Why Warmer Oceans Are a Problem for Humpback Whales (2026): A science communication piece written for a general audience explaining the relationship between ocean warming and humpback whale health and survival. Published in Frontiers for Young Minds.
Stack, S.H. et al. (2026). Frontiers for Young Minds. https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2026.1581310
Male humpback whale mating behaviour (2024): The first documented observation of sexual behaviour between two male humpback whales, this paper made international headlines and introduced millions of people to the reality that whale behaviour is still full of surprises. Covered by National Geographic, the Washington Post, NBC News, and many others.
Stack, S.H. et al. (2024). Marine Mammal Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/MMS.13119
Swim-with-whale tourism impacts (2021): An investigation into how commercial swim-with-whale tours affect humpback whale behaviour in Hervey Bay, Australia, contributing to global calls for stricter regulation of wildlife tourism.
Stack, S.H. et al. (2021). Frontiers in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.696136
Spinner dolphin conservation in Hawaii (2020): This study of spinner dolphin movement and behaviour in Maui directly informed a 2021 U.S. federal regulation establishing a 50-yard approach limit for the species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Stack, S.H. et al. (2020). Marine Ecology Progress Series. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13347
Humpback whale distribution in East Australia (2019): A historical analysis of humpback whale distribution in Hervey Bay, Queensland, awarded an editor's choice award by the journal Australian Mammalogy.
Stack, S.H. et al. (2019). Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM18029
101 Facts About Humpback Whales (2026): A primer on humpback whales for ocean lovers of any age. Published by Island Heritage Publishing.
A Day in the Life of a Whale Researcher (2024): An educational colouring book for children. A playful introduction to marine science for young ocean lovers.