#USA #Philadelphia #Marine Conservation #Pew Charitable Trusts #2025 Fellows

Pew Charitable Trusts Announces 2025 Marine Conservation Fellows

In a recent announcement, the Pew Charitable Trusts revealed that six outstanding scientists from around the world will be awarded the esteemed Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation for 2025. Researchers hailing from China, Curaçao, Indonesia, the Philippines, and South Africa will join a robust community of over 200 marine fellows dedicated to furthering ocean research and promoting sustainable resource management. This initiative is a critical step toward addressing the pressing challenges that our oceans face today, which range from habitat destruction to pollution.

According to Donna Frisby-Greenwood, the senior vice president for scientific advancement at Pew, these challenges necessitate innovative solutions and strong leadership in the scientific community. She stated, "The new cohort of fellows joins our growing global community of scientists to bring forward-thinking research, valuable expertise, and fresh perspectives that offer hope for the future of marine life."

The 2025 Marine Fellows and Their Research Focus

The selected fellows will engage in various groundbreaking projects aimed at enhancing coral breeding techniques, evaluating conservation measures in partnership with local communities, and guiding the preservation of vulnerable marine species and their habitats. Each fellow will receive a grant of $150,000 over three years to support their research initiatives.

Here’s a closer look at the 2025 fellows and their respective projects:

1. Stephen C.Y. Chan, Ph.D. - Cetacea Research Institute, Hong Kong

Dr. Chan aims to study the population dynamics, habitat interactions, and main threats to the Chinese white dolphins in Hong Kong. Collaborating with coastal stakeholders and governmental bodies, his work will help formulate a conservation plan that aligns with the region's coastal development.

2. Linda Harris, Ph.D. - Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Dr. Harris will combine remote sensing with field surveys to analyze sandy beach ecosystems across ten Southern African nations. This endeavor will classify the ecological condition and distribution of these ecosystems and prioritize conservation efforts.

3. Kristen Marhaver, Ph.D. - CARMABI Foundation, Curaçao

Dr. Marhaver's project will focus on innovating coral breeding methods in Curaçao. She plans to develop laboratory techniques for fertilizing coral eggs, a crucial process for enhancing coral recovery, particularly in stressed environments.

4. Aileen Maypa, Ph.D. - Silliman University, Philippines

Dr. Maypa will create community-friendly protocols intended to expedite coral reef recovery in the Philippines. Her initiative includes forming a nationwide collaborative network aimed at developing effective reef restoration practices alongside local communities.

5. Edy Setyawan, Ph.D. - Elasmobranch Institute Indonesia, Indonesia

Dr. Setyawan will investigate the Rajas of Ampat epaulette sharks, specifically their life history and population dynamics. His research will utilize various tracking methods to assess their population status and habitat preferences, ultimately guiding conservation efforts.

6. Hesti Widodo, Ph.D. - Coral Triangle Center, Indonesia

Dr. Widodo will focus on verifying pilot conservation sites in Indonesia under the new OECM framework. Her research involves community consultations to evaluate conservation impacts and ensure equitable benefits for local stakeholders.

Conclusion

The Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation represents a unique opportunity for mid-career scientists to contribute meaningfully to marine conservation challenges. The rigorous selection process conducted by an international committee of experts ensures that these fellows are well-equipped to tackle the pressing issues affecting our oceans. As they embark on their projects, the hope is that their groundbreaking research will pave the way for sustainable marine practices and enhance our understanding of oceanic ecosystems worldwide.