Research and Publications
Dr. Phelps Bondaroff conducts a wide range of research both as an independent academic scholar, through his strategy and research consultancy, The Idea Tree, as well as in his roles as Director of Research for OceansAsia, and Research Coordinator for the BC Humanist Association.

As a consultant, Dr. Phelps Bondaroff has examined such topics as:
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Marine debris, derelict fishing gear, and oceanic plastics.
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Shark finning and shark conservation strategies.
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Sea grass and carbon sequestration.
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Greenland halibut, whale, and krill conservation.
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The impact of protected bike infrastructure and local businesses.
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Wildlife crime in sea cucumber fisheries.
An expert in illegal fishing, Dr. Phelps Bondaroff's work has played a central role in efforts to re-framing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as a form of organized crime, an important step to encourage states to invest adequate resources in combating this crime and he is one of the world's leading experts on sea cucumber wildlife crime.
You can learn more about his current research projects on the Campaigns and Projects page.
The principle focus of Dr. Phelps Bondaroff's academic research is the strategic use of international law by non-state actors. This focus has led him to study the strategies of organizations such as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Women on Waves, the Seasteading movement, the Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea, and similar groups.
He also studies:
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Illegal fishing and the international politics of marine conservation.
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Canadian and BC politics.
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Arctic and Antarctic politics and conservation issues.
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Separation of religion and government in Canada and BC.