Biography

Sarah Gaines joined the University of Rhode Island in 2017 through the Coastal Resources Center and continues her work at the Coastal Institute, where she leads the development of the Institute’s international portfolio. Her work centers on sustainable coastal management, fisheries governance, and climate resilience, with an emphasis on linking scientific knowledge to cultural and community contexts.

Her expertise spans marine geoheritage, natural and cultural heritage conservation, marine spatial planning, and international science policy. Earlier in her career, she worked at UNESCO headquarters in Paris as a program specialist in ecological and earth sciences, contributing to global research networks and internationally designated site programs.

She holds graduate degrees in earth sciences.

Current Initiatives

• USAID Fish Right Program