Research

Dr. Humphries’ research explores the complex relationship between people and the sea, focusing on the interplay between social and ecological dynamics in fisheries management. This work aims to understand how social-ecological factors influence each other and ultimately shape marine ecosystems and coastal communities. The research process typically involves extensive field data collection, combining underwater surveys of fish populations, analyses of fisheries catches, and interviews with fishers and local households. Using these diverse datasets, Dr. Humphries employs various statistical tools and creates computer simulations to reveal key interactions and patterns. For example, these models might demonstrate how changes in fishing practices affect both fish populations and the well-being of fishing communities.

A primary focus of this work is finding solutions that benefit both marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. Recent projects have increasingly centered on balancing trade-offs in small-scale tropical fisheries, such as maintaining healthy fish populations while ensuring food security for local communities, or preserving traditional fishing practices while introducing sustainable management techniques.

Central to Dr. Humphries’ approach is collaboration with fishers and community members. This partnership fosters mutual learning experiences, ensuring that research outcomes are both scientifically robust and practically applicable to real-world challenges in marine resource management.