Fish & Sustainable Fisheries

HIMB has recently expanded its commitment to fisheries science with the launch of a new graduate program and the hiring of new faculty members. This initiative provides students with a comprehensive curriculum that spans the biology of marine fish to the socioeconomic dimensions of fisheries management. The new faculty bring diverse expertise, from advanced statistical modeling to the conservation of threatened species, enhancing our capacity to tackle complex, real-world problems. This infusion of talent and academic focus ensures that HIMB remains a leader in training the next generation of fisheries scientists and managers who will shape the future of sustainable food systems.

The Fish Resilience Program, led by Dr. Jacob Johansen, explores the physiological limits of marine life, particularly in the context of rising ocean temperatures. His work on the heat tolerance of fish and invertebrates is crucial for predicting which species and populations are most vulnerable to climate change. In a recent study in Abu Dhabi, his team explored the hottest coral reefs on Earth to understand how fish are surviving in extreme thermal conditions. This research challenges long-held theories about fish metabolism and body size, providing new insights for predicting how fisheries will respond to a warming ocean.

The HIMARC (Hawai‘i Monitoring and Reporting Collaborative) project is led by the Mary Donovan Lab at HIMB, bringing together scientists, government agencies, and community groups. Its purpose is to combine and make sense of the many different datasets that exist for Hawai‘i's nearshore marine ecosystems, especially for coral reefs. By taking all of this information—which might include data from fish surveys, water quality tests, and community observations—and creating a single, easy-to-read picture of reef health, HIMARC helps provide a clear, data-driven foundation for making informed conservation decisions and protecting the health of Hawaii's coastlines.

The Franklin Lab at HIMB, led by Dr. Erik Franklin, is at the forefront of applying quantitative marine ecology and genetics to marine conservation and fisheries. The lab’s research, often in collaboration with NOAA, focuses on using data from remote sensing, geospatial technologies, and statistical modeling to understand the dynamics of coral reef ecosystems. By identifying the ecological and environmental factors that drive the health of fish populations and their habitats, the lab provides key insights for developing sustainable management strategies and conservation efforts across the Pacific. This work helps guide the informed stewardship of marine resources to ensure their long-term health and productivity.