Last year, we welcomed Fulbright scholar Catherine Chambers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks to Iceland to conduct a study on the social dimensions of fisheries. Her work was so well received that Hólar University College asked her stay to continue her research through the Blönduós Academic Center and assess the differences and implications of different fisheries management systems. Some of the questions Catherine would like to answer include: Can a truly sustainable fishery be good for fish and bad for fishing livelihoods? How do different management schemes affect’s people’s abilities to access resources and engage in culturally and historically important livelihoods? Aside from her academic background in anthropology, marine biology, and economics, Catherine brings experience as crew on fishing vessels in Alaska. This is another example of the partnerships and trust that typifies relations between American and Icelandic educational institutions.
