New PhD Research Sheds Light on Ghost Fishing and Sustainable Solutions

October 2nd, 2025 | Interview

We congratulate Huu-Luat Do on completing his PhD in Natural Resource Economics at the Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT. In this interview, he talks about his research on ghost fishing and shares his motivation for entering the field, his experiences from the PhD journey, the support he has received along the way, and his ambitions for the future.

The thesis is available through Nasjonalt vitenarkiv: Economics of Ghost Fishing: Incentives, Behaviour and Management

If you were to explain your dissertation to someone without an academic background – what is it about?

My dissertation is about “ghost fishing,” which happens when fishing gear is abandoned, lost, or discarded in the ocean. Even when fishers are no longer using it, the gear keeps on catching fish and crabs, often for years. This is wasteful, damaging to marine ecosystems, and costly for the fishing industry. My research focuses on how we can design better economic incentives and policies that encourage fishers to adopt more sustainable practices, such as using biodegradable gear, and to prevent ghost fishing from happening in the first place.

What led you into this research field?

I grew up in Vietnam, where fisheries are not only a livelihood but also part of everyday life. From early on, I was aware of how fragile marine resources can be and how difficult it is to balance short-term needs with long-term sustainability. When I came to Norway, I realized that ghost fishing and marine litter are challenges here too, even in advanced and well-regulated fisheries. This combination of personal background and scientific importance drew me to study these issues through the lens of economics.

What motivated you to pursue a PhD at UiT (Tromsø)?

UiT is internationally recognized for its research on fisheries, marine management, and Arctic issues. The SFI-Dsolve project, which I am part of, gave me the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research about sustainable fishing gear, together with colleagues from different disciplines. Tromsø also provides a unique environment where you are close to both the ocean and the fishing communities that are affected by these challenges, which has been very motivating.

How has your journey been from the start until the defense?

It has been a long journey full of both challenges and rewarding experiences. Doing a PhD is not always straightforward—you face setbacks, doubts, and unexpected obstacles—but you also get the chance to work on problems that truly matter. For me, some of the highlights have been conducting surveys with fishers and consumers in Norway, running experiments in the lab, and spending time abroad collaborating with researchers in the US and UK. Looking back, I see how much I have grown as a researcher and as a person.

Who or what has been most important in helping you reach the finish line?

The support of my supervisor, coauthors, colleagues, and the SFI-Dsolve team has been invaluable. Their guidance and encouragement kept me moving forward, especially during the more difficult periods. I am also deeply grateful to my family and friends, who have cheered me on even from far away. A PhD may appear to be an individual achievement, but in reality it is only possible thanks to the help and commitment of a larger community.

What are your plans after the defense?

I hope to continue working in academia, ideally in Norway, on topics related to environmental and resource economics. I want to combine research and teaching, while also contributing to policy debates on sustainability. Whether in fisheries, aquaculture, or broader environmental challenges, my goal is to generate knowledge that can inform better management and make a positive impact.

Ten years from now – what do you hope your research will have contributed to?

I hope that my research will have contributed to making ghost fishing a smaller problem than it is today. That could mean that more fishers are using biodegradable gear, that policies are better designed to align economic incentives with sustainability, and that international cooperation has made progress in reducing marine litter. More broadly, I hope that my work will have helped to show how economics can be used to design solutions that are both effective for the environment and fair for the people whose livelihoods depend on it.

Is there anything else you would like to highlight?

I would emphasize the importance of collaboration across disciplines and borders. Ghost fishing does not stop at national boundaries, and no single group can solve it alone. Working together—scientists, policymakers, industry, and fishers—is essential if we are to tackle this challenge successfully.