La Daana Kanhai
Lecturer, University of the West Indies
Trinidadian living in Trinidad and Tobago
Dr. La Daana Kanhai is a Lecturer/Scientist that is currently based at the Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad. Her research is multidisciplinary and it is focused on understanding human impact on coastal/marine ecosystems, to advance the development of context-specific interventions that will contribute to ecosystem health and human well-being. She has conducted research in Trinidad and Tobago, the Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Dr. Kanhai represented Trinidad and Tobago on the Scientific Advisory Committee on Marine Litter and Microplastics (2019 – 2022, UNEP). Dr. Kanhai published on the issue of marine debris and plastic pollution in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME). She was also one of the Lead Authors on the Grenada National Ecosystem Assessment.
Dr. Kanhai is presently the Principal Investigator of projects focused on:
- The Human Dimension of Plastic Pollution in Trinidad and Tobago, and
- Abandoned, Lost and Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) in Trinidad and Tobago.
In January 2024, Dr. Kanhai was appointed to serve as a member of the National Sea Turtle Task Force of Trinidad and Tobago and is a member of the National Steering Committee to guide the execution of the UNEP project “Capacity development to catalyze actions and commitments at the national and global level to reduce plastic pollution including in the marine environment” in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Kanhai teaches undergraduate courses focused on coastal and marine ecosystems, science communication and environmental impact assessments. Dr. Kanhai has supervised both undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing research on coastal/marine issues. She serves as a member on several local, regional and international working groups and committees that are focused on marine conservation and pollution. Beyond research, Dr. Kanhai is involved in science communication and outreach.
Her can learn more about Dr. Kanhai’s work on her website.
