Dr. Thomas J. Trott

BIDDEFORD – Dr. Thomas J. Trott, noted benthic ecologist, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at his home in Biddeford, Maine. He was the second son born to Eleanor (Roderick) and Leslie D. Trott Jr. of Fairhaven, Mass. He is survived by his older brother Leslie (Elaine), nieces Stephanie (Whitney) and Kieran, and a grandnephew.

Dr. Trott received degrees in biology from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (BS), Wake Forest University, North Carolina (MA), and the Boston University Marine Program, located at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass. (PhD).

His career highlights include being an advisor for citizen science programs at the New England Aquarium and the US EPA Superfund Program. Dr. Trott participated in the Census of Marine Life (2000–2010) as a primary investigator in three of its programs: History of Marine Animal Populations, Natural History of Shore Areas, and Gulf of Maine Area Program. He developed and managed a benthic ecology program for the State of Maine Coastal Mapping Initiative. He was an Emeritus Professor of Biology at Suffolk University in Boston, where he taught ecology, biodiversity, and animal behavior for 19 years. An accomplished author of peer-reviewed publications, he served as editor-in-chief, guest editor, and associate editor for scientific journals concerning marine biology, biodiversity, and natural history. Dr. Trott’s research in benthic ecology and invasive species gained recognition from colleagues the world over. Fellow scientists have described him as witty, gentle, and inspiring. His beloved cats Penny and Quince were his constant companions at home.

Growing up the son of a fisherman on the shores of Buzzards Bay, he set up his microscope and seined for plankton as a youth. As decades passed, his work led him to Costa Rica, Senegal, Iceland, New Brunswick, and other international shores. His passing leaves his saddened brother and family sharing memories of his life and his caution that we as people must do a better job caring for our fragile earthly home.

A funeral will take place at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco, on Friday, Jan. 30, at 1 p.m.

Dennett Craig and Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main Street, Saco are entrusted with his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

the Animal Welfare Society (Kennebunk, Maine) or:

the UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology

(Dartmouth, Mass,)

Dr. Thomas J. Trott