Overview
David’s research centers on marine coupled human-natural systems, focusing predominantly on marine management and tropical coral reef systems. Overall, his research aims to provide evidence-based insights into how marine management and conservation can lead to equitable and sustainable outcomes. This work is by nature both interdisciplinary and collaborative, drawing on key theories and analytical approaches from disciplines such as economics, community ecology, and political science, and working alongside researchers and practitioners to co-develop salient research questions, approaches and dissemination pathways. His recent work includes global and regional assessments of the social and ecological impacts of marine conservation, justice and equity considerations in marine governance, and developing cost-effective approaches for monitoring socioecological systems in capacity-limited regions.
David holds an MSc and PhD from the Centre of Resource Management and Environmental Studies, University of the West Indies, Barbados. His post-graduate career included two years as a Luc Hoffmann Fellow at the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC; 2014-2016) and a David H. Smith Conservation fellowship (2016-2018) based at George Mason University and Conservation International.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
Matching estimators of causal effects in clustered observational studies
Journal Article Journal of Causal Inference · July 2, 2025 AbstractMarine conservation preserves fish biodiversity, protects marine and coastal ecosystems, and supports climate resilience and adaptation. Despite the importance of establishing marine protected areas ... Full text CiteMarine protected areas stage of establishment and level of protection are good predictors of their conservation outcomes
Journal Article Cell Reports Sustainability · April 25, 2025 Despite the importance of active management and strong protection in driving marine protected areas (MPA) performance, coverage area remains the sole indicator for global targets. To assess whether conservation quality lags behind quantity, we conducted a ... Full text CiteA sustainable ocean needs thriving ocean societies.
Journal Article Nature · February 2025 Full text CiteRecent Grants
Social justice in marine protected areas: understanding the differential impacts of marine threats and management actions within coastal communities
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Society for Conservation Biology · 2021 - 2025Capacity Development for Coral Reef Science and Conservation in the Bird's Head Seascape
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Walton Family Foundation · 2020 - 2024Analyzing the Social Impacts of Marine Protection in the Sunda-Banda Seascape
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by World Wildlife Fund · 2019 - 2021View All Grants