NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center has welcomed a new leader, Dr. Charles Littnan, whose path from Minnesota to the Pacific Islands speaks volumes about his dedication to marine biology and fisheries science. From jokes made in his high school yearbook which read “good luck with the marine biology thing!” to now heading the science center, his journey reflects a lifelong commitment to an evolving environment.
The science center plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge, promoting sustainable fisheries management, and contributing to the conservation of marine ecosystems across the Pacific. The Pacific Islands region has the largest jurisdiction of all NOAA Fisheries’ regional science centers, and encompasses an Exclusive Economic Zone of more than 1.7 million square nautical miles. Littnan has a strong vision of how the science center can foster the needs of the region environmentally, culturally, and economically, and aid the needs of those who call it home.
When the ʻīlioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seal) population was at a critically low point, Littnan led the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program from 2007 to 2017. Through successful collaborative efforts and unique circumstances of strong funding, extensive data collected by his predecessors, and a lack of transboundary challenges (since the mammals are endemic to Hawaiʻi), the population increased to “30 percent larger than it otherwise would have been.” This is just one example of his commitment to collaborative, place-based science helping to achieve successful management outcomes.
“We’ve all done incredible, hard work. We were gifted with several factors coming in that worked to our advantage. I will never stop being thankful for the rare opportunity and great team we had collectively,” he says.
The delicate balance between sustainable fisheries and conservation is a challenge that occupies Littnan’s mind, as the two sectors are often regarded as being at odds with each other.
“The Hawaiʻi-based longline tuna fishery is the fifth largest fishery in the country, in terms of value at $125 million dollars per year. From a fish perspective, it is an incredible, sustainable fishery.” However, he adds, “Bycatch with sea turtles, seabirds, and false killer whales continues to be a problem. Nobody wants to be catching turtles or false killer whales, and we are all working on strategies to mitigate interactions. We have had success, but there is still work to be done.” He points to filling data gaps and applying evolving technologies to help find solutions, while incorporating collaboration and a commitment to environmental justice.
In all these efforts, Littnan recognizes the importance of community engagement. Under his leadership, the science center strives for much greater inclusivity, especially in place-based management of natural resources. The challenge is incorporating inclusion not just in scientific outreach, but also by creating a workforce that mirrors the diversity of the Pacific communities.
“I believe the work we do would be enhanced if our workforce was from the islands on which we work,” he says. He thinks that effort needs to start with engaging students. “We need to represent the communities we serve across the Pacific, go out and have these amazing conversations with students at a variety of levels, inspire them and help them see a place in NOAA to help support their communities’ futures.” Littnan is currently working with partners to create more accessible pathways for Pacific Island students to engage with the federal program in their professional development.
“The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center I see in 20 years: we will be the beacon for scientific excellence in the Pacific for marine science. We will have the data products and accessibility that all of our collaborators need to make their decisions. We will have a balanced portfolio that is serving our region appropriately, and most importantly, we are going to be doing it with a workforce that is more representative of the people we serve across the Pacific.”
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