Jemma Fadum

Sustainability Leadership Fellow Cohort: 2019-2020

Ph.D. Student, Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology

Research Summary: Aquaculture is a rapidly expanding industry with the potential to efficiently provide a protein source for a growing global population while bolstering local economies. However, if mismanaged, aquaculture can cause irreparable damage to its host lake. I am interested in how aquaculture impacts the biogeochemistry of lakes with the goal of understanding how an aquaculture operation can maximize its production while still practicing lake stewardship. My research focuses on Lake Yojoa in Honduras where 77,000 kg of Tilapia are produced per day. Using this model system, I am looking at how aquaculture is driving algal blooms and diminished water clarity.