Sean Godwin

Sean Godwin serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Davis, based at the Bodega Marine Laboratory since September 2023. His academic work centers on evidence-based marine conservation, with active collaborations including the Pacific Salmon Foundation and White Abalone Captive Breeding Program to address critical species survival challenges.

Godwin's research integrates field experiments, large-scale data analysis, and statistical modeling to investigate aquaculture sustainability, environmental stressors on wild salmon, and endangered abalone recovery. His interdisciplinary approach bridges marine ecology with practical conservation management, emphasizing partnerships with Indigenous communities and policy stakeholders to translate scientific findings into actionable strategies for ecosystem resilience.

Recent publications reveal consistent focus on fisheries science governance and aquaculture impacts, particularly regarding independent advisory systems for government decision-making and sea lice management in salmon farming. His work demonstrates methodological diversity across ecological modeling, policy analysis, and field-based conservation interventions within Pacific marine ecosystems.

Beyond research, Godwin co-authored the comprehensive Pacific Salmon Field Guide, provides scientific support to Mamalilikulla, ‘Namgis, and Kwikwasut’lnuxw Haxwa’mis First Nations in salmon farm transitions, serves on COSEWIC for species at risk assessments, and contributes to Salmon Coast Society as a board member. His laboratory at Bodega Marine Laboratory drives collaborative projects addressing urgent marine conservation priorities through community-engaged science.