Pew Funds Marine Research to Tackle Illegal Fishing, Pollution

Event summary

  • The Pew Charitable Trusts awarded $150,000 grants to seven scientists over three years, totaling $1.05 million.
  • Research areas include illegal fishing, reef restoration, nanoplastic pollution, and fisheries governance.
  • This year’s cohort includes the first Pew-Gerstner Fellowship focused on ocean plastics and the second Pew-Hoover Fellowship combining marine and biomedical science.
  • Researchers are based in Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, and Thailand.
  • The Pew Fellows Program has supported over 200 marine scientists to date.

The big picture

The Pew Charitable Trusts' continued investment in marine science underscores the growing recognition of the interconnectedness of ocean health, food security, and economic stability. With global fisheries facing increasing pressure and plastic pollution reaching critical levels, these fellowships represent a targeted effort to address knowledge gaps and develop practical solutions. The focus on genetic techniques and open-source technology signals a shift towards more precise and collaborative approaches to marine conservation.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The effectiveness of international agreements for shared fish stocks, particularly between South Korea, Japan, and China, will be a key indicator of broader ocean governance success.
Technological Adoption
The scalability and adoption rate of open-source tools like Open Specy for nanoplastic classification will determine their impact on pollution monitoring and mitigation efforts.
Community Impact
The long-term sustainability of locally-based conservation incentives, as tested in Sonora, Mexico, will reveal the challenges of integrating economic and ecological goals within vulnerable communities.