Steve Gaines

Steven Gaines is Director of the Marine Science Institute and Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology at the University of California at Santa Barbara. He is a marine ecologist who seeks conservation solutions by building better pipelines between innovations in ocean science and effective marine policy and management. He has nearly 150 scientific publications, including 4 books. His scientific work has made extensive contributions to the design of marine reserve networks, our understanding of the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems, and more sustainable fisheries management using market based reforms. Steve helped develop several major programs in conservation science that bring together interdisciplinary teams to tackle problems in novel ways. Two noteworthy examples include PISCO (Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans), a long term consortium studying marine ecosystems of the west coast of the United States, and the Sustainable Fisheries Group, a collaboration between academia, NGOs, and managers that promotes the development and implementation of innovative fisheries reforms. In addition to his science contributions, Steve has been a leader in promoting more effective communication of ocean science through international courses on the Ocean Science Policy Interface, the Luce Science to Solutions program, and the Digital Ocean project, which employs social networking tools to promote more effective exchanges of ideas. Dr. Gaines holds a PhD from Oregon State University. He has received numerous awards, including a Pew Fellowship in marine conservation.