Jessica C. Savage

Jessica C. Savage

Profile

I hold a BSc (hons) in Marine Biology and an MSc with distinction in the dissertation in Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems from the University of St Andrews. For my masters research project, based at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, I investigated stakeholder expectations for fisheries management post-Brexit.

I am interested in the application of scientific research to support sustainable marine natural resource management to safeguard both marine biodiversity and the well-being of coastal communities, in particular those encompassing small-scale fisheries. Following my academic studies, I have worked for NGOs as a small-scale fisheries monitoring, evaluation and learning specialist on a project establishing a network of locally managed marine areas in southeast Madagascar and as a marine scientist in Cambodia’s first large-scale marine protected area.

Jessica C. Savage

PhD title: "Role of marine ornamental fisheries in achieving net positive outcomes for nature and people"

The global marine ornamental aquatics trade, a multibillion-dollar industry, is facing ever growing scrutiny over concerns about the environmental impact of ornamental fishing. However, in Indonesia and the Philippines marine ornamental fishing is a vitally important livelihood and supports coastal communities experiencing severe poverty. There is a clear need to understand how sustainable ornamental fisheries can contribute to both conservation and socio-economic development.

My project will investigate how coastal communities rely on the ornamental aquatics trade for their livelihoods, how coral reef ecosystems have changed historically, the availability and environmental impacts of alternative livelihoods and the impact of fisheries management measures on these communities.

I will be based at the University of Kent, with supervision and funding also provided by Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association and he Waltham Petcare Science Institute (Mars Petcare Inc).

Awards and prizes

Dean’s List for Academic Excellence, University of St Andrews, December 2017

Other information

Volunteer and Outreach work:

WASH Team Leader, Raleigh International Nepal, April – July 2018

Volunteer Youth Educator, Dunkirk Refugee Children’s Centre, La Liniere Refugee Camp, France January 2017

WASH Volunteer, Raleigh International Nicaragua, June – September 2016

Research Assistant, Operation Wallacea, Hoga Island, Indonesia June 2015 – August 2015

Carbon Conversations Facilitator, Transition at the University of St Andrews January 2015 – January 2016

Research Assistant, Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews June 2014 – December 2015

Research Assistant, Sediment Ecology Research Group, University of St Andrews November 2013 – May 2014