Gabrielle Hillyer

Gabrielle Hillyer is the co-developer and project coordinator of the Maine Shellfish Learning Network. Her graduate work at the University of Maine has combined new technologies with a community-based approach to research. Her leadership has led to the development of an initiative that benefits coastal communities throughout Maine.  

The Maine Shellfish Learning Network brings together stakeholders in the shellfish fishery and encourages collaboration and communication between scientists, state agencies, and coastal communities. Together, these stakeholders work together to implement solutions to best protect the longevity of the industry. The initiative has helped support over 20 community-led projects across the state and has promoted coastal resilience within Maine communities. The creation of an online-database and accessible resources has made it easier for state managers and community members to communicate and collaborate. Not only has Gabrielle worked to build relationships with fishery communities, but she has also shown the effectiveness of a powerful method of both scientific research and engagement.   

Gabrielle’s use of drifter buckets, a new oceanographic technology she developed to collect data on water quality, tidal activity, and pollution sources, has been a tool to support coastal community members to support her research process. Gabrielle has also worked with local elementary students in the town of Georgetown who modelled and used drifter buckets designed after hers to create their own experiments. 

Her vision for collaboration between shellfish harvesters and scientists has made the Maine Shellfish Learning network and its growing number of stakeholder partnerships a possibility. 

 Gabrielle plans to continue to engage in the environmental movement by bringing science and communities together to stimulate public engagement and meaningful resource management solutions.