Nathan Bennett

Nathan Bennett is an Honorary Research Associate at the University of British Columbia's School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. He holds dual roles as the Principal Investigator of The Peopled Seas Initiative and Chair of the People and the Ocean Specialist Group for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Bennett’s work focuses on the human dimensions of marine conservation, small-scale fisheries governance, climate adaptation, and equitable blue economy development. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, emphasizing social equity, justice, and community engagement in ocean policy.

Dr. Bennett earned his PhD in Geography from the University of Victoria (2013). He has received prestigious awards including the Trudeau Doctoral Scholarship, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, and Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award. His research spans Canada, Mexico, Thailand, and the Mediterranean, addressing global challenges in marine conservation and sustainable development.

Key research themes include advancing equity in marine conservation, analyzing social impacts of blue growth initiatives, and fostering inclusive governance frameworks. Bennett collaborates with NGOs, governments, and Indigenous communities to ensure policies align with ecological sustainability and human well-being. His recent work highlights risks of ocean grabbing, environmental justice in fisheries, and the role of Indigenous knowledge in conservation.

Scientific contributions include co-editing the Nature Sustainability special issue on equity and the blue economy, developing frameworks for just marine governance, and advocating for socially informed ocean science. Bennett’s interdisciplinary approach bridges social sciences, policy, and ecology to address systemic inequities in ocean management.