David Kroodsma
About David Kroodsma
David Kroodsma serves as the Director of Research and Innovation at Global Fishing Watch, where he leads a team of data scientists and engineers. He has a diverse background in environmental research and communication, having held various roles in organizations focused on climate change and marine conservation.
Current Role at Global Fishing Watch
David Kroodsma serves as the Director of Research and Innovation at Global Fishing Watch since 2017. In this role, he leads a team of 12 data scientists and machine learning engineers. He coordinates with a global network of researchers who utilize data to enhance understanding of fishing activities and their impacts on marine ecosystems. His leadership focuses on advancing research methodologies and innovative approaches to tackle challenges in global fisheries management.
Previous Experience in Research and Outreach
Before joining Global Fishing Watch, David Kroodsma held various positions that contributed to his expertise in research and outreach. He worked as a Public Relations Manager and Outreach Coordinator at Climate Ride from 2008 to 2009. He also served as Research Program Manager at SkyTruth from 2015 to 2017. Additionally, he was a Data Journalist at Climate Central in 2011 and a Research Analyst at Skoll Global Threats Fund from 2011 to 2014.
Educational Background in Earth Systems and Physics
David Kroodsma studied at Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from 1997 to 2001. He continued his education at the same institution, achieving a Master of Science in Earth Systems from 1997 to 2002. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his work in environmental research and data analysis.
Research Contributions and Publications
David Kroodsma has made significant contributions to research in marine conservation and environmental science. He co-led a study published in Nature that utilized machine learning and satellite imagery to map large vessel traffic and offshore infrastructure. His research has uncovered critical insights, such as the presence of untracked industrial fishing vessels and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global fishing activity. He also published 'The Bicycle Diaries,' a book that documents his journey across Latin America to raise awareness about climate change.
Achievements in Environmental Research
Throughout his career, David Kroodsma has been recognized for his research achievements. His work has highlighted important trends in marine activity, including a 16 percent increase in oil structures and a ninefold increase in China's offshore wind energy from 2017 to 2021. His research also indicated a global drop in fishing activity by about 12 percent during the pandemic, demonstrating the influence of external factors on fishing practices.