Yonat Swimmer, PhD

My career has taken a number of turns, as originally I was focused on the physiology and behavior of sea turtles. In the past decade, my work included aspects of experimental research on bycatch mitigation, including the field work on research vessels, data analyses, and communicating the scientific results. More recently, I have focused my attention on application of the science into policy and management of marine fisheries, both domestically as well internationally.

I currently serve as a U.S. delegate and Chair roles for various scientific bodies of tuna regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOS), including International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), and the Inter American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). I work to facilitate and engage in scientific conversations in RFMO scientific and technical committees, with an emphasis on promotion of effective conservation and management measures to minimize impacts to protected species on the high seas. I appreciate the challenges that this work brings.