Christopher Free

I am an Assistant Researcher (research professor) at the Marine Science Institute and the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California—Santa Barbara. I have a PhD in Oceanography from Rutgers University and a BA in Conservation Biology from Middlebury College. I serve on the Scientific and Statistical Committee for the Pacific Fisheries Management Council and on the NOAA Pacific Marine Mammal Scientific Review Group.

My research uses quantitative and interdisciplinary methods to explore solutions to aquatic conservation and management problems. In general, I seek to: (1) understand social-ecological drivers of fish population dynamics; (2) design and test climate-adaptive fisheries management strategies; and (3) identify pathways for coastal food systems to enhance human livelihoods. Currently, I’m doing work on endangered species bycatch, dynamic ocean management, harmful algal blooms, marine heatwaves, climate-ready fisheries management, and human nutrition. I leverage quantitative methods including population modeling, statistical analysis, machine learning, spatial-temporal analysis, stock assessment, and management strategy evaluation.

I’m an avid runner and can often be found running in the mountains of the Los Padres or at the track with Santa Barbara Running and Racing. I also play trombone, love word games, and lose a lot of frisbee golf discs.