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Catherine Berg: NOAA Wildlife Biologist

Catherine Berg

Catherine Berg performing field work in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

Catherine Berg: A Day in the Life Donut chart showing the typical work duties of Catherine Berg, NOAA Wildlife Biologist. Planning for responding to spills Pink chart segment spanning 25% of the whole: the percentage of time Catherine Berg spends on planning for responding to spills. Responding to spills Green chart segment spanning 25% of the whole: the percentage of time Catherine Berg spends on responding to spills. Practicing for responding to spills Blue chart segment spanning 25% of the whole: the percentage of time Catherine Berg spends on practicing for responding to spills. Training Yellow chart segment spanning 25% of the whole: the percentage of time Catherine Berg spends training of others for response. Daily Duties

Donut chart showing how Catherine Bergt, NOAA Cartographer, spends his time.

Wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. They also study the physical characteristics of animals, animal behaviors, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.


At the beginning of her career, Catherine never would’ve guessed that she’d end up where she is, doing what she does. In her role at NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration, she’s traveled throughout the state of Alaska responding to and studying oil and chemical spills, and continues to work in the field to respond to spills on the coast. Catherine and her team typically respond to one to six spills a month, developing models of where spills might move, learning about the resources at risk from a spill and how to protect them, and assessing options for responding to and cleaning up a spill. Catherine says the community of response professionals in Alaska is a joy to work with, and getting into the field with this community is the most exciting and rewarding part of her job. She advises those starting out in their careers to follow their passion and incorporate it into all aspects of their life.

  • Name: Catherine Berg
  • Location: Alaska
  • Education: B.S. Wildlife Biology

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Last updated:
01/20/23

Author: NOAA

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