Professor, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology - Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
Besides my academic and research credentials, I have extensive international professional experience, having worked, consulted, and established research, commercial and educational programs and projects for the private and government sectors in > 20 countries throughout 5 continents over the last 30 years. Expertise in obtaining funding, planning, designing, implementing and running marine fish hatcheries and growout aquaculture operations, including training of scientific, technical and managerial staff. Experience in designing, planning and implementing aquaculture projects, ventures and operations for both government and private sector in a number of countries. Main expertise and interest focus on hatchery and cage growout technologies. PI and Co-PI in current and past government grants, including biological, environmental, social and economical studies related to aquaculture development. Experience in obtaining funds from government agencies, research and educational institutions and the private sector both in the U.S. and abroad.
For the past twelve years, co-organizer and primary instructor of the Annual UM-IATTC Tuna Workshop at the Achotines Laboratory in Panama, C.A., attended by leading tuna scientists and biologists/farmers from the world over. Consultant to private and government sectors and universities and in a number of countries, including some of the largest companies in the world (list and/or references available upon request). Scientific Coordinator of Hatchery and Offshore Aquaculture Projects conducted in partnership with the private sector and the government. Currently leading the Aquaculture Program at Rosenstiel School University of Miami and carrying out interdisciplinary research and technology transfer for the development of sustainable aquaculture projects in the US, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, the Bahamas, China, Turkey, Norway and other Asian, European and Latin American countries. Prior to joining the faculty of the University of Miami in 1998, I was a research scientist at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
In addition, I’m a member of the Board of Directors of the Cape Eleuthera Foundation/ Cape Eleuthera Institute/The Island School in the Bahamas; a Science Advisory Board member, Seafood Watch, Monterey Bay Aquarium; a Science Steering Committee member, World Wildlife Fund SCAD; an Independent Expert Evaluator, EU Commission Directorate Gen. Research & Innovation; an Independent Expert Evaluator, Panel Member, Norwegian Research Council; and an Independent Expert Science Advisor, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research .
Education
| 1978 | B.Sc. Biological Oceanography, University of Rio Grande |
| 1985 | M.Sc. Aquaculture and Fishery Management, University of Stirling |
| 1992 | Ph.D. Marine Biology and Fisheries, University of Miami |
Memberships
ASSOCIATIONS AND NATIONAL PANELS
United Nations Food and Agriculture organization (F.A.O.) GESAMP (Group of Experts) for assessing and making recommendations for the development of sustainable offshore aquaculture.
Expert Advisor, European Union Science Advisory Board (2012)
Seafood Watch (Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California) Science Advisory Board Member 2012-present
World Wildlife Fund Steering Committee Member for the Seriola and Cobia Aquaculture Dialogue (SCAD) 2011-present
National Marine Aquaculture Task Force (National Committee), a 10-member committee who met 6 times in 2006-2007 to elaborate the document titled” Sustainable Marine Aquaculture: Fulfilling the Promise; Managing the Risks”, with recommendations for sustainable aquaculture development in the US
Florida Oceans and Coastal Resource Council: Aquaculture Sub-Committee (Member; UM is Lead Organization)
Florida Marine Aquaculture Working Group (FL State Dept. Agriculture Committee, Division of Aquaculture), a 12-membre panel who met 4 times in 2005-2006 to elaborate the document titled “Best Management Practices”, with recommendations for sustainable aquaculture development in the State of Florida.
Board of Directors, Cape Eleuthera Foundation (Cape Eleuthera Institute and Sal Creek Middle School), South Eleuthera, the Bahamas. 2003-present
Board of Advisors, Island School, South Eleuthera, Bahamas (Lawrenceville High School, New Jersey) 1998-present
Vice-President of the Caribbean Aquaculture Society (CAA) 2003-2005
World Aquaculture Society (WAS) member1987-present
Board of Directors, Caribbean Aquaculture Association (CAA) 1997-2000
U.S. Representative, Latin American Aquaculture Association, Asociación Latinoamericana de Acuacultura (ALA) 1996-present
U.S. Representative, Brazilian Association of Aquaculture, Associação Brasileira de Aquicultura (ABrAq) 1996-2002
Florida Aquaculture Association (FAA) Member, 1997-
National Aquaculture Association (NAA) Member,1997-
Aquaculture Advisory Committee, University of Florida. July 1999-
Commercial Marine Foodfish Aquacultural Production in Florida (DEP Panel Member) 1998
Florida Ocean Sciences Panel: member
SEACon - South East Aquaculture Consortium (Co-chair)
