Karma Wangchuk — Operations Associate

Professional Summary: With over 12 years of expertise in sustainable fisheries management, fish biology, taxonomy, fisheries ecology, and conservation genetics, I led Bhutan's first comprehensive Fish Biodiversity Assessment (2013-2017). As the lead scientist from Bhutan, I was involved in the first-ever radio telemetry study on Golden Mahseer, reshaping strategies for recreational fisheries management (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejkCTGIzueg). Collaborating with rural communities, I developed seven community-centric approaches to sustainable fisheries management programs in Bhutan. Educational Background: I hold a master's degree in evolutionary biology and conservation genetics from the University of Arkansas, United States. My research focused on the geologic history of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, impacting speciation within the Nemacheilidae family of loaches. Professional Experience: Former fish biologist at the National Research and Development Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries (2012-2021), I later served as Senior Planning Officer at the Department of Livestock Directorate, contributing to plans for the 13th and long-term activities. Currently, at the National Biodiversity Centre, as the National Focal for planning and coordinating Bhutan's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). Skills: My skill set includes fish biology, aquaculture, sustainable fisheries management, ecology, limnology, GIS, programming (R), conservation genetics, bioinformatics, and professional development. I've undergone training in Advanced GIS, Agriculture Economics, Nature-Based Solutions, Ecosystem Restoration, and Common Assessment Framework. One of the few people in the region with the tactical and technical know-how to conduct standardized fish sampling in rugged riverscapes. Initiatives and Volunteer Work: Founder of "followthefins," a social media platform for fish and aquatic biodiversity conservation. Committed to education, I provide training to budding fish biologists, and field officials on fish sampling techniques. Editorial Involvement: Currently on the editorial board of "Agriculture 365," an open-access monthly e-magazine sharing agricultural scientific knowledge. Previously, I contributed to the editorial team of the Bhutan Journal for Animal Science. Volunteer Engagements: Served as coordinator for World Fish Migration in Asia (2022), organizing events on fish migration and conservation in multiple countries. Integral role in organizing Bhutan's first-ever International Mahseer Conference in 2019.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a Biodiversity and Conservation Specialist with a focus on sustainable fisheries management.

Location: Thurgoona, New South Wales, Australia

Experience: 14 yrs 1 mo