laurenne schiller
BIO
I have been fascinated by marine life since childhood. While I still adore learning about the mysteries that exist below the surface, I'm increasingly driven to understand the role humans play in the marine ecosystem as well. Through my research and work, I seek to understand how we can lower our impacts on ocean environments and species while also ensuring those who depend on seafood for food and livelihood security have access to healthy fisheries in the future.
I was born in Vancouver, Canada but have spent significant time living in other parts of the country. I completed my BSc. in Marine and Freshwater Biology at the University of Guelph (2010), and my MSc. in Zoology under the supervision of Dr. Daniel Pauly at the University of British Columbia (2013). This work was part of the Sea Around Us, a global research collaboration dedicated to quantifying the 'true' global fisheries catch over the last sixty years. Since 2016, I shave been at Dalhousie University in Halifax, where I am doing a PhD under the supervision of Dr. Megan Bailey. My research focuses on understanding and evaluating the role of different stakeholders in tuna fisheries governance. I feel very fortunate to have seen a lot of the world (both terrestrial and aquatic) and I know these experiences have helped me to contextualize my research to ensure it is grounded by real-world circumstances and human behaviour.
Since 2014, I have also worked as a research analyst for Ocean Wise Seafood & Fisheries, where I assess the environmental sustainability of small-scale Canadian fisheries as part of our science team. In my spare time, I volunteer with a local Start2Finish Running and Reading program, and spend as much free-time as possible exploring the seaside with my hydrophobic collie, Cousteau.