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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 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
Published November 30, 2020
A Fertile Year of Environmental Research & Learning at the Nicholas School

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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 Cite

Marine 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 Cite
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Recent Grants


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

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

Analyzing the Social Impacts of Marine Protection in the Sunda-Banda Seascape

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by World Wildlife Fund · 2019 - 2021

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Education, Training & Certifications


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

External Links


Ocean Synthesis Lab