Liz Drury O'Neill
Where Ocean and Society Meet
Liz is a marine social scientist who studies the people behind coastal and fishing communities. Her work explores coastal livelihoods, fishery markets, conservation efforts, and the governance of small-scale fisheries, with a focus on understanding human wellbeing in all its dimensions.
The ocean shapes lives in more ways than we often see.
This space brings together my research and projects focused on the social side of marine environments. I’m particularly interested in coastal livelihoods, small-scale fisheries, conservation in practice, and the many dimensions of human wellbeing connected to these systems. My goal is to contribute knowledge that supports fair, sustainable, and people-centered ocean futures.
The story of
Liz
Researching who benefits from the ocean — and how marine systems can be more just.
Trained first in marine science and biology, I gradually realized my real curiosity lay not only in oceans, but in the people whose lives are intertwined with them. I’m now a marine social scientist studying fisheries, value chains, and marine governance, with a focus on livelihoods, wellbeing, and equity. My work has taken me from industrial tuna systems in Ghana to small-scale fisheries across Africa and Southeast Asia, always asking: who benefits, and how can ocean systems support a good life for coastal communities?
Research Projects
These projects bring together my work on how fisheries, conservation interventions, and market relationships interact to shape livelihoods and wellbeing in coastal communities. I focus on how social relations, trade dynamics, and governance influence how people respond to environmental and economic change.
Rethinking patron-client relationships in small-scale fisheries
Running 2023- 2027
Based at: Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University
Hosted by: University of the Philippines Visayas
Running 2014-2018
Based at: Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, University of the Philippines Visayas & Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam
Running 2014-2018
Based at: Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, University of the Philippines Visayas & Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam
Liz's Blog
Personal reflections on my work including on methodologies, methods, fieldwork & feelings
Project Report Booklet
Do certain method(ologie)s suit me more: Interpretive / relational interviewing vs economic experiments
Research Diaries #6
Liz's Storytelling Series
Stories built from empirical research, weaving together voices, experiences, and relationships into composite characters and narratives.