It all started when…

My fascination with the ocean began in a small coastal village in Sri Lanka, where my father's stories of his favorite reef and its diverse inhabitants sparked my curiosity. This early exposure to marine life inspired me to pursue a degree in Marine Biology at the University of Hawai'i, where I gained a solid foundation in the complexities of marine ecosystems. After graduating, I joined the Marine Debris Team at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). During my time there, I was part of a dedicated team that removed 57 tons of discarded fishing gear from the coral reefs in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This work underscored the critical impact of human activities on marine environments and strengthened my resolve to contribute to safeguarding our oceans. Following this, I transitioned to NOAA's benthic team, where I focused on assessing the health and demographics of coral populations across various Pacific islands. This role involved extensive fieldwork and data analysis, providing me with a deeper understanding of coral reef ecosystems and the challenges they face. My graduate studies further expanded my knowledge by exploring the intricate relationships between humans and nature within social-ecological systems. I explored how human activities influence marine environments and examined integrated management approaches that can achieve a sustainable balance between human needs and the health of marine ecosystems. From the shores of Sri Lanka to the diverse marine environments worldwide, my work remains driven by a commitment to understanding and protecting ocean ecosystems.

My research...

My research interests lie at the intersection of remote sensing applications and social-ecological systems. I am particularly intrigued by how a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem dynamics can enhance methods that are both ecologically sound and socially relevant. I am fascinated by the unexpected overlaps and mutual insights that these two distinct disciplines can offer. Methodologically, I focus on GIS applications and spatial analysis as tools to deepen our understanding and management of these complex systems.

What I've written...

My peer-reviewed publications are listed here. Feel free to email me for copies of any of them. 

Contact me…

Email:

aviv@hawaii.edu

Address:

Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
University of Hawaii at Manoa
PO Box 1346 (for US Postal Service)
46-007 Lilipuna Road (For all other carriers)
Kaneohe, HI 96744 USA