Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science

Student Information

University of Hawaii Master of Science in Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science

My thesis is entitled a biological and sociological characterization of opelu (Decapterus macarellus, D. macrosoma) fisheries along the Kona Coast, Hawaii. Approximately 200,000 lbs of opelu is commercially caught in Hawaiian waters every year. 60% of this catch comes from the Kona Coast (DAR). Despite the commercial, recreational, traditional, and economic importance of this fishery to Hawaii there is a paucity of current scientific information on the species. For example, the actual composition of the fishery's catch by species is still undetermined. My research focuses on providing a holistic scientific assessment of opelu fisheries biology, indigenous knowledge, and sociology to fill in current knowledge gaps and provide a current description of the fishery. I'm working with Craig Severence and Jason Turner of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and David Itano of the Pelagic Fisheries Research Program.