Profiles In Fishing

What does the word "sustainable" mean to you?

In terms of fisheries management, sustainability means utilizing the ocean's natural resources in a way that protects the environment and maintains healthy productive marine communities. In order for fisheries to be sustainable, we must balance our resource use with the natural productivity of the marine ecosystem. Simply put, we cannot take more from the system than can be naturally replenished and our activities must promote the continued health of the marine environment.

What is your role in the sustainable management of U.S. Fisheries?

As a scientist for NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), I study toxins in the marine environment and assess how those toxins impact the health and productivity of the marine food web. My research focuses specifically on the impacts of algal toxins on fish and human health. Many species of microscopic algae in the ocean's planktonic community produce toxins. Under certain conditions, these toxic organisms multiply rapidly to high densities and form what is called a "harmful algal bloom". During harmful algal blooms the toxins are accumulated in filter-feeding animals like mussels, clams, anchovies and sardines, and subsequently passed through the food web. Algal toxin exposure can be devastating to marine wildlife and has resulted in human illness and massive die-offs of fish, marine mammals, and sea birds. My role in the sustainable management of U.S. Fisheries is to determine how these harmful algal blooms directly impact environmental quality, seafood safety, and the productivity of marine fish populations.

Why is your role so important?

My role as a research biologist for NMFS is vital to understanding the impact of environmental toxins on the health, abundance, and productivity of economically and ecologically important fish populations. In order to effectively manage fish stocks, it is critical to identify all factors influencing the survival and health of the entire marine food web. I work with many partners including local communities, state and federal agencies, and tribal groups. My research provides critical information to these entities for the development of strategies to mitigate the impacts of harmful algal blooms on marine fisheries, threatened and endangered species, and human health.