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JOHN E. PARKS

    Natural resource management for a secure future — on Earth and beyond.

    Summary

    John E. Parks is a senior natural resource management professional with more than 30 years of experience designing and implementing solutions that strengthen environmental and civil security in coastal and marine systems worldwide. As Founder and Principal Ecologist of ExoScientific LLC, he translates proven marine and coastal resource management expertise into practical frameworks for sustainable human presence beyond Earth, with a focus on coral-based wetlab infrastructure and closed-loop ecological systems for lunar bases as preparation for Mars. He also provides strategic advisory services on in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) governance and sustainable resource frameworks for lunar, Mars, and deep-space environments.

    In parallel, he serves as a part-time Senior Associate at Tetra Tech, providing flexible, on-call technical services in marine resources and maritime security while retaining an active security clearance. His career has included Chief of Party roles with US Government-funded initiatives in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, as well as senior leadership positions with NOAA, The Nature Conservancy, and World Wildlife Fund. He is the author or co-author of more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and technical works garnering more than 5,200 citations (h-index 23).

    Parks brings a distinctive bridge between marine and terrestrial sustainability science and the emerging New Space Economy, with a commitment to practical, participatory, and evidence-based solutions.

    Work experience

    February 2026Present

    Founder & Principal Ecologist

    ExoScientific LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii (US)

    ExoScientific LLC (ExoSci) is a Hawaii-based New Space Economy firm originally founded in 2017 and re-launched in 2026. The firm translates proven marine and coastal resource management expertise into practical solutions for sustainable human presence beyond Earth, with a current focus on lunar base development and testing of coral-based wetlab infrastructure and closed-loop ecological systems in preparation for Mars settlement.

    Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in natural resource management, sustainability, and ocean governance, ExoSci develops bioware and ecological life support systems that leverage marine-derived technologies for offworld habitation. The firm also provides strategic advisory services on sustainable in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) governance frameworks for lunar, Mars, and deep space environments.

    ExoSci operates in parallel with the founder’s part-time Senior Associate role at Tetra Tech, where he retains an active TS/SCI clearance and provides flexible technical services in marine resources and maritime security.

    July 2025Present

    Senior Associate

    Tetra Tech, Honolulu, Hawaii (US)

    Serves as a Senior Associate in Tetra Tech’s Technical Services unit, providing flexible, on-call (part-time) technical expertise in marine resource management and maritime security to U.S. federal, commercial, and international clients. Technical areas of specialization include the management and sustainable use of living and non-living marine resources, strengthening the security and transparency of natural resource supply chains, enhancing maritime domain awareness and maritime security, and countering malign foreign influence in the maritime domain. Works under an active TS/SCI security clearance to meet U.S. Government client and partner nation needs across the Indo-Pacific and other priority regions.

    July 2023June 2025

    Senior Associate

    Tetra Tech, Arlington, Virginia (US)

    Served as a Senior Associate in Tetra Tech’s Environment and Natural Resources sector, leading new business development for the firm’s international marine and coastal resource management portfolio. Served as Project Manager for the USAID Sustainable Fish Asia Technical Support Activity and provided technical support to the USAID Measuring Impact II Program in the implementation of the Distant Water Fishing Fleet Research Agenda. Coordinated Tetra Tech activities under U.S. Government-funded initiatives focused on countering foreign malign influence in the maritime domain, including through the Countering PRC Influence Fund. Served as interim (start-up) Project Manager for the USAID Non-Revenue Water Management Project in the West Bank, Palestine. Worked under an active security clearance in support of U.S. Government clients.

    November 2021June 2023

    Chief of Party

    Tetra Tech, Bangkok, Thailand

    Led the USAID Sustainable Fish Asia (SuFiA) Technical Support Activity, a $9.4 million regional project working to improve the management of marine biodiversity and fisheries resources across the Indo-Pacific through increased capacity to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. SuFiA was developed in support of the U.S.-ASEAN Strategic Partnership and the U.S. vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. As Chief of Party, directed all project operations and strategy, managed a team of full-time staff and long-term consultants across 10 countries, and ensured successful delivery of regional technical assistance from the Regional Development Mission for Asia of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The project advanced regional fisheries policy and regulatory frameworks, promoted sustainable fishing practices and fair labor standards in seafood supply chains, and strengthened fisheries management capacity in priority countries. Worked under an active US Government security clearance.

    July 2020October 2021

    Senior Associate

    Tetra Tech, Arlington, Virginia (US)

    Served as a Senior Associate in Tetra Tech’s Environment and Natural Resources sector, managing projects within the firm’s global coastal and marine resource management portfolio while leading business development efforts. Served as Lead Proposal Writer and, following award, acting Chief of Party and Project Manager of the USAID Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (May–September 2021). Also served as Research Integrator in support of the USAID Distant Water Fishing Fleet Research Agenda. Worked under an active security clearance to support U.S. Government clients and other bilateral and multilateral donors.

    April 2018June 2020

    Chief of Party

    Tetra Tech, Bangkok, Thailand

    Led the USAID Oceans and Fisheries Partnership, a $20 million, 5-year regional project working to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, strengthen sustainable fisheries management, and conserve marine biodiversity across Southeast Asia. As Chief of Party, directed all project operations and strategy from mid-term through successful closeout, managing a team of 30 full-time staff and long-term consultants across multiple countries for the Regional Development Mission for Asia, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Oversaw the full, on-time delivery of all project objectives and deliverables. The project received a 2019 Technology Merit Award from the Environmental Business Journal and the 2019 Tetra Tech Excellence Award for Technical Achievement. Worked under an active US Government security clearance.

    February 2017March 2018

    Founder and Ecologist

    Exoscientific LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii (US)

    Exoscientific (ExoSci) was a Limited Liability Company registered in the State of Hawaii (USA) focused on building humanity's capacity to thrive in challenging and hostile offworld environments. ExoSci worked in partnership with various actors from the NewSpace community, including other private start-up companies, entrepreneurs and investors, government agencies, and scientific research institutions. ExoSci addressed client-driven needs relating to offworld adaptation, habitation, and exploration through technological and strategic solutions and specialized human resource capabilities.

    November 2010March 2018

    Founder and Executive Member

    Marine Management Solutions LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii (US)

    Marine Management Solutions (MMS) worked with local communities, indigenous leaders, resource users, government agencies, non-governmental groups, and donors to design and implement marine resource management solutions that strengthen both environmental and civil security within coastal communities around the world.

    Client services provided by MMS included: (1) Developing sustainable marine resource livelihoods in post-conflict/civil unrest settings; (2) Capacity building for fisheries collaborative management and community-based marine conservation; (3) Capacity building in the design, planning, and evaluation of marine protected area (MPA) sites and networks; (4) Capacity building for climate change adaptation in coastal communities; (5) Measurement of management effectiveness and conservation impact; (6) Facilitation of agency/organization strategic planning, program development, and project design; and (7) Conducting applied, interdisciplinary research.

    Core principles guiding the work of MMS included: (a) Active community involvement and participation in local management and decision-making, including by disenfranchised or marginalized stakeholders; (b) A collaborative management approach to reduce conflict, encourage peace and order, and promote the rule of law; (c) Local empowerment that encourages self-determination, well-being, and community resilience; (d) Ethnic, gender, religious, and intergenerational equity to ensure all voices are heard and full, relevant experience and knowledge is applied; and (e) A rigorous commitment to critical analysis and objectivity to provide the most useful solutions.

    Current and past clients included: Big Ocean (global); the Coastal States Stewardship Foundation (U.S. Pacific Islands); Conservation International (global); the Coral Triangle Initiative (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste); EcoAdapt (Pacific Islands); Hawaii Conservation Alliance (Hawaii); Liberia Ministry of Agriculture, Bureau of National Fisheries (Liberia); Locally Managed Marine Area Network (Fiji); Malama Maunalua (Hawaii); Marianas Trench Marine National Monument (CNMI); Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (Hawaii); Partners for Global Research and Development (Pacific Islands; global); Planning Consultants of Hawaii (Hawaii); Social Solutions International, Inc. (Pacific Islands); State of Hawaii, Division of Aquatic Resources (Hawaii); Tetra Tech ARD (Southeast Asia; Pacific Islands); National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (U.S.); The Nature Conservancy (Hawaii); The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Japan; global); Tonga Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Forests, and Fisheries (Tonga); The University of Washington (global); U.S. Agency for International Development (Regional Development Mission for Asia; Pacific Islands Region); U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (U.S. Pacific Islands); and World Wildlife Fund (global).

    November 2008October 2010

    Senior Advisor

    The Nature Conservancy, Honolulu, Hawaii (US)

    Position Level: Director 1
    Chapter Office: Hawaii
    Program: Community-based Marine Conservation
    Primary Responsibilities:

    (1) Marine program management, including: (a) guidance and oversight of staff (5 direct reports; 9 total staff); (b) financial management and grants administration; (c) program and staff performance management; and (d) external and internal technical reporting. Reported to the Senior Director of Hawaii's marine team (both community-based marine and research and science programs).

    (2) Day- to-day advising and guidance to staff on community-based marine conservation projects around Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Included leading team in strategic project planning, development of effectiveness measures, and the provision of on-site technical assistance to local project partners and community groups.

    (3) Management of marine program fundraising efforts, including prospective funding partnership strategy development, grant writing and submission, and donor relationship development and maintenance. Raised US$5.2 million in program funding in 2 years, including a US$3.4 million award made under the U.S. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that cleared 26 acres of invasive algae for coral reef restoration and created/supported 80 jobs.

    (4) Provision of technical assistance, upon request, to TNC Offices and partners in Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, including in support of the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, the Micronesia Challenge, and the Palau Conservation Society.

    Received the highest level of staff performance evaluation ratings possible throughout duration of responsibilities.

    October 2004October 2008

    Federal Officer

    U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, Hawaii (US)

    Title: Coastal Management Specialist for the Pacific Islands

    Level: GS-12 Step 3 (federal civil service)

    Line Office: National Ocean Service

    Duty Stations: Honolulu, Hawaii and Silver Spring, Maryland

    Primary Duties:

    (1) Served as lead federal government representative on the implementation of the national Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (Pub.L. 92-583, 86 Stat. 1280; 16 U.S. Code § 1451-1464, Chapter 33) within the U.S. Pacific Island jurisdictions of the State of Hawaii, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Territory of Guam. Supported coastal resource management efforts on behalf of the U.S. government within the three Freely Associated States of Micronesia: the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

    (2) Served as the designated federal grants management officer charged with oversight and management of >US$8 million in annual, active federal award funding provided (via Congress) to the U.S. Pacific Island jurisdictions in support of new and ongoing coastal resource management programs and coral reef management projects. Coordinated financial management accounting and reporting with the U.S. Treasury Department on behalf of NOAA's Coastal Programs Division with respect to coastal management grants made to the U.S. Pacific Islands. Completed all required federal grants management and procurement training associated with the duties of the federal position.

    (3) Built international marine and coastal resource management capacity on behalf of the U.S.
    government in the Bahamas, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, China, Fiji, Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam, upon invitation by international governmental and non-governmental partners.

    Received the highest level of staff performance evaluation ratings possible throughout duration of duties. Was awarded a formal commendation of merit within service record.

    October 1999September 2004

    Research Associate

    World Resources Institute, Washington, US

    Served as a researcher within the Biological Resources Program. Raised US$7.5 million in grant funding for research projects and collaborating partner institutions and organizations. Seconded to the Community Conservation Network (Honolulu, Hawaii) by the World Resources Institute from June 2002 to September 2004 through a collaborative research agreement between the two organizations.

    Primary research projects:

    (1) Investigation into the role of collaborative fisheries management for reducing fisheries conflict and civil unrest in coastal communities in Southeast Asia.

    (2) Conceptualization, design, and initiation of the Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) Network in order to test the conditions under which community-based and collaborative marine resource management works best, and why.

    (3) Development, pilot site testing, and promotion of measures designed to evaluate the management effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) through the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas.

    (4) Investigation into the small-scale aquaculture of coral reef and live rock as an alternative livelihood for reducing wild extraction and fishing pressure on coral reef ecosystems in Southeast Asia.

    September 1995September 1999

    Program Officer

    World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Washington, US

    Served as program staff (both Program Officer and Senior Program Officer) and a field-based on-retainer consultant to the USAID-funded (US$120 million) Biodiversity Support Program, within WWF's Research and Development Division (later, renamed "Conservation Science").

    Worked as the South Pacific Officer within the Biodiversity Conservation Network, a USAID grants-based program designed to systematically test hypotheses relating to using an enterprise approach for community-based conservation projects throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Worked closely with program partners on marine conservation projects in Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji. Led field-based capacity building efforts to design and implement biological and socioeconomic monitoring and evaluation efforts at community-based conservation projects throughout the Indo-Pacific, in support of programmatic hypothesis testing efforts. Managed multiple small (< US$200 thousand) and large (US$250 thousand to $1.0 million) project awards to conservation grantees.

    September 1994August 1995

    Project Assistant, Solomon Islands Country Program

    World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) South Pacific, Western Province, Solomon Islands

    Worked within the Community Resource Conservation and Development (CRCD) Project of the Solomon Islands Country Programme at WWF-South Pacific. Based out of the CRCD Field Office in Marovo Lagoon, Western Province, Solomon Islands. Organized and trained community conservation officers on coral reef and marine invertebrate monitoring, and led a community volunteer team in the comparative evaluation of key marine resource populations between non-protected (open) and traditionally-protected ("tabu") marine areas, in support of the design and implementation of community-based marine protected areas.

    Education

    Awarded 1995

    Masters in Marine Affairs and Policy

    University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science

    Fields of Study: tropical marine ecology and coastal management (dual focus)

    Thesis: "Community-Based Marine Resource Management in the South Pacific: A Case Study in the Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands."

    Awarded 1992

    Bachelors in Behavioral Science

    University of Miami

    Fields of Study: social psychology and marine biology (dual focus)

    Publications

    Selected Publications (Highest Impact / Foundational; presented in reverse chronological order.)

    Christie, P., Bennett, N. J., Gray, N. J., Wilhelm, T. A., Lewis, N., Parks, J., Ban, N. C., Gruby, R. L., Gordon, L., Day, J., Taei, S., & Friedlander, A. M. (2017). Why people matter in ocean governance: Incorporating human dimensions into large-scale marine protected areas. Marine Policy, 84, 273–284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2017.08.002 (~253 citations, Google Scholar, July 2026 — Highly influential paper on human dimensions and equity in large-scale marine conservation.)

    Bennett, N. J., Teh, L., Ota, Y., Christie, P., Ayers, A., Day, J. C., Franks, P., Gill, D., Gruby, R. L., Kittinger, J. N., Koehn, J. Z., Lewis, N., Parks, J., Vierros, M., Whitty, T. S., Wilhelm, A., Wright, K., Aburto, J. A., Finkbeiner, E. M., Gaymer, C. F., Govan, H., Gray, N., Jarvis, R. M., Kaplan-Hallam, M., & Satterfield, T. (2017). An appeal for a code of conduct for marine conservation. Marine Policy, 81, 411–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2017.03.035 (Highly cited in marine conservation ethics and governance.)

    Mascia, M. B., Fox, H. E., Ahmadia, G. N., Glew, L., Basurto, X., Craigie, I., Geldmann, J., Gill, D., Holst, S., Jensen, O. P., Lester, S. E., McConney, P., Mumby, P. J., Nenadovic, M., Parks, J. E., & White, A. T. (2017). A novel framework for analyzing conservation impacts: Evaluation, theory, and marine protected areas. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1399 (1), 93–115. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13428 (Significant impact in conservation science.)

    Sterling, E. J., Ticktin, T., Morgan, K., Cullman, G., Alvira, D., Andrade, P., Bergamini, N., Betley, E., Burrows, K., Caillon, S., Claudet, J., Dacks, R., Eyzaguirre, P., Filardi, C., Gazit, N., Giardina, C., Jupiter, S., Kinney, K., McCarter, J., Mejia, M., Morishige, K., Newell, J., Noori, L., Parks, J., Pascua, P., Ravikumar, A., Tanguay, J., Sigouin, A., Stege, T., Stege, M., & Wali, A. (2017). Culturally grounded indicators of resilience in social-ecological systems. Environment and Society, 8(1), 63–95. https://doi.org/10.3167/ares.2017.080104 (Strongly cited in social-ecological systems and culturally grounded conservation research.)

    Wilhelm, T. A., Sheppard, C. R. C., Sheppard, A. L. S., Gaymer, C. F., Parks, J., Wagner, D., & Lewis, N. (2014). Large marine protected areas – advantages and challenges of going big. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 24 (S2), 24–30. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2499 (~192 citations, Google Scholar, July 2026 — Key reference on the science and governance of large-scale marine protected areas.)

    Toonen, R. J., Wilhelm, T. A., Maxwell, S. M., Wagner, D., Bowen, B. W., Sheppard, C. R. C., Taei, S. M., Teroroko, T., Moffitt, R., Gaymer, C. F., Morgan, L., Lewis, N., Sheppard, A. L. S., Parks, J., & Friedlander, A. M. (2013). One size does not fit all: The emerging frontier in large-scale marine conservation. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 77 (1–2), 7–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.10.039 (Highly influential in shifting discourse toward large-scale and networked marine conservation approaches.)

    Pomeroy, R., Parks, J., Pollnac, R., Campson, T., Genio, E., Marlessy, C., Holle, E., Pido, M., Nissapa, A., Boromthanarat, S., & Hue, N. T. (2007). Fish wars: Conflict and collaboration in coastal fisheries management in Southeast Asia. Marine Policy, 31 (6), 645–656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2007.03.012 (~379 citations, Google Scholar, July 2026 — Foundational work on fisheries conflict, governance, and collaborative management.)

    Agardy, T., Bridgewater, P., Crosby, M. P., Day, J., Dayton, P. K., Kenchington, R., Laffoley, D., McConney, P., Parks, J., & Peau, L. (2003). Dangerous targets? Unresolved issues and ideological clashes around marine protected areas. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 13 (4), 353–367. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.583 (~894 citations, Google Scholar, July 2026 — One of the most highly cited and influential papers in global marine protected area literature. Authors listed alphabetically; order does not reflect relative intellectual or writing contribution.)

    Pomeroy, R. S., Watson, L. M., Parks, J. E., & Cid, G. A. (2005). How is your MPA doing? A methodology for evaluating the management effectiveness of marine protected areas. Ocean & Coastal Management, 48 (7–8), 485–502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2005.05.004 (~874 citations, Google Scholar, July 2026 — Core methodology paper underpinning modern MPA evaluation practice worldwide.)

    Pomeroy, R. S., Parks, J. E., & Watson, L. M. (2004). How is your MPA doing? A guidebook of natural and social indicators for evaluating marine protected area management effectiveness. IUCN. (~422 citations, Google Scholar, July 2026 — Widely used practical guidebook that has shaped MPA assessment globally.) [Download PDF]

    These ten publications represent the most highly cited and strategically significant works across the author’s career.

    Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles (Curated selection presented alphabetically by first author. A more comprehensive list is available on the author’s ResearchGate and ORCID profiles.)

    Agardy, T., Bridgewater, P., Crosby, M. P., Day, J., Dayton, P. K., Kenchington, R., Laffoley, D., McConney, P., Parks, J., & Peau, L. (2003). Dangerous targets? Unresolved issues and ideological clashes around marine protected areas. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 13 (4), 353–367. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.583 

    Bennett, N. J., Teh, L., Ota, Y., Christie, P., Ayers, A., Day, J. C., Franks, P., Gill, D., Gruby, R. L., Kittinger, J. N., Koehn, J. Z., Lewis, N., Parks, J., Vierros, M., Whitty, T. S., Wilhelm, A., Wright, K., Aburto, J. A., Finkbeiner, E. M., Gaymer, C. F., Govan, H., Gray, N., Jarvis, R. M., Kaplan-Hallam, M., & Satterfield, T. (2017). An appeal for a code of conduct for marine conservation. Marine Policy, 81, 411–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2017.03.035 

    Christie, P., Bennett, N. J., Gray, N. J., Wilhelm, T. A., Lewis, N., Parks, J., Ban, N. C., Gruby, R. L., Gordon, L., Day, J., Taei, S., & Friedlander, A. M. (2017). Why people matter in ocean governance: Incorporating human dimensions into large-scale marine protected areas. Marine Policy, 84, 273–284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2017.08.002

    Flower, K. R., Atkinson, S. R., Brainard, R., Courtney, C., Parker, B. A., Parks, J., Pomeroy, R., & White, A. (2013). Toward ecosystem-based coastal area and fisheries management in the Coral Triangle: Integrated strategies and guidance. Coral Triangle Initiative Support Program for the U.S. Agency for International Development. [Download PDF]

    Fox, H. E., Holtzman, J. L., Haisfield, K. M., McNally, C. G., Cid, G. A., Mascia, M. B., Parks, J. E., & Pomeroy, R. S. (2014). How are our MPAs doing? Challenges in assessing global patterns in marine protected area performance. Coastal Management, 42 (3), 207–226. https://doi.org/10.1080/08920753.2014.904178 

    Govan, H., Aalbersberg, W., Tawake, A., & Parks, J. (2008). Locally-managed marine areas: A guide to supporting community-based adaptive management. Locally Managed Marine Area Network and University of the South Pacific. [Download PDF]

    Kusumaatmadja, R., Parks, J., Atkinson, S., & Dierking, J. (2004). Toward MAC certification of Hawaiian Islands collectors: A project update. SPC Live Reef Fish Information Bulletin, 12, 26–28. [Download PDF]

    Mascia, M. B., Fox, H. E., Ahmadia, G. N., Glew, L., Basurto, X., Craigie, I., Geldmann, J., Gill, D., Holst, S., Jensen, O. P., Lester, S. E., McConney, P., Mumby, P. J., Nenadovic, M., Parks, J. E., & White, A. T. (2017). A novel framework for analyzing conservation impacts: Evaluation, theory, and marine protected areas. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1399 (1), 93–115. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13428 

    Parks, J. E. (2011). Adaptive management in small-scale fisheries: A practical approach. In R. Pomeroy & N. Andrew (Eds.), Small-scale fisheries management: Frameworks and approaches for the developing world (pp. 93–114). CAB International. [Available here]

    Pomeroy, R., Parks, J., Lorenz Mrakovcich, K., & LaMonica, C. (2016). Drivers and impacts of fisheries scarcity, competition, and conflict on maritime security. Marine Policy, 67, 94–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2016.01.005 

    Pomeroy, R., Parks, J., Courtney, K., & Mattich, N. (2016). Improving marine fisheries management in Southeast Asia: Results of a regional fisheries stakeholder analysis. Marine Policy, 65, 20–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2015.12.002

    Pomeroy, R., Parks, J., Reaugh-Flower, K., Guidote, M., Govan, H., & Atkinson, S. (2015). Status and priority capacity needs for local compliance and community-supported enforcement of marine resource rules and regulations in the Coral Triangle region. Coastal Management, 43 (3), 301–328. https://doi.org/10.1080/08920753.2015.1030330 

    Pomeroy, R. S., Parks, J. E., & Balboa, C. M. (2006). Farming the reef: Is aquaculture a solution for reducing fishing pressure on coral reefs? Marine Policy, 30 (2), 111–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2004.09.001 

    Pomeroy, R. S., Parks, J. E., & Watson, L. M. (2004). How is your MPA doing? A guidebook of natural and social indicators for evaluating marine protected area management effectiveness. IUCN. [Download PDF]

    Pomeroy, R. S., Watson, L. M., Parks, J. E., & Cid, G. A. (2005). How is your MPA doing? A methodology for evaluating the management effectiveness of marine protected areas. Ocean & Coastal Management, 48 (7–8), 485–502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2005.05.004

    Pomeroy, R., Parks, J., Pollnac, R., Campson, T., Genio, E., Marlessy, C., Holle, E., Pido, M., Nissapa, A., Boromthanarat, S., & Hue, N. T. (2007). Fish wars: Conflict and collaboration in coastal fisheries management in Southeast Asia. Marine Policy, 31 (6), 645–656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2007.03.012

    Sterling, E. J., Ticktin, T., Morgan, K., Cullman, G., Alvira, D., Andrade, P., Bergamini, N., Betley, E., Burrows, K., Caillon, S., Claudet, J., Dacks, R., Eyzaguirre, P., Filardi, C., Gazit, N., Giardina, C., Jupiter, S., Kinney, K., McCarter, J., Mejia, M., Morishige, K., Newell, J., Noori, L., Parks, J., Pascua, P., Ravikumar, A., Tanguay, J., Sigouin, A., Stege, T., Stege, M., & Wali, A. (2017). Culturally grounded indicators of resilience in social-ecological systems. Environment and Society, 8 (1), 63–95. https://doi.org/10.3167/ares.2017.080104 

    Toonen, R. J., Wilhelm, T. A., Maxwell, S. M., Wagner, D., Bowen, B. W., Sheppard, C. R. C., Taei, S. M., Teroroko, T., Moffitt, R., Gaymer, C. F., Morgan, L., Lewis, N., Sheppard, A. L. S., Parks, J., & Friedlander, A. M. (2013). One size does not fit all: The emerging frontier in large-scale marine conservation. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 77 (1–2), 7–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.10.039 

    Wilhelm, T. A., Sheppard, C. R. C., Sheppard, A. L. S., Gaymer, C. F., Parks, J., Wagner, D., & Lewis, N. (2014). Large marine protected areas – advantages and challenges of going big. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 24 (S2), 24–30. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2499

    Selected Technical Reports & Policy Documents (Most significant reports / documents listed alphabetically by first author. Additional technical reports from USAID-funded projects and other initiatives are available via the author’s ResearchGate and ORCID profiles or upon request.)

    Big Ocean. (2013). Big Ocean: A shared research agenda for large-scale marine protected areas. Big Ocean Network. [Download PDF]

    Govan, H., Aalbersberg, W., Tawake, A., & Parks, J. (2008). Locally-managed marine areas: A guide to supporting community-based adaptive management. Locally Managed Marine Area Network and University of the South Pacific. [Download PDF]

    Lewis, N., Day, J. C., Wagner, D., Gaymer, C., Friedlander, A., Parks, J., Wilhelm, A., White, S., Sheppard, C., Spalding, M., San Martin, G., Skeat, A., Taei, S., Teroroko, T., & Evans, J. (2017). Large-scale marine protected areas: Guidelines for design and management (Best Practice Protected Area Guidelines Series No. 26). IUCN. [Download PDF]

    Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. (2012). Ola Nā Papa i Mālama ‘Ia: A practical plan for the technical and cultural restoration of Maui’s coral reefs. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council and Maui Coral Reef Recovery Team. [Download PDF (Version 2.0)]

    NOAA. (2009). How is your MPA managed? A guidebook for MPA management planning. Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). [Download PDF]

    NOAA & UNEP. (2012). The Honolulu Strategy: A global framework for prevention and management of marine debris. U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). [Download PDF]

    Parks, J., Aalbersberg, W., & Salafsky, N. (Eds.). (2001). Principles for community-based marine conservation in the Indo-Pacific. University of the South Pacific Press. [Download PDF]

    Parks, J., Pomeroy, R., Govan, H., & Guidote, M. (2013). Local compliance and community-supported enforcement of coastal resource rules and regulations in the Coral Triangle: Status of efforts and recommendations to build capacity. Coral Triangle Support Partnership and U.S. Coral Triangle Initiative. [Download PDF]

    Parks, J. and Salafsky, N. (2001). Fish for the future? A collaborative test of locally-managed marine areas as a biodiversity conservation and fisheries management tool in the Indo-Pacific Region. World Resources Institute. [Download PDF]

    WCPA/IUCN. (2007). Establishing marine protected area networks: Making it happen – A guide for developing national and regional capacity for building MPA networks (Non-technical summary report). IUCN. [Download PDF]

    Selected Presentations

    2026

    “Lunar Coral Propagation: Wetlabs as a Staging Platform for Mars Settlement and Terraforming”

    Moon Symposium, International Space Development Conference 2026

    McLean, Virginia, USA

    2025

    "A Framework for Responsible and Sustainable In-Situ Resource Utilization on Mars and the Asteroid Belt"

    28th Annual International Mars Society Convention

    Los Angeles, California

    2023

    "Making the Case for Red Reefs: the Utility of Coral Farming in Humanity’s Settlement of Mars"

    26th Annual International Mars Society Convention

    Tempe, Arizona

    2023

    "Foreign Malign Influence IUU Fishing and Associated Maritime Crime in the Indo-Pacific"

    4th Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Exchange (IMSE)

    Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

    2022

    “Interplanetary Application of Ecological Learning: Ten Lessons from Managing Earth’s Oceans to Guide In Situ Resource Utilization on Mars”

    25th Annual International Mars Society Convention

    Tempe, Arizona

    2021

    “Private Sector Collaboration in Southeast Asia to Promote Fisheries Sustainability and Maritime Security” (invited presentation)

    2nd Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Exchange (IMSE)

    Online

    2021

    “Five Ecological Principles for In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) on Mars to Support Settlement and Terraforming”

    24th Annual International Mars Society Convention

    Online

    2021

    “Fisheries Traceability Technologies to Combat Illegal Fishing and Decrease Conflict” (invited presentation)

    Fisheries Conflict Research Consortium 2021 Symposium

    Online

    2019

    “The Application and Implications of Electronic Fisheries Monitoring Technologies for Maritime Domain Awareness” (invited presentation)

    5th Conference for Building Maritime Shared Awareness in Southeast Asia, Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies

    Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

    2019

    “Smart Growth on Mars: A Proposed Framework for Measuring Human Well-Being and Sustainability During Settlement”

    22nd Annual International Mars Society Convention

    Los Angeles, California, USA

    2019

    “On the Frontlines: How Multi-sector Partnerships can Strengthen Maritime Security and Advance Environmentally and Socially Responsible Seafood Industry” (invited panelist)

    15th SeaWeb Seafood Summit

    Bangkok, Thailand

    2018

    “United States Private Sector Perspectives on Addressing Illegal Fishing in Southeast Asia” (invited presentation)

    6th Commanders’ Forum of the Gulf of Thailand Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative

    Bangkok, Thailand

    2018

    “The Link Between Fisheries Management and Maritime Security” (invited presentation)

    2018 United States Indo-Pacific Command Fusion Center Workshop

    Manado, Indonesia

    2017

    “Investigating the Relationship between Fisheries Conflict and Maritime Security in Southeast Asia” (invited presentation)

    Fisheries Conflict Workshop, One Earth Future

    Boulder, Colorado

    2017

    “Look to the Sea: Applying Knowledge and Lessons from the Management of Earth’s Oceans for Permanent Human Habitation on Mars”

    20th Annual International Mars Society Convention

    Irvine, California, USA

    2016

    “Ignite Conservation: Hope Spots across the Hawaiian Islands” (invited presentation)

    2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress

    Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

    2015

    “Building the Foundation for the Kanahā Beach Park Master Plan: Summary Results of Stakeholder and Public Input” (invited presentation)

    Maui County Community Visioning Workshop for the Kanahā Beach Park

    Wailuku, Hawaii, USA

    2014

    “Results of the Southeast Asia Regional Fisheries Stakeholder Analysis: Potential Strategic Directions for Future U.S. Government Investment” (invited presentation)

    USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia

    Bangkok, Thailand

    2014

    “Summary Results from Public Input on the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument Visitor's Center” (invited presentation)

    CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality

    Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)

    2013

    “Marine Protected Areas at Large Ocean Scales: History, Challenges, and Progress”

    Third International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC 3)

    Marseille, France

    2012

    “Summary Recommendations to Advance Artisanal Fisheries Collaborative Management in Liberia” (invited presentation)

    West Africa Regional Fisheries Program, Liberia Bureau of National Fisheries

    Monrovia, Liberia

    2010

    “Community-based Marine Conservation in the Pacific Islands: lessons and trends” (invited presentation)

    Holo i Moana Interdisciplinary Research Cruise, NOAA Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

    Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

    2010

    “Old Wisdom Newly Tested: Lessons from two decades of community-based marine conservation” (invited presentation)

    Maui Nui Marine Resource Council

    Māʻalaea, Maui, USA

    2009

    “Lessons Learned from How Is Your MPA Doing? Considerations for the US National System on evaluating networks of MPAs” (invited presentation)

    2009 Federal Advisory Committee Meeting of the United States National Marine Protected Areas Center

    Annapolis, Maryland, USA

    2009

    “Shared Kuleana: Pacific Island Lessons on Community-Based Management for Maunalua Bay” (invited presentation)

    Maunalua Bay Research Symposium

    Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

    2007

    “Priorities and Capacity Needs of U.S. Pacific Island Coastal Management Programs”

    2007 United States All Islands Coastal Management Meeting

    Pago Pago, American Samoa

    2006

    “Experiences and Lessons Learned from Evaluating the Management Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands” (invited presentation)

    Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and IUCN International Workshop for the Better Management of Protected Areas

    Jeju, Korea

    2004

    “Worlds Apart: A Comparative Analysis of Marine Aquarium Collector Social Attributes in Hawaii and Solomon Islands”

    Marine Ornamentals 2004

     Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

    2004

    “Panicked Public or Presumed Position? Actual Stakeholder Attitudes Reported on Marine Aquarium Trade in West Hawaii”

    Marine Ornamentals 2004

    Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

    2003

    “How Is Your MPA Doing? Using Biophysical, Socioeconomic, and Governance Indicators for Planning and Measuring Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness” (invited presentation)

    5th World Parks Congress

    Durban, South Africa

    2003

    “How Is Your MPA Doing? Introducing a Framework for Evaluating Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness”

    17th Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology

    Duluth, Minnesota, USA

    2002

    "The Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) Network: Integrating customary marine tenure with adaptive management in the Pacific Islands" (invited presentation)

    1st Regional Session of the Global Biodiversity Forum for the Pacific

    Rarotonga, Cook Islands

    2002

    “The Economics of Small-Scale Live Rock and Live Coral Culture”

    7th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation

    Rarotonga, Cook Islands

    2001

    “Locally-Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in the Indo-Pacific: Coastal Protection By and For Pacific People”

    10th Pacific Science Inter-Congress

    Tumon Bay, Guam

    2001

    “The Economics of Live Rock and Live Coral Aquaculture”

    2nd International Conference on Marine Ornamentals: Collection, Culture and Conservation

    Orlando, Florida, USA

    2001

    “Community-Based Marine Resource Management in the New Millennium” (invited presentation)

    Guest Lecturer, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

    Miami, Florida, USA

    2000

    “Networks of Locally-Managed Marine Reserves: An Alternative to Permanent No-Take Zones?”

    9th International Coral Reef Symposium

    Bali, Indonesia

    2000

    “The Role of U.S. NGOs in Marine Protected Areas of East Asia and the Pacific” (invited presentation)

    Partners Meeting of the United States Agency for International Development’s East Asia and Pacific Environmental Initiative

    Washington, D.C., USA

    1999

    “Coastal Communities and Adaptive Management: Marine Resource Sustainability Results from the Biodiversity Conservation Network”

    11th Congress of the Pacific Science Association

    Sydney, Australia

    1999

    “Developing Community-Based Marine Resource Monitoring Systems”

    13th Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology

    College Park, Maryland, USA

    1998

    “Marine Biodiversity Conservation in the Indo-Pacific: Interpreting Science, Customs, and Economics at the Local Level”

    4th International Interdisciplinary Conference on the Environment

     Washington, D.C., USA

    1998

    “Adaptive Management in Community-based Marine Conservation: Experiences and Lessons from the Indo-Pacific”

    12th Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology

    Sydney, Australia

    1997

    “The Utility of Using Participatory Aquatic Resource Transect Techniques across Freshwater and Nearshore Marine Ecosystems in Community-based Conservation Efforts”

    3rd International Interdisciplinary Conference on the Environment

    Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

    Awards and Honors

    2020

    Digital Development Award

    U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

    Project award for digital innovation and impact.

    2019

    Technology Merit Award

    Environmental Business Journal

    Project award recognizing technical achievement.

    2019

    Excellence Award in Technical Achievement

    Tetra Tech

    Project award for outstanding technical performance.

    2017

    Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (Science)

    Marquis Who’s Who

    Recognized for sustained excellence in the field over more than 20 years.

    20162017

    Invited Working Group Member

    National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS)

    Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) working group on biocultural indicators of human well-being and resilience in Pacific Island communities.

    20122015

    Invited Research Team Member

    National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC)

    Collaborative interdisciplinary research project evaluating the global performance of marine protected areas.

    2010

    Invited Expeditionary Team Member

    NOAA Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

    “Holo i Moana” research cruise (NOAA R/V Hi'ialakai R-334) conducting biological and cultural resource surveys in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

    20022004

    National Fellow

    Environmental Leadership Program
    2000

    Official U.S. Delegate

    APEC Fisheries Working Group

    Invited by the U.S. federal government to serve on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Fisheries Working Group.

    1998

    World of Difference Award

    World Wildlife Fund

    Recognized by the WWF Board of Directors for significant contributions to the organization’s mission.

    1995

    Award for Academic Excellence

    Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami
    19931995

    Graduate Fellowship

    Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami

    Certifications

    2026

    New Space Economy: Technologies, Products, Services, and Business Models

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
    2017

    Executive Space Course

    International Space University (ISU)
    2011Present

    Wilderness and Remote First Aid

    American Red Cross
    2006

    Project Management Professional (PMP)

    Project Management Institute
    1998Present

    Adult First Aid/CPR/AED

    American Red Cross
    1990Present

    Open Water Diver

    National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI)

    Associations

      • American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
      • American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
      • Mars Society (Lead, Hawaii Chapter)

    Skills & Core Competencies

    Marine Protected Area Design & Governance

    Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating marine protected areas (MPAs) and networks using ecosystem-based and participatory approaches.

    Ecosystem-Based Management

    Application of integrated, science-based approaches to manage marine and coastal ecosystems while balancing ecological integrity with human use and governance needs.

    Fisheries Management & Illegal Fishing Prevention

    Leadership in sustainable fisheries governance, combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and strengthening regional and national fisheries management frameworks.

    Maritime Security & Domain Awareness

    Experience strengthening maritime domain awareness and security, including countering malign foreign influence in the maritime domain through policy and capacity building.

    In-Situ Resource Utilization Governance

    Development of governance frameworks and policy guidance for sustainable in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) in lunar, Mars, and deep space environments.

    Closed-Loop Ecological Systems & Bioware

    Design and application of marine-derived, closed-loop ecological systems and bioware technologies to support sustainable life support and resource management in offworld habitats.

    International Development Project Leadership

    Extensive experience leading large-scale, donor-funded international development projects as Chief of Party, including strategy, operations, team management, and successful delivery.

    Business Development & Proposal Writing

    Proven ability to lead business development efforts and author winning proposals for complex international and technical projects across marine, coastal, and emerging space sectors.

    Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building

    Skilled in designing and facilitating multi-stakeholder processes, building institutional capacity, and fostering collaborative governance across government, private sector, and community partners.

    Policy Analysis & Governance Frameworks

    Strong capability in analyzing and developing policy and governance frameworks that integrate ecological, social, and institutional dimensions for sustainable resource management.