Austin Humphries

Austin Humphries is a Professor of Aquaculture/Fisheries at the University of Rhode Island (URI), affiliated with the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CBLS) and the Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science (FAVS) department. His research focuses on the interplay between social and ecological systems in fisheries management, emphasizing solutions that balance marine ecosystem health with coastal community wellbeing. He has conducted fieldwork globally, including Indonesia, Ghana, and East Africa, and collaborates closely with fishers and local communities.

Dr. Humphries holds a Ph.D. from Rhodes University (2014), an M.S. from Louisiana State University (2010), and a B.S. from the University of Vermont (2006). His work integrates ecological data with socioeconomic analyses, using models to explore trade-offs in fisheries management, gear innovations, and climate resilience strategies. Recent projects include sustainable mud crab farming in Micronesia, evaluating distant water fleet impacts, and assessing climate vulnerability in Vietnamese lobster fisheries.

His research highlights the need for collaborative, ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries governance. Key themes include food security, biodiversity conservation, and the adaptation of coastal communities to climate change. He mentors students and postdocs who advance into leadership roles in marine policy and management.

Dr. Humphries has published extensively on coral reef biomass, gear modifications, fisheries traceability, and oyster reef restoration. His work emphasizes actionable science for policymakers and stakeholders, aiming to bridge gaps between academic research and on-the-ground management challenges.