Mark Bertness is an American ecologist known for his research on marine and coastal ecosystems, particularly salt marshes and intertidal zones. He has served as a professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His work focuses on the ecological impacts of environmental stressors such as sea‑level rise, climate change, and human disturbance, and he has contributed to the development and testing of ecological theories including the stress‑gradient hypothesis.
Bertness has published extensively in peer‑reviewed scientific journals, covering topics such as plant–animal interactions, ecosystem resilience, and the effects of grazing and competition in coastal habitats. He has also co‑authored textbooks and edited volumes on salt marsh ecology. In recognition of his contributions, he has been elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has received honors from professional societies in ecology.
In addition to his research and teaching responsibilities, Bertness has been involved in interdisciplinary collaborations and outreach activities aimed at informing coastal management and conservation strategies. His contributions have informed policies related to habitat restoration and the mitigation of climate‑induced changes in coastal environments.