
Nittya S SimardUniversity of the Sunshine Coast | USC · School of Science Technology and Engineering
Nittya S Simard
PhD
My current work focuses on citizen science, conservation, and pearl-based livelihood development.
About
11
Publications
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Introduction
Current research project in Papua New Guinea (PNG), looking at social, economic, and ecological aspects of fisheries-dependent livelihoods related to mainly molluscs.
I have experience working in research and development with projects funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
Education
April 2020 - July 2024
University of the Sunshine Coast
Field of study
- Fisheries Science and Pacific Community Development
February 2015 - November 2015
University of Pretoria
Field of study
- Wildlife Management
February 2012 - November 2014
Publications
Publications (11)
A thorough understanding of livelihoods is necessary to ensure development policies are compatible with both resource conservation and the social and economic goals of development. Few studies, however, focus on value-adding activities occurring post-harvest in artisanal fisheries. The transformation of mollusc shells and skeletal remains of other...
Local, regional, and global events have potential to disturb fisheries systems embedded within international trade networks. Events associated with sudden and unexpected disturbances, or shocks, in fisheries systems are of particular concern because of their potential to adversely impact the livelihoods and well-being of coastal communities. For th...
Pearl culture in Fiji relies on a supply of pearl oysters obtained through the strategic deployment of spat collectors. Although the design and deployment of spat collectors aim to maximize the recruitment of pearl oysters (Pinctada and Pteria spp.), this activity incidentally captures many other bivalves as bycatch. This study explored whether tro...
Throughout the Pacific Islands, shellcraft has begun to feature prominently in development intervention which aims to generate positive livelihood outcomes for coastal communities. This activity often involves the post-harvest processing of natural assets, namely shells and skeletal remains of marine taxa, into jewellery by individuals or small-siz...
Shellcraft is a livelihood activity that utilizes shells and skeletal remains of marine taxa for producing ornamental and decorative items. Despite an increasing importance of shellcraft in coastal areas of the Indo-Pacific region, information necessary for stakeholders to identify and respond to change through policy and management decisions is of...
Bivalves (Mollusca: Bivalvia) and gastropods (Mollusca: Gastropoda) are a common component of diets in the Pacific Islands region. After consuming the soft tissue of these organisms, their shells are commonly discarded. We consider how such discards, or shell wastes, might serve as a resource for value-adding activities and focus on a case study of...
Sustainable utilization of marine taxa is critical for maximizing social and economic goals of livelihood development within the Indo-Pacific. Yet, despite an increasing importance of shellcraft as a livelihood activity within the Indo-Pacific, information on the taxa utilized within shellcraft sectors remains scant. To address this knowledge gap,...
The ability to glide has evolved in multiple taxa and is usually associated with highly specialized morphological adaptations. Traits that evolve for one reason, can, however, influence other traits and abilities. In this study, we examined the influence of adaptations for gliding on the jumping and clinging abilities of frogs by comparing speciali...