Profile: Sahir Advani

Sahir utilized RRT funds to conduct doctoral field research while at the Institute for Oceans and Fisheries at the University of British Columbia. Based in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, his research aimed to understand the variations in economic and cultural values that local fishing communities place on fish stocks. Focusing on multicultural fisheries and fish value chains, his study also explored the impacts of seafood markets on the sustainability of fisher livelihoods and fisheries. Before starting his PhD, Sahir worked for a not-for-profit marine research organisation, Dakshin Foundation, India and studied the grouper fishery in the Andaman Islands. For the RRT funded research, Sahir worked collaboratively with Dakshin Foundation to develop sustainable and equitable fisheries management plans that benefit fishing communities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Through funding from additional sources, like the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and an unfortunate bout of dengue fever contracted just before fieldwork, Sahir conducted research over two extended field seasons. From October 2016 to April 2017 and October 2017 to July 2018, Sahir traveled the length of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and interacted with and interviewed commercial and indigenous fishing communities from multiple cultures to uncover the values they place on fish stocks. Using locally created artwork, Sahir developed a tool to understand the value priorities of local fishing communities. Surveys of fish markets complemented his understanding of the effects of export markets on marine ecosystems and sustainability values. Sahir defended his doctoral research in January 2020.

Current (2020) Activity: Postdoctoral research fellow at the University of British Columbia
Email:advani.sahir@gmail.com
Links:
Mid term report (docx)
Final report (docx)
PhD thesis: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/73528