About the Directorate
The Directorate of Socioeconomics Research promotes the sustainable use of Blue Economy resources through socioeconomic assessment, economic valuation, benefit sharing, market analysis and community development across marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic ecosystems.
Its multidisciplinary research addresses the cross-cutting human and economic factors that shape aquatic resource management — informing policy and investment and driving equitable, community-centred development.
Departments & Sections
Three technical departments deliver socioeconomic research across the Blue Economy.
Socioeconomic Assessment & Monitoring
Studies cultural and religious practices, marine cultural heritage, ocean governance, indigenous knowledge, gender dynamics and conflict, and the impacts of human activity on Blue Economy use.
Economic Valuation & Marketing
Undertakes economic valuation of aquatic resources, benefit-sharing research, cost-benefit analyses and cost-effective market information systems.
Economic Analysis & Community Development
Conducts livelihood studies, value-chain and investment analyses, and builds linkages for participatory aquatic resource management.
Key Areas of Focus
Five focus areas address the human dimensions of aquatic resource management.
Socioeconomic Assessment & Monitoring
Tracking the social and economic dimensions of marine and freshwater resource use.
Economic Valuation & Benefit Sharing
Valuing aquatic resources and designing equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms.
Market Research & Analysis
Market information systems and analysis to inform policy and investment.
Economic Analysis & Community Development
Livelihoods, value chains and community-centred development.
Conflict Resolution
Addressing resource-use conflict to support sustainable, shared management.
How We Work
Translating socioeconomic evidence into policy and community impact.
Policy Advisory & Briefs
Policy advisory on marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic environments, including the development of policy briefs.
Partnerships
Collaboration with research bodies, universities and county governments for participatory management.
Capacity Building & Outreach
Stakeholder capacity building, research dissemination and multidisciplinary research coordination.