Shaili Johri, Ph.D.

Tracing the invisible: Combating illegal and unreported fisheries in East Africa using DNA and AI

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing threatens marine ecosystems worldwide and undermines national and regional efforts to sustainably manage fisheries. In the Western Indian Ocean, the impacts are particularly acute. Small and large fishing vessels frequently operate undetected and with limited oversight in East African waters, contributing to overfishing and jeopardizing food security for coastal communities. These vessels also target top predators such as sharks, which play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Shaili Johri will use advanced genetic tools to strengthen seafood traceability and combat illegal fishing. By analyzing fine-scale differences in individual animals’ DNA, her research will help pinpoint the geographic origins of traded species. Focusing on reef sharks, Johri will develop low-cost, rapid, and accurate genetic methods to identify fishing hot spots in the Western Indian Ocean and will collaborate with fisheries agencies, conservation practitioners, and regional and international governing bodies in Tanzania and South Africa to apply DNA- and AI-based techniques for detecting illicit fishing and trade. Drawing on best practices from terrestrial wildlife monitoring, regulatory, and enforcement programs, she will adapt and translate proven approaches for marine systems.

To learn more about Dr. Johri, read her bio.

See the full list of 2026 Pew marine fellows.