Kirsten Grorud-Colvert, Ph.D.
Research
Our current focal areas of research.
Accelerating effective ocean conservation
We are partnering with expert colleagues around the world to better understand activities in the ocean that support or reduce biodiversity. Our aim is to use this knowledge to support global recognition of effective and equitable conservation areas. As part of this work, we are looking at the concept of "other effective area-based conservation measures" in the ocean (marine OECMs or mOECMs). Stay tuned for the mOECM Guide.
MPA effectiveness worldwide
For the last two decades, we have been studying marine protected areas, from local to global, to better understand their dynamics as tools for biodiversity protection and as social-ecological systems. We conduct primary ecological research, meta-analyses and other syntheses, policy evaluations, and expert surveys to investigate MPAs and their outcomes. For the latest, see The MPA Guide.
Fish recruitment to Oregon's MPAs
We are studying the recruitment of commercially and culturally important fish species to Oregon's nearshore, providing insights about their early life history, population dynamics, use of marine protected areas as essential habitat, and impacts of the growing effects of climate change. This long-term dataset results from partnerships with multiple academic, agency, and community groups to track these dynamics.
Place-based approaches to marine conservation
We are currently partnering with place-based organizations to synthesize different approaches to the use of MPAs nationally, regional, and internationally. Current focal countries are: Indonesia, South Africa, Portugal, Canada, France, Brazil, and Mexico.
Tracking Ocean Commitments
Many countries and corporations are making commitments to protect the ocean by establishing marine protected areas and other area-based management tools. We track progress on these commitments, including ecological and social outcomes, with a special focus on high-level announcements made at the Our Ocean Conferences. Read our recent report to the Our Ocean Conference.
Kelp Ecosystem-based Management
We are partnering with NGOs and regional experts to better understand how the unique aspects of kelp forests, including their benefits to people, can lead to an ecosystem approach for their conservation and management.