Overview
My research interests lie in combined socio-ecological perspectives of marine policy and management. I am interested in how marine conservation and management can be improved through the use of participatory and collaborative processes to include wider stakeholder perspectives. My current research focuses on the drivers for targeting sharks and also illegal fisheries within the Indian Ocean region. My fieldwork involves data collection on value chains for shark fisheries, perceptions of fisheries regulations and management, and understanding spatial and temporal movements of highly mobile fishing 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 shark fishing communities in Sri Lanka and India and implications for large-scale, remote marine protected area 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.
Publications
Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year
Publications by category
Journal articles
Hays GC, Koldewey HJ, Andrzejaczek S, Attrill MJ, Barley S, Bayley DTI, Benkwitt CE, Block B, Schallert RJ, Carlisle AB, et al (2020). A review of a decade of lessons from one of the world’s largest MPAs: conservation gains and key challenges.
Marine Biology,
167(11).
Full text.
Collins C, Bech Letessier T, Broderick A, Wijesundara I, Nuno A (2020). Using perceptions to examine human responses to blanket bans: the case of the thresher shark landing-ban in Sri Lanka.
Marine Policy,
121Abstract:
Using perceptions to examine human responses to blanket bans: the case of the thresher shark landing-ban in Sri Lanka
Species-specific bans are increasingly being implemented to stem loss of vulnerable marine species, but there is a paucity of evaluative research into resulting socio-economic and ecological consequences. In 2012, a blanket ban on landing Alopiidae (thresher) sharks was introduced in Sri Lanka. We used fisher perceptions, shown to influence support and compliance with conservation policies, to examine human responses. Data, gathered over a ten-month period in 2019 from focus groups and informal engagement during site visits, suggest support for the ban was lowest amongst fishers who perceived negative social consequences to be higher. Perceptions were also undermined by feelings of poor engagement from institutions and a lack of ecological necessity. The ban appears effective in halting targeted fisheries; however, persistent bycatch was reported by fishers. Further, bycatch appears to be widely unrecorded partly owing to mistrust and confusion amongst fishers. Occasional illegal landings were reported, seemingly motivated by interlinked factors such as good economic returns for thresher meat and high vessel running costs. The potential severity and inequity in social consequences stemming from blanket bans was highlighted, particularly when bycatch and targeted fisheries co-exist. Case study lessons are translated into a checklist containing key questions, designed to aid policy-makers to assess data provision and needs prior to introducing bans. Increasing data provision could enhance the capability of policies to predict and adapt to human behavioural responses, a key requirement considering continuing global declines in sharks despite increasing conservation effort.
Abstract.
Publications by year
2020
Hays GC, Koldewey HJ, Andrzejaczek S, Attrill MJ, Barley S, Bayley DTI, Benkwitt CE, Block B, Schallert RJ, Carlisle AB, et al (2020). A review of a decade of lessons from one of the world’s largest MPAs: conservation gains and key challenges.
Marine Biology,
167(11).
Full text.
Collins C, Bech Letessier T, Broderick A, Wijesundara I, Nuno A (2020). Using perceptions to examine human responses to blanket bans: the case of the thresher shark landing-ban in Sri Lanka.
Marine Policy,
121Abstract:
Using perceptions to examine human responses to blanket bans: the case of the thresher shark landing-ban in Sri Lanka
Species-specific bans are increasingly being implemented to stem loss of vulnerable marine species, but there is a paucity of evaluative research into resulting socio-economic and ecological consequences. In 2012, a blanket ban on landing Alopiidae (thresher) sharks was introduced in Sri Lanka. We used fisher perceptions, shown to influence support and compliance with conservation policies, to examine human responses. Data, gathered over a ten-month period in 2019 from focus groups and informal engagement during site visits, suggest support for the ban was lowest amongst fishers who perceived negative social consequences to be higher. Perceptions were also undermined by feelings of poor engagement from institutions and a lack of ecological necessity. The ban appears effective in halting targeted fisheries; however, persistent bycatch was reported by fishers. Further, bycatch appears to be widely unrecorded partly owing to mistrust and confusion amongst fishers. Occasional illegal landings were reported, seemingly motivated by interlinked factors such as good economic returns for thresher meat and high vessel running costs. The potential severity and inequity in social consequences stemming from blanket bans was highlighted, particularly when bycatch and targeted fisheries co-exist. Case study lessons are translated into a checklist containing key questions, designed to aid policy-makers to assess data provision and needs prior to introducing bans. Increasing data provision could enhance the capability of policies to predict and adapt to human behavioural responses, a key requirement considering continuing global declines in sharks despite increasing conservation effort.
Abstract.
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