KINGSTON, R.I. – Oct. 5, 2021 – A leading Canadian bioeconomics and marine ecosystem researcher will speak at the University of Rhode Island’s Honors Colloquium, “Sustaining Our Shores,” Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.

Rashid Sumaila is a professor and Canada Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Ocean and Fisheries Economics at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, and the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia. He will discuss  “Infinity Fish: Economics and the Future of Fish and Fisheries” in Edwards Hall. To watch the free, public lecture online, go to the colloquium schedule on the day of the event and click next to Sumaila’s name.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, ALL attendees will be REQUIRED to show either a vaccination card OR university ID.  Also, everyone attending will be required to be masked while inside the building. Attendees must register and obtain tickets in advance. 

Sumaila’s research focuses on bioeconomics, marine ecosystem valuation and the analysis of global issues such as fisheries subsidies, marine protected areas, illegal fishing, climate change, marine plastic pollution, and oil spills. Sumaila has experience working in fisheries and natural resource projects in Norway, Canada and the North Atlantic region, Namibia and the Southern African region, Ghana and the West African region and Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

Sumaila earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Bergen and bachelor of science degree in quantity surveying from the Ahmadu Bello University. He is widely published and cited. He won the 2017 Volvo Environment Prize and was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2019. 

His interest in the environment started early in life when his grandfather used to say people should “walk as if the ground feels pain” – this is sophisticated environmentalism! His specific interest in ocean and fisheries was awakened in Norway. Sumaila enjoys exploring novel ideas and mentoring future thinkers. He wakes up each day thinking of how best to contribute to ensuring that the global community leaves a healthy ocean to its children.

Gianna Cardarelli, a University of Rhode Island Public Relations major and intern in its Department of Marketing and Communications, wrote this press release.