation and proper fisheries management of highly migratory species. I am also the co-founder and co-director of a Miami-based nonprofit organization, MORAES, that focuses on research and advocacy of environmental sciences. Whether it's ocean or land-based, my interests revolve around conservation, research, and sustainability and I have dedicated both my personal and professional time to protecting our incredibly important natural resources, but to also bringing together our community to better experience it for themselves.