Jennifer O'Leary

My work focuses human disturbance and environmental variability affect persistence and recovery of marine systems, and how we can manage complex systems for long term sustainability. I have worked for over 20 years designing research and conservation projects to address conservation challenges in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. I use a combination of  tools including capacity building, field studies, collaborative research, development of management strategies, and long-term data collection.

I work closely with managers and communities to develop ways to integrate science and conservation and develop new scientific tools that facilitate management of marine resources. For 11-years, I have co-lead the SMART Seas Network and Strategic Adaptive Management Approach with the Kenya Wildlife Service, Marine Parks & Reserves Unit of Tanzania, and the Seychelles National Parks Authority to help improve MPA management effectiveness.  My specialties are coral reefs, seagrass beds, MPA and fisheries management.