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David Antonio Gill

Assistant Professor in the Division of Marine Science and Conservation
Marine Science and Conservation
Duke Univ Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516

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


Assistant Professor in the Division of Marine Science and Conservation · 2018 - Present Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment

In the News


Published February 19, 2026
How to Ensure Ocean Projects Are Fair
Published March 4, 2024
Protecting Fish Doesn’t Have to Mean Neglecting People, Study Concludes
Published April 8, 2021
Check This Out! Swimming With Whale Sharks

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Recent Publications


Reimagining coral reef futures

Journal Article Npj Ocean Sustainability · December 1, 2026 Coral reefs are vital social-ecological systems, but highly vulnerable to global change and local stressors. While conveying the urgency of existential threats is paramount, bleak outlooks can become self-reinforcing, limiting capacities to act. To counter ... Full text Cite

Governance Arrangements That Fit Social-Ecological Context Are Associated With Fishery Sustainability

Journal Article Fish and Fisheries · March 1, 2026 In many parts of the world, natural resources are primarily managed by governance arrangements at the local level. Those arrangements range from collective, such as cooperatives and associations, to individualistic, such as patrons and owner-operators. A k ... Full text Cite

The Ocean Equity Index.

Journal Article Nature · February 2026 The ocean is essential for humanity1-3. Yet, inequity in ocean-based activities is widespread and accelerating4-8. Addressing this requires governance approaches that can systematically measure equity and track progress9. H ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Advancing Ocean Equity

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Nature Conservancy · 2025 - 2028

Capacity Development for Coral Reef Science and Conservation in the Bird's Head Seascape

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Walton Family Foundation · 2020 - 2024

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Education


University of West Indies (West Indies) · 2014 Ph.D.

External Links


Ocean Synthesis Lab