Hello! My name is Morgan Plummer, a student focused on Conservation Planning at the UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. It has been a long journey to get to where I am, but it has been rewarding every step of the way. Inspired by nature and courses geared toward exploring the complex and interconnected dynamics of the world, I seek to understand the socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental aspects of how we can protect and conserve our natural landscapes.
At Bren, I worked with fellow students on examining the relationships between marine protected areas, ocean access, and environmental justice for subsistence fishers in California. Subsistence fishers, individuals who fish for personal, family, or community consumption or sharing, depend on marine species for their livelihoods. In particular, we analyzed the social implications of pollution threats against those marine species targeted by subsistence fishers.
Upon researching, we determined that the top species targeted by subsistence fishers are impacted by pollution in various regions along the California coast. In particular, Los Angeles and San Francisco see high levels of pollution overlapping targeted fish populations. This is detrimental for subsistence fishers as their health is at risk due to the consumption of contaminated fish. Moreover, environmental degradation further jeopardizes the sustainability of subsistence fishing in these areas, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address pollution and safeguard both the ecosystem and the health of subsistence fishers.
My work on this project allowed me to delve into the intricacies surrounding the multifaceted challenges subsistence fishers confront. Exploring the regions where subsistence fishers reside not only unveiled environmental dynamics but also shed light on the socio-economic disadvantages prevalent in these communities. By identifying the top species targeted by subsistence fishers and examining the repercussions of pollution along the California coast, I uncovered a crucial intersection between ecological well-being and the sustenance of these communities. My involvement in this project has not only deepened my appreciation for the resilience of subsistence fishers but has also equipped me with a more holistic understanding of the systemic challenges they face.
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