Bio
Mr. Gregory Spencer is a senior wildlife ecologist based in Maui. He has more than two decades of experience. His background includes seabird research throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, and the eastern North Pacific, both colony-based and at-sea, including the development and implementation of conservation management programs aimed at promoting conservation benefits for ESA listed species. He has participated in studies investigating the movements and foraging ecology of Stellar sea lions, California sea lions, northern fur seals, and Hawaiian monk seals. Over the past 15 years he has worked extensively with Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) in Hawai‘i with an emphasis on ESA listed seabirds, Nene, and waterbirds.
Mr. Spencer applies expertise in developing conservation strategies for threatened and endangered seabirds. His knowledge of species ecology and management action feasibility, and demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders, state and federal agencies, and conservation organizations are instrumental in assisting clients and facilitating project success in Hawai‘i.
Prior to joining Integral Consulting, Mr. Spencer was a project manager at H. T. Harvey & Associates where he worked for more than a decade.
Relevant Experience
Permitting
Kanaio Stream Nature-Based Restoration Design and Implementation Plan, Maui, Hawai’i — As project manager, works with the County of Maui Planning Department to develop a permit-ready design and implementation plan to restore Kanaio Stream.
County of Maui Wetlands Overlay Map Creation Project, Maui, Hawai‘i — Provided wildlife ecology and technical expertise to assist the Maui County Department of Planning with creating detailed digital mapping tools for wetlands and other aquatic features on the islands of Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i.
Conservation District Use Permit, Niumalu, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i — Served as wildlife ecologist. This project involved an effort to develop capacity for the first habitat conservation bank in the State of Hawaii, on 1,800-acres of private land. The team examined the full range of resource management planning and permitting, conducted biological assessments on the property, developed a project prospectus to support permitting and environmental review, and performed an economic and PAR analysis to inform endowment variables and long-term project performance.
Section 7 Support for Wailua Beach Restoration, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i — Served as ecologist and project co-manager for an innovative project to nourish sand retention at Wailua Beach after damaging storm events on Kaua‘i. Drafted a Biological Assessment document that addressed threatened Central North Pacific Distinct Population Segment of the green turtle and endangered Hawksbill turtle. Coordinated consultations between HDOT and USFWS under Section 7 of the ESA.
Kamehamenui Forest Reserve Management Plan, Kula, Maui, Hawai‘i — Works with the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife to develop a management plan for the Kamehamenui Forest Reserve on Maui. The management plan explores the full potential of Kamehamenui for diverse uses such as protection of endangered wildlife and plants, habitat restoration, watershed enhancement, and recreational activities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, and equestrian activities.
Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan, Statewide, Hawai‘i — Contributed aquatic and marine expertise to assist the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (now called Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity) with developing the first comprehensive interagency, statewide biosecurity plan to better protect the state’s economy, natural environment, and health and lifestyle of its people and visitors from the threats posed by invasive species.
Marine and Hydrokinetic Devices, U.S. West Coast — Participated in a U.S. Department of Energy- and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management-funded project evaluating the potential for marine and hydrokinetic devices to function as artificial reefs or fish aggregating devices based on analysis of surrogate structures in tropical, subtropical, and temperate U.S. West Coast and Hawaiian coastal and offshore waters.
Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) Improvements, Island of Hawai‘i — Overall project management, planned and coordinated marine biological resources studies, ESA Section 7 consultation, Essential Fish Habitat assessment, coral mitigation planning, and water quality monitoring to support the State Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation in improvements to infrastructure and new boat ramp construction at the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) on the western coast of Hawaii Island.
HEPA/NEPA
Kamehamenui Forest Reserve Management Plan, Kula, Maui, Hawai‘i — Works with the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife to develop a management plan for the Kamehamenui Forest Reserve on Maui. The management plan explores the full potential of Kamehamenui for diverse uses such as protection of endangered wildlife and plants, habitat restoration, watershed enhancement, and recreational activities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, and equestrian activities.
He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve Permitting Services, Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i — Developed a comprehensive resources management plan based on characterization of current information on the freshwater and marine ecosystems within the newly designated National Estuarine Research Reserve at He‘eia.
Honoapi‘ilani Highway Biological Services, Maui, Hawai‘i — As wildlife ecologist, assessed biological resources and habitat features within a complex mosaic of coastal wetlands and intermittent water features between Ukumehame and Launiopoko in support of ESA Section 7 consultation and environmental planning and permitting.
FESA/CESA
Section 7 Support for Wailua Beach Restoration, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i — Served as ecologist and project co-manager for an innovative project to nourish sand retention at Wailua Beach after damaging storm events on Kaua‘i. Drafted a Biological Assessment document that addressed threatened Central North Pacific Distinct Population Segment of the green turtle and endangered Hawksbill turtle. Coordinated consultations between HDOT and USFWS under Section 7 of the ESA.
Hawai‘i Wildlife Action Plan Update, Honolulu, Hawai‘i — Contributed wildlife conservation expertise for the terrestrial, aquatic, and marine components of the 10-year revision of the State Wildlife Action Plan completed in 2015 on behalf of the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve Permitting Services, Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i — Developed a comprehensive resources management plan based on characterization of current information on the freshwater and marine ecosystems within the newly designated National Estuarine Research Reserve at He‘eia.
Blackburn’s Sphinx Moth Surveys, Maui, Hawai‘i — Supported the State Engineering Division plans to develop the Central Maui Regional Sports Complex. Designed and performed field surveys to document the occurrence and distribution of the endangered Blackburn’s sphinx moth and developed conservation measures to avoid and minimize impacts during project implementation.
Honoapi‘ilani Highway Biological Services, Maui, Hawai‘i — As wildlife ecologist, assessed biological resources and habitat features within a complex mosaic of coastal wetlands and intermittent water features between Ukumehame and Launiopoko in support of ESA Section 7 consultation and environmental planning and permitting.
Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) Improvements, Island of Hawai‘i — Overall project management, planned and coordinated marine biological resources studies, ESA Section 7 consultation, Essential Fish Habitat assessment, coral mitigation planning, and water quality monitoring to support the State Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation in improvements to infrastructure and new boat ramp construction at the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) on the western coast of Hawaii Island.
Compliance Monitoring
Makamaka’ole Seabird Project, Maui, Hawai‘i — Served as senior ecologist and project manager for seabird conservation initiatives and assessment at the Makamaka’ole seabird conservation area in West Maui. Management activities included predator exclusion, predator control, social attraction, and monitoring and evaluation of breeding colony establishment for the threatened Newell’s shearwater.
Habitat Conservation Planning
Habitat Conservation Planning and Monitoring Seabird Fallout at Airports and Harbors, Kaua‘i, Maui, and Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i — As project manager, assists the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) with planning and implementing conservation measures to mitigate impacts to ESA-listed seabirds at HDOT’s harbors and airports. (HCP).
Makamaka’ole Seabird Project, Maui, Hawai‘i — Served as senior ecologist and project manager for seabird conservation initiatives and assessment at the Makamaka’ole seabird conservation area in West Maui. Management activities included predator exclusion, predator control, social attraction, and monitoring and evaluation of breeding colony establishment for the threatened Newell’s shearwater.
Conservation District Use Permit, Niumalu, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i — Served as wildlife ecologist. This project involved an effort to develop capacity for the first habitat conservation bank in the State of Hawaii, on 1,800-acres of private land. The team examined the full range of resource management planning and permitting, conducted biological assessments on the property, developed a project prospectus to support permitting and environmental review, and performed an economic and PAR analysis to inform endowment variables and long-term project performance.
Kaua‘i Seabird Habitat Conservation Plan, Report Preparation, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i — Works with the Kaua‘i Seabird Habitat Conservation Plan Participant Group to prepare and process a comprehensive programmatic annual report outlining multiparticipant conservation initiatives and compliance with ESA Section 10(a)(1)(B).
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative Habitat Conservation Plan, Kauai, Hawai‘i — Provided technical support for the covered species profiles, effects analysis, conservation strategy, and monitoring and adaptive management program, review relevant chapters, and provide technical support to ensure they are consistent with technical appendices and modeling produced separately.
Wetland Delineation
County of Maui Wetlands Overlay Map Creation Project, Maui, Hawai‘i — Provided wildlife ecology and technical expertise to assist the Maui County Department of Planning with creating detailed digital mapping tools for wetlands and other aquatic features on the islands of Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i.
Honoapi‘ilani Highway Biological Services, Maui, Hawai‘i — As wildlife ecologist, assessed biological resources and habitat features within a complex mosaic of coastal wetlands and intermittent water features between Ukumehame and Launiopoko in support of ESA Section 7 consultation and environmental planning and permitting.
Wildlife Surveys
Makamaka’ole Seabird Project, Maui, Hawai‘i — Served as senior ecologist and project manager for seabird conservation initiatives and assessment at the Makamaka’ole seabird conservation area in West Maui. Management activities included predator exclusion, predator control, social attraction, and monitoring and evaluation of breeding colony establishment for the threatened Newell’s shearwater.
Conservation District Use Permit, Niumalu, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i — Served as wildlife ecologist. This project involved an effort to develop capacity for the first habitat conservation bank in the State of Hawaii, on 1,800-acres of private land. The team examined the full range of resource management planning and permitting, conducted biological assessments on the property, developed a project prospectus to support permitting and environmental review, and performed an economic and PAR analysis to inform endowment variables and long-term project performance.
Lāna‘i Game Hunting Area Management Steering Document, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i — Contributed to literature research, data analysis, description of current conditions, definition of current needs and opportunities, and identification of future strategies and approaches for game mammal and game bird management, invasive species control, and fire control sections of the Lāna‘i Cooperative Game Management Area steering document.
Blackburn’s Sphinx Moth Surveys, Maui, Hawai‘i — Supported the State Engineering Division plans to develop the Central Maui Regional Sports Complex. Designed and performed field surveys to document the occurrence and distribution of the endangered Blackburn’s sphinx moth and developed conservation measures to avoid and minimize impacts during project implementation.
Honoapi‘ilani Highway Biological Services, Maui, Hawai‘i — As wildlife ecologist, assessed biological resources and habitat features within a complex mosaic of coastal wetlands and intermittent water features between Ukumehame and Launiopoko in support of ESA Section 7 consultation and environmental planning and permitting.
Botanical Surveys
Conservation District Use Permit, Niumalu, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i — Served as wildlife ecologist. This project involved an effort to develop capacity for the first habitat conservation bank in the State of Hawaii, on 1,800-acres of private land. The team examined the full range of resource management planning and permitting, conducted biological assessments on the property, developed a project prospectus to support permitting and environmental review, and performed an economic and PAR analysis to inform endowment variables and long-term project performance.
Lāna‘i Game Hunting Area Management Steering Document, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i — Contributed to literature research, data analysis, description of current conditions, definition of current needs and opportunities, and identification of future strategies and approaches for game mammal and game bird management, invasive species control, and fire control sections of the Lāna‘i Cooperative Game Management Area steering document.
Honoapi‘ilani Highway Biological Services, Maui, Hawai‘i — As wildlife ecologist, assessed biological resources and habitat features within a complex mosaic of coastal wetlands and intermittent water features between Ukumehame and Launiopoko in support of ESA Section 7 consultation and environmental planning and permitting.
Estuarine Species
He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve Permitting Services, Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i — Developed a comprehensive resources management plan based on characterization of current information on the freshwater and marine ecosystems within the newly designated National Estuarine Research Reserve at He‘eia.
Marine and Hydrokinetic Devices, U.S. West Coast — Participated in a U.S. Department of Energy- and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management-funded project evaluating the potential for marine and hydrokinetic devices to function as artificial reefs or fish aggregating devices based on analysis of surrogate structures in tropical, subtropical, and temperate U.S. West Coast and Hawaiian coastal and offshore waters.
Freshwater Species
County of Maui Wetlands Overlay Map Creation Project, Maui, Hawai‘i — Provided wildlife ecology and technical expertise to assist the Maui County Department of Planning with creating detailed digital mapping tools for wetlands and other aquatic features on the islands of Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i.
He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve Permitting Services, Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i — Developed a comprehensive resources management plan based on characterization of current information on the freshwater and marine ecosystems within the newly designated National Estuarine Research Reserve at He‘eia.
Marine Species
Section 7 Support for Wailua Beach Restoration, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i — Served as ecologist and project co-manager for an innovative project to nourish sand retention at Wailua Beach after damaging storm events on Kaua‘i. Drafted a Biological Assessment document that addressed threatened Central North Pacific Distinct Population Segment of the green turtle and endangered Hawksbill turtle. Coordinated consultations between HDOT and USFWS under Section 7 of the ESA.
He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve Permitting Services, Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i — Developed a comprehensive resources management plan based on characterization of current information on the freshwater and marine ecosystems within the newly designated National Estuarine Research Reserve at He‘eia.
Marine and Hydrokinetic Devices, U.S. West Coast — Participated in a U.S. Department of Energy- and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management-funded project evaluating the potential for marine and hydrokinetic devices to function as artificial reefs or fish aggregating devices based on analysis of surrogate structures in tropical, subtropical, and temperate U.S. West Coast and Hawaiian coastal and offshore waters.
Regulated Marine Species and Habitats
Section 7 Support for Wailua Beach Restoration, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i — Served as ecologist and project co-manager for an innovative project to nourish sand retention at Wailua Beach after damaging storm events on Kaua‘i. Drafted a Biological Assessment document that addressed threatened Central North Pacific Distinct Population Segment of the green turtle and endangered Hawksbill turtle. Coordinated consultations between HDOT and USFWS under Section 7 of the ESA.
Marine and Hydrokinetic Devices, U.S. West Coast — Participated in a U.S. Department of Energy- and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management-funded project evaluating the potential for marine and hydrokinetic devices to function as artificial reefs or fish aggregating devices based on analysis of surrogate structures in tropical, subtropical, and temperate U.S. West Coast and Hawaiian coastal and offshore waters.
Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) Improvements, Island of Hawai‘i — Overall project management, planned and coordinated marine biological resources studies, ESA Section 7 consultation, Essential Fish Habitat assessment, coral mitigation planning, and water quality monitoring to support the State Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation in improvements to infrastructure and new boat ramp construction at the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) on the western coast of Hawaii Island.
Wildlife Management
Lāna‘i Game Hunting Area Management Steering Document, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i — Contributed to literature research, data analysis, description of current conditions, definition of current needs and opportunities, and identification of future strategies and approaches for game mammal and game bird management, invasive species control, and fire control sections of the Lāna‘i Cooperative Game Management Area steering document.
Education & Credentials
Highlights
More than 20 years of experience
Ecology of marine birds and mammals
HCP development and implementation
Conservation strategies and mitigation planning
Renewable energy—wildlife interaction
Education & Credentials
B.S., Marine Ecology, University of Hawai‘i, Hilo, Hawai‘i, 2000
Professional Experience
Senior ecologist, H. T. Harvey & Associates, 2013–July 2026
Senior wildlife biologist, First Wind Energy/Environmental Affairs, 2005–2013
Research coordinator for Steller sea lion research program, Alaska SeaLife Center, 2003–2005
Independent ecological consultant, various clients, 1999–2002