Sean Macduff

Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?

I work with local and federal government agencies, industry, community groups and non profit organizations in managing the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument. Specifically, I permit activities in the monument, facilitate outreach and education, and build awareness and support for the monuments unique features.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

Being from Saipan, it is hard to ignore the ocean. Swimming, fishing, and all ocean experiences were normal and took them for granted. It wasn’t till I was an undergraduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where I understood the importance of Saipan marine natural resources. I was enrolled in a “living marine resources” undergraduate course where Illegal fishing in the northern most islands of the Northern Mariana Islands was discussed. I switched majors from education to marine biology shortly after.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My professors and mentors from Hawaii and Saipan all helped me understand the importance of resources for both the environment and the communities that depend on them.

What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?

Recently, I find the connection between the Mariana Islands and the seamounts super interesting. I want to understand what role the seamounts play in species movements up and down the island archipelago.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

I have had student research jobs studying coral reefs. I was a fisheries biologist for the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife. I also have experience on the US mainland working for the Environmental Protection Agency and the University of Washington Sea Grant program on marine restoration and recovery and marine research and extension programs respectively.

What are your degrees and certifications?

PhD in Zoology (Marine Biology) - University of Hawaii at Manoa 2018
BS in Marine Biology - University of Hawaii at Manoa 2007
AAS in Criminal Justice - Northern Marianas College 2002

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy cooking on a grill, ukulele, and gyotaku.

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

Explore your interests, talk to people in the field you are interested in, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to get your feet wet.