sustainable mud crab fisheries
In the mangrove-rich waters of Micronesia, we're exploring innovative ways to enhance both fisher livelihoods and ecological sustainability. Our research combines mathematical modeling with real-world fishery data to understand how "crab fattening" - a practice where juvenile crabs are captured and grown to market size in controlled environments - can benefit local communities while protecting wild populations. By developing bioeconomic models that identify critical thresholds and evaluate different management scenarios, we aim to provide evidence-based guidance for the mud crab fishery and the communities who depend on this valuable resource.
Distant Water FISHING
Distant water fleets (DWFs) are vessels that operate thousands of miles from their home nations, frequently within other countries' territorial waters. These fleets have been identified as a significant challenge to the recovery and sustainable management of global fish stocks, with potential impacts on local food security and coastal livelihoods. In partnership with the US Agency for International Development, we're conducting research across four key regions to better understand how DWF operations affect domestic food resources and fishing communities. Our work includes developing innovative tools for evaluating fishing access agreements and licensing systems, helping coastal nations implement more transparent, equitable, and sustainable approaches to managing foreign fishing access.
small-scale fisheries vulnerability
Small-scale fisheries in Vietnam provide critical food security and livelihoods for millions of coastal residents, yet face mounting challenges from climate change. Partnering with fishing communities in coastal Vietnam, we're conducting research to better understand how climate impacts affect fisher livelihoods and evaluate the effectiveness of different adaptation strategies, particularly livelihood diversification. Through innovative network analysis and vulnerability assessments, we aim to identify pathways that enhance community resilience while preserving cultural fishing traditions. This research will help inform policies and interventions to support over 1.8 million Vietnamese marine fishers as they navigate climate challenges.
preserving Cultural fishing heritage
In the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands, the forktail rabbitfish holds deep cultural significance, particularly among Guam's Chamorro communities. As catches decline, traditional fishing knowledge and practices are at risk of being lost to future generations. Our research evaluates whether catch-based aquaculture and restocking programs could help revitalize these culturally significant fisheries. Using advanced population modeling, we're assessing how different management scenarios might benefit both the traditional juvenile (mañahak) and adult (hiteng kahlao) fisheries while respecting Indigenous fishing methods and cultural practices.
seaweed processing innovation
Small-scale seaweed farming in Tanzania represents a crucial source of income and nutrition for coastal communities, particularly women. However, post-harvest losses significantly impact farmer livelihoods and food security. We are working with the US Agency for International Development and collaborating with local institutions and communities in Zanzibar to develop and implement climate-smart solar drying technologies for seaweed processing. Our work combines innovative engineering solutions with nutrition education and market access training to create lasting positive change. By focusing on community-driven design, we aim to reduce post-harvest losses while improving product quality and market opportunities for over 200 small-scale farmers.