In addition to being an integral member of the Journal of Coastal Research Editorial Board, Omar Defeo is a professor in the Marine Science Unit at the Universidad de la Republica in Uruguay. His research focuses on the conservation of biological diversity (biodiversity) and the management of fisheries, with special emphasis on artisanal coastal shellfisheries. His Pew Fellowship project seeks to improve shellfish management and conservation in Latin America through the comparison of different shellfish co-management systems, analysis of the potential long-term effects of climate change, and the development of a network of shellfish conservationists.

Dr. Defeo's Pew Marine Conservation Fellowship will evaluate a co-management arrangement between fishermen, scientists, and fisheries managers to better regulate the shellfish fishery industry. Over the course of three years, he will evaluate the success and merits of various co-management options and will promote the most successful alternatives throughout Latin America.