ABOUT CMC

Dr. Shannon Gore, principal consultant for Coastal Management Consulting (CMC), is originally from the United States but has lived in the Caribbean since January 2000. She first worked in the Turks & Caicos at a marine field station and later moved to the British Virgin Islands in June 2001.
Prior to starting CMC, Dr. Gore worked over ten years for the Conservation & Fisheries Department, Government of the British Virgin Islands as a marine biologist. Her scope of work with the Government included the development of numerous protocols and the implementation of monitoring marine habitats and wildlife. Participation in internationally funded projects such as the Darwin Initiative and several UK Overseas Territories’ Environment Programmes has strengthened her experience in project development and strategic planning, use of geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping, and facilitating community participation. Additionally, a full understanding of local, regional and international legal mechanisms (legislation, regulation, policies, conventions and multi-lateral agreements) was gained. Extensive experience also comes from working on Government’s various technical review groups for numerous impact assessments and large scale developments (over $10mil) that have either been proposed or completed since 2002.
While working for the Government, Dr. Gore managed to complete both an MSc (with distinction) in coastal zone management and a PhD in coastal geomorphology and management, both of which focused specifically on the sustainability of the BVI’s coastal zone resources. Along with these degrees, several peer-reviewed scientific journal articles have been published internationally as well as three local publications freely distributed throughout the Territory: the ‘Marine Awareness Guide’ first and second editions and most recently, ‘Best Management Practices: A guide to reducing erosion in the British Virgin Islands’.
Prior to starting CMC, Dr. Gore worked over ten years for the Conservation & Fisheries Department, Government of the British Virgin Islands as a marine biologist. Her scope of work with the Government included the development of numerous protocols and the implementation of monitoring marine habitats and wildlife. Participation in internationally funded projects such as the Darwin Initiative and several UK Overseas Territories’ Environment Programmes has strengthened her experience in project development and strategic planning, use of geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping, and facilitating community participation. Additionally, a full understanding of local, regional and international legal mechanisms (legislation, regulation, policies, conventions and multi-lateral agreements) was gained. Extensive experience also comes from working on Government’s various technical review groups for numerous impact assessments and large scale developments (over $10mil) that have either been proposed or completed since 2002.
While working for the Government, Dr. Gore managed to complete both an MSc (with distinction) in coastal zone management and a PhD in coastal geomorphology and management, both of which focused specifically on the sustainability of the BVI’s coastal zone resources. Along with these degrees, several peer-reviewed scientific journal articles have been published internationally as well as three local publications freely distributed throughout the Territory: the ‘Marine Awareness Guide’ first and second editions and most recently, ‘Best Management Practices: A guide to reducing erosion in the British Virgin Islands’.
EDUCATION
Ph. D. Beach Geomorphology & Management 2012
University of Ulster, Coleraine, N. Ireland
Thesis: “Beach geomorphology and management in the British Virgin Islands”
M.Sc. Coastal Management / With Distinction 2004
University of Ulster, Coleraine, N. Ireland
Dissertation: “Framework development for beach management in the British Virgin Islands”
B. Sc. Environmental Sciences 1998
Northwestern University, Evanston IL
Areas of Concentration: Earth & biological sciences, marine sciences, environmental engineering
Minor: Business
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
Gore S, Cooper A, Jackson D, Jarecki L, (2019). Spatial variability in beach biogeomorphology in a tropical archipelago. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4604.
Gore S, Wynne S, Myers A, (2019). UK Overseas Territories in The Northeast Caribbean: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat. In: Sheppard CRC, (Ed). World Seas: An Environmental Evaluation, Volume I: Europe, The Americas and West Africa, Second Edition.
Bjorndal KA, Chaloupka MY, Saba VS, et al., (2016). Somatic growth dynamics of West Atlantic hawksbill sea turtles: a spatio-temporal perspective. Ecosphere 7:1–14.
Hawkes, LA, McGowan A, Broderick AC, Gore S, Wheatley D, White J, Witt MJ, Godley BJ, (2014). High rates of growth recorded for hawksbill sea turtles in Anegada, British Virgin Islands. Ecology and Evolution, 4(8). Pp 1255-1266.
Gore S, (2013). Introduction to reefs and shorelines of the British Virgin Islands. In: Sheppard CRC, (Ed). Coral Reefs of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories, Springer, Netherlands, pp 23-35.
Woodfield-Pascoe N, Smith Abbott J, Gore S, (2013). Marine protected areas and management in the British Virgin Islands. In: Sheppard CRC, (Ed). Coral Reefs of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories, Springer, Netherlands, pp 37-46.
Gore S, (2013). Anegada: An emergent Pleistocene reef island. In: Sheppard, CRC, (Ed). Coral Reefs of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories, Springer, Netherlands, pp 47-60.
Cooper JAG, Jackson DWT, Gore S, (2013). Groundswell event on the coast of the British Virgin Islands: spatial variability in morphological impact. Journal of Coastal Research SI 65. pp 696-701.
Hawkes LA, McGowan A, Godley BJ, Gore S, Lange A, Tyler CR, Wheatley D, White J, Witt MJ, Broderick AC, (2013). Estimating sex ratios in Caribbean hawksbill turtles: testosterone levels and climate change. Aquatic Biology: 18. pp 9-19.
Richardson PB, Broderick AC, Coyne MS, Gore S, Gumbs JC, Pickering A, Ranger S, Witt MJ, Godley BJ, (2013). Leatherback turtle conservation in the Caribbean UK overseas territories: Act local, think global? Marine Policy, 38. pp 483-490.
Foster NL, Paris CB, Kool JT, Baums JB, Stevens JR, Sanchez JA, Bastidas C, Agudelo C, Bush P, Day O, Ferrari R, Gonzalez R, Gore S, Guppy R, McCartney MA, McCoy C, Mendes J, Srinivasan A, Steiner S, Vermeij MJA, Weil E, Mumby PJ, (2012). Connectivity of Caribbean coral populations: complementary insights from empirical and modelled gene flow. Molecular Ecology, 21. pp 1143–1157.
Eakin CM, Morgan JA, Heron SF, Smith TB, Liu G, Alvarez-Filip L, Baca B, Bartels E, Bastidas C, Bouchon C, Brandt M, Bruckner AW, Bunkley-Williams L, Cameron A, Causey BD, Chiappone M, Christensen TRL, Crabbe MJC, Day O, de la Guardia E, Díaz-Pulido G, DiResta D, Gil-Agudelo DL, Gilliam DS, Ginsburg RN, Gore S, Guzmán HM, Hendee JC, Hernández-Delgado EA, Husain E, Jeffrey CFG, Jones RJ, Jordán-Dahlgren E, Kaufman LS, Kline DI, Kramer PA, Lang JC, Lirman D, Mallela J, Manfrino C, Maréchal J, Marks K, Mihaly J, Miller WJ, Mueller EM, Muller EM, Orozco Toro CA, Oxenford HA, Ponce-Taylor D, Quinn N, Ritchie KB, Rodríguez S, Rodríguez Ramírez A, Romano S, Samhouri JF, Sánchez JA, Schmahl JP, Shank BV, Skirving WJ, Steiner SCC, Villamizar E, Walsh SM, Walter C, Weil E, Williams EH, Roberson KW, Yusuf Y, (2010). Caribbean Corals in Crisis: Record Thermal Stress, Bleaching, and Mortality in 2005. PLoS ONE, 2010; 5 (11): e13969.
Witt MJ, McGowan A, Blumenthal JM, Broderick AC, Gore S, Wheatley D, White J, Godley BJ, (2010). Inferring vertical and horizontal movements of juvenile marine turtles from time-depth recorders. Aquatic Biology Vol. 8. pp 169-177.
Campbell L, Silver J, Gray N, Ranger S, Broderick A, Fisher T, Godfrey M, Gore S, Jeffers J, Martin C, (2009). Co-management of sea turtle fisheries: Biogeography versus geopolitics. Marine Policy. 33(1). pp 137-145
McGowan A, Broderick AC, Frett G, Gore S, Hastings M, Pickering A, Wheatley D, White J, Witt MJ, Godley BJ, (2008). Down but not out: marine turtles of the British Virgin Islands. Animal Conservation. 11(2). pp 92-103.
Gore S, (2007). Framework development for beach management in the British Virgin Islands. Ocean & Coastal Management. 50(9). pp 732-753.
Witt MJ, McGowan A, Blumenthal JM, Broderick AC, Gore S, Wheatley D, White J, Godley BJ, (2007). Walking around the reef: inferring horizontal and vertical movements from time-depth (Chapter IV). PhD Thesis: The spatial ecology of marine turtles. University of Exeter. 133p.
McGowan A, Broderick A, Gore S, Hilton G, Woodfield NK, (2006). Breeding seabirds in the British Virgin Islands. Endangered Species Research. 2. pp 15-20.
McGowan A, Broderick AC, Clubbe C, Gore S, Godley BJ, Hamilton M, Lettsome B, Smith-Abbott J, Woodfield NK, (2006). Darwin Initiative Action Plan for the Coastal Biodiversity of Anegada, British Virgin Islands. 13p. Available online at: http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/projects/anegada/
Gore S, Llewellyn A, (2005). Distribution and Abundance of Strombus gigas in the British Virgin Islands. Proceedings of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute. 56. pp 697-704.
Bos, AR, Clark S, Gore S, (2003). Preliminary observations on habitat use of juvenile Caribbean spiny lobster (Panularis argus) in South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands. Proceedings of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 54. pp 230-240.
Rudd MA, Danylchuk AJ, Gore SA, Tupper MH, (2001). Are marine protected areas in the Turks and Caicos Islands ecologically or economically valuable? In: Proceedings of the International Conference on the Economics of Marine Protected Areas. Fisheries Centre Research Reports 9(8). pp 198-211.
BOOKS
MAGAZINE ARTICLES
PRESENTATIONS & POSTERS
Ph. D. Beach Geomorphology & Management 2012
University of Ulster, Coleraine, N. Ireland
Thesis: “Beach geomorphology and management in the British Virgin Islands”
M.Sc. Coastal Management / With Distinction 2004
University of Ulster, Coleraine, N. Ireland
Dissertation: “Framework development for beach management in the British Virgin Islands”
B. Sc. Environmental Sciences 1998
Northwestern University, Evanston IL
Areas of Concentration: Earth & biological sciences, marine sciences, environmental engineering
Minor: Business
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
Gore S, Cooper A, Jackson D, Jarecki L, (2019). Spatial variability in beach biogeomorphology in a tropical archipelago. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4604.
Gore S, Wynne S, Myers A, (2019). UK Overseas Territories in The Northeast Caribbean: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat. In: Sheppard CRC, (Ed). World Seas: An Environmental Evaluation, Volume I: Europe, The Americas and West Africa, Second Edition.
Bjorndal KA, Chaloupka MY, Saba VS, et al., (2016). Somatic growth dynamics of West Atlantic hawksbill sea turtles: a spatio-temporal perspective. Ecosphere 7:1–14.
Hawkes, LA, McGowan A, Broderick AC, Gore S, Wheatley D, White J, Witt MJ, Godley BJ, (2014). High rates of growth recorded for hawksbill sea turtles in Anegada, British Virgin Islands. Ecology and Evolution, 4(8). Pp 1255-1266.
Gore S, (2013). Introduction to reefs and shorelines of the British Virgin Islands. In: Sheppard CRC, (Ed). Coral Reefs of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories, Springer, Netherlands, pp 23-35.
Woodfield-Pascoe N, Smith Abbott J, Gore S, (2013). Marine protected areas and management in the British Virgin Islands. In: Sheppard CRC, (Ed). Coral Reefs of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories, Springer, Netherlands, pp 37-46.
Gore S, (2013). Anegada: An emergent Pleistocene reef island. In: Sheppard, CRC, (Ed). Coral Reefs of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories, Springer, Netherlands, pp 47-60.
Cooper JAG, Jackson DWT, Gore S, (2013). Groundswell event on the coast of the British Virgin Islands: spatial variability in morphological impact. Journal of Coastal Research SI 65. pp 696-701.
Hawkes LA, McGowan A, Godley BJ, Gore S, Lange A, Tyler CR, Wheatley D, White J, Witt MJ, Broderick AC, (2013). Estimating sex ratios in Caribbean hawksbill turtles: testosterone levels and climate change. Aquatic Biology: 18. pp 9-19.
Richardson PB, Broderick AC, Coyne MS, Gore S, Gumbs JC, Pickering A, Ranger S, Witt MJ, Godley BJ, (2013). Leatherback turtle conservation in the Caribbean UK overseas territories: Act local, think global? Marine Policy, 38. pp 483-490.
Foster NL, Paris CB, Kool JT, Baums JB, Stevens JR, Sanchez JA, Bastidas C, Agudelo C, Bush P, Day O, Ferrari R, Gonzalez R, Gore S, Guppy R, McCartney MA, McCoy C, Mendes J, Srinivasan A, Steiner S, Vermeij MJA, Weil E, Mumby PJ, (2012). Connectivity of Caribbean coral populations: complementary insights from empirical and modelled gene flow. Molecular Ecology, 21. pp 1143–1157.
Eakin CM, Morgan JA, Heron SF, Smith TB, Liu G, Alvarez-Filip L, Baca B, Bartels E, Bastidas C, Bouchon C, Brandt M, Bruckner AW, Bunkley-Williams L, Cameron A, Causey BD, Chiappone M, Christensen TRL, Crabbe MJC, Day O, de la Guardia E, Díaz-Pulido G, DiResta D, Gil-Agudelo DL, Gilliam DS, Ginsburg RN, Gore S, Guzmán HM, Hendee JC, Hernández-Delgado EA, Husain E, Jeffrey CFG, Jones RJ, Jordán-Dahlgren E, Kaufman LS, Kline DI, Kramer PA, Lang JC, Lirman D, Mallela J, Manfrino C, Maréchal J, Marks K, Mihaly J, Miller WJ, Mueller EM, Muller EM, Orozco Toro CA, Oxenford HA, Ponce-Taylor D, Quinn N, Ritchie KB, Rodríguez S, Rodríguez Ramírez A, Romano S, Samhouri JF, Sánchez JA, Schmahl JP, Shank BV, Skirving WJ, Steiner SCC, Villamizar E, Walsh SM, Walter C, Weil E, Williams EH, Roberson KW, Yusuf Y, (2010). Caribbean Corals in Crisis: Record Thermal Stress, Bleaching, and Mortality in 2005. PLoS ONE, 2010; 5 (11): e13969.
Witt MJ, McGowan A, Blumenthal JM, Broderick AC, Gore S, Wheatley D, White J, Godley BJ, (2010). Inferring vertical and horizontal movements of juvenile marine turtles from time-depth recorders. Aquatic Biology Vol. 8. pp 169-177.
Campbell L, Silver J, Gray N, Ranger S, Broderick A, Fisher T, Godfrey M, Gore S, Jeffers J, Martin C, (2009). Co-management of sea turtle fisheries: Biogeography versus geopolitics. Marine Policy. 33(1). pp 137-145
McGowan A, Broderick AC, Frett G, Gore S, Hastings M, Pickering A, Wheatley D, White J, Witt MJ, Godley BJ, (2008). Down but not out: marine turtles of the British Virgin Islands. Animal Conservation. 11(2). pp 92-103.
Gore S, (2007). Framework development for beach management in the British Virgin Islands. Ocean & Coastal Management. 50(9). pp 732-753.
Witt MJ, McGowan A, Blumenthal JM, Broderick AC, Gore S, Wheatley D, White J, Godley BJ, (2007). Walking around the reef: inferring horizontal and vertical movements from time-depth (Chapter IV). PhD Thesis: The spatial ecology of marine turtles. University of Exeter. 133p.
McGowan A, Broderick A, Gore S, Hilton G, Woodfield NK, (2006). Breeding seabirds in the British Virgin Islands. Endangered Species Research. 2. pp 15-20.
McGowan A, Broderick AC, Clubbe C, Gore S, Godley BJ, Hamilton M, Lettsome B, Smith-Abbott J, Woodfield NK, (2006). Darwin Initiative Action Plan for the Coastal Biodiversity of Anegada, British Virgin Islands. 13p. Available online at: http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/projects/anegada/
Gore S, Llewellyn A, (2005). Distribution and Abundance of Strombus gigas in the British Virgin Islands. Proceedings of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute. 56. pp 697-704.
Bos, AR, Clark S, Gore S, (2003). Preliminary observations on habitat use of juvenile Caribbean spiny lobster (Panularis argus) in South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands. Proceedings of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 54. pp 230-240.
Rudd MA, Danylchuk AJ, Gore SA, Tupper MH, (2001). Are marine protected areas in the Turks and Caicos Islands ecologically or economically valuable? In: Proceedings of the International Conference on the Economics of Marine Protected Areas. Fisheries Centre Research Reports 9(8). pp 198-211.
BOOKS
- Gore S, Lioniak L, et al., (2013). Best Management Practices: A guide for reducing island erosion in the British Virgin Islands. aLookingGlass, Road Town, Tortola BVI. 151pp.
- Gore S, et al., (2010). Marine Awareness Guide, 2nd Edition. Road Town, Tortola: A Looking Glass Ltd. 71pp.
- Gore S, et al., (2008). Marine Awareness: A BVI Guide 1st Edition. Road Town Tortola: A Looking Glass Ltd. 55pp.
MAGAZINE ARTICLES
- Gore S, “On the lookout for whales.” BVI Property Guide Feb. 2013; pg 9.
- Gore S, “Smart Development.” BVI Property Guide, November, 2012; pg 44.
- Gore S, “Staying Afloat.” BVI Property Guide, May, 2012; pg 36.
- Gore S, “Sands of Time.” BVI Property Guide, April, 2012; pg 29.
- Gore S, “Is a beach just a beach?” BVI Property Guide, March, 2012; pg 30
- Gore S, “Tracking the Independent turtle.” BVI Property Guide, July, 2009: pg 11.
- Gore S, “International Year of the Reef in Review.” BVI Property Guide, December, 2008: pg 15
- Gore S, “Coral on Acid.” BVI Property Guide, November, 2008: pg 17
- Gore S, “Corals Under the Weather” BVI Property Guide, October, 2008: pg 10
- Gore S “Raiders of the Reef.” BVI Property Guide September, 2008: pg 10
- Gore S, “Sex on the Reef.” BVI Property Guide, August, 2008: pg 10
- Gore S, “Shedding Light on the Reef.” BVI Property Guide, July, 2008: pg 12
- Gore S, “Reef Architecture.” BVI Property Guide, June, 2008: pg 14
- Gore S, “Cold Corals.” BVI Property Guide, May, 2008: pg 14
- Gore, S, “Ancient Reefs.” BVI Property Guide, April, 2008: pg 11
- Gore S, “Remedies from the Reef.” BVI Property Guide, March, 2008: pg 11
PRESENTATIONS & POSTERS
- Foster N (speaker), Paris C, Baums I, Vermeij M, Gore S, Bush P, McCoy C, Steiner S, Mendes J, Weil E, Bastidas C, Sanchez J, Agudelo C, Ferrari R, Gonzalez P, McCartney M, Guppy R, Day O, Stevens J, Mumby P, “Connectivity and Gene Flow in the Dominant Caribbean Reef-Building Coral, Montastraea Annularis”. Paper presented at: 11th International Coral Reef Symposium; 7-11 July 2008, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Gore S, Cooper JAG, “Classifying Coralline Rubble Beaches in the British Virgin Islands”. Poster presented at: 11th International Coral Reef Symposium; 7-11 July 2008, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Petrovic C, Gore, S “Status of Coral Reefs in the British Virgin Islands”. Poster presented at: 11th International Coral Reef Symposium; 7-11 July 2008, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Gore, S, “Beach Variability and form in the British Virgin Islands”. Poster presented at: UK Sea Level IGCP/INQUA Conference; 22-25 June 2008, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
- Gore S, Pickering A, Frett G, Lettsome B. “Marine turtle culture in the British Virgin Islands”. Poster presented at: International Sea Turtle Symposium; 3-8 April 2006; Aghia Pelaghia, Crete, Greece.
- Formia A, Broderick A, Bruford M, Ciofi C., Clerveaux W, Gore, S, Gumbs J, Jeffers J, McGowan A, Pickering A, Ranger S, Richardson P, Wheatley D, White J and Godley B. “Green turtle and hawksbill genetic analysis in three feeding grounds in the UK overseas territories in the Caribbean: preliminary results and conservation implications”. Poster presented at: International Sea Turtle Symposium; 3-8 April 2006; Aghia Pelaghia, Crete, Greece.
- Campbell, LM, Broderick A, Godley B, Ranger S, Richardson, P, Hodge KVD, Sasso C, Gore S, McGowan A, Jeffers J, Martin C, Fisher T, Thomas A, Silver J “Co-Management Potential For Marine Turtle Fisheries In Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, And Turks And Caicos Islands”. Paper presented at: International Sea Turtle Symposium; 3-8 April 2006; Aghia Pelaghia, Crete, Greece.
- Lang J (speaker), Ginsburg R, Marks K, Oxenford H, Maréchal J, Gore S. “The simplified BLAGRRA Protocol for rapid response to bleaching events, outbreaks of disease and other disasters”. Paper presented at: ITMENS Conference; October 2006; Cancun, Mexico.
- Gore S, Llewellyn A. “Distribution and Abundance of Strombus gigas in the British Virgin Islands”. Poster presented at: Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute; 10-14 November 2003, Road Town, British Virgin Islands.
- Marine Protected Areas Enforcement Conference, San Francisco, CA. 25-29 Nov., 2012.
- Lionfish Collecting & Handling Workshop. Cape Eleuthera Institute, Bahamas. 15-18 May, 2012.
- Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Disaster Risk Management for the Caribbean. Hastings Christ Church, Barbados. 24 Jan. 2012.
- Coral Assembly 2011. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 8-9 Dec., 2011.
- Climate Change Reef Resilience Training of the Trainers. Key Largo, FL. 21-25 June, 2010.
- International Coral Reef Symposium, Fort Lauderdale FL. 7-11 July, 2008.
- United Kingdom Sea Level IGCP/INQUA Conference (Holocene Land-Ocean Interactions: Driving Mechanisms and Coastal Responses), Belfast, N. Ireland. 22-25 June, 2008.
- Reef Resilience Conference 2008 “Coping With Climate Change” Key Largo, FL. 22-24 April 2008.
- Annual International Sea Turtle Symposium, Crete, Greece, 3-8 April 2006
- Satellite Tools and Bleaching Response Workshop: Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, 23-25 Jan. 2006.
- Caribbean Workshop on MPA Effectiveness and Adaptive Management St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, 9-13 May 2005. Gulf & Caribbean Fisheries Institute, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, 10-14 Nov. 2003.