Claire Collins
Postgraduate Research Student
07850998854
The Farmhouse
The Farmhouse, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
Overview
My research interests lie in socio-economic interactions with marine conservation and how behavior changes in resource users are influenced by existing values and perceptions as well as socio-political and ecological changes. I am also interested in how conservation issues can be better managed through the use of participatory processes to include all resource users with decision-making processes. My current research focuses on the drivers for distant-water, shark fisheries in Sri Lanka and India. This involves collecting data on value chains, perceptions of regulations and management and understanding spatial and temporal movements of the multi-day fleets.
Previously, I have worked as a fisheries consultant with a focus on supply chain management, small-scale fisheries and marine protected areas and I have also spent time working in remote environments focusing on reef check monitoring and community-based mangrove rehabilitation.
Broad research specialisms
Fisheries management and governance
Shark fisheries
Behavioral responses to socio-ecological changes
Interdisciplinary research methods
Qualifications
MSc Aquatic Resource Management (Kings College London)
BSc Zoology (University of Manchester)
Research
Research projects
Project Title: Livelihood options of deep-sea, shark fishing communities in South West Sri Lanka and India and implications for distant-water MPA management
Supervisors: Dr Ana Nuno (University of Exeter), Dr Tom Letessier (ZSL), Dr Annette Broderick (University of Exeter)
Funding Body: Bertarelli Foundation
Project Description:
This project aims to improve the understanding of the socio-economic context within which elasmobranch fisheries exist in South West Sri Lanka and India and key drivers for behavior change. It aims to identify how fisher perceptions and values interact with socio-economic and ecological changes with a view to improving effectiveness of governance and management. The project will utilize a mixed-methods approach to collect both qualitative and quantitative data on fisher livelihoods, perceptions and model potential mitigation measures to unsustainable fishing practices.