Nathan J. Bennett

Dr. Nathan J. Bennett is a researcher, teacher, and independent consultant specializing in the human dimensions of marine conservation, small-scale fisheries, and equity in ocean governance. He serves as the Global Oceans Lead Scientist at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Chair of the People and the Ocean Specialist Group under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). His work focuses on social equity, justice, and the integration of social science into marine policy and conservation.

• Key affiliations: WWF, IUCN, Principal Investigator of The Peopled Seas Initiative
• Research areas: Blue economy, coastal communities, climate change adaptation, marine social science

Bennett’s research emphasizes the need to address social justice in ocean policy, particularly in response to rapid blue growth and environmental governance. He advocates for organizational capacity-building in marine social science, mainstreaming equity, and inclusive governance frameworks. His recent work explores six recommendations for ocean-focused organizations to operationalize equity and justice internally as a foundation for external efforts.

His publications and policy briefs highlight risks of unchecked ocean development, strategies for sustainable fisheries, and the role of interdisciplinary science in achieving equitable marine governance. Collaborations span Canada, Mexico, Thailand, and the Mediterranean, with contributions to journals like Frontiers in Marine Science, Marine Policy, and Nature Sustainability.

Contact: nathan.j.bennett.1@gmail.com