TEALE PHELPS BONDAROFF

Director of Research, OceansAsia

Teale is the Director of Research for OceansAsia, a marine conservation organization dedicated to combating illegal fishing in Asia through the use of investigation and research. He is an expert in illegal fishing, and his work has played a central role in efforts to redefine illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as a form of transnational organized crime.

He also conducts a wide range of research as an independent academic scholar, as well as through his strategy and research consultancy, The Idea Tree, and as the Research Coordinator for the BC Humanist Association.

The main focus of Teale’s academic research is the strategic use of international law by non-state actors. His research has also examined such topics as marine debris, derelict fishing gear, and oceanic plastics; human trafficking, slavery and labour violations in the fishing industry; urban noise pollution; issues relating to separation of religion and government in Canada; road safety and placemaking; and the strategy and tactics of activists employing direct action.

Teale has a PhD in politics and international studies from the University of Cambridge, and BAs in political science and international relations from the University of Calgary. He is based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where in addition to his work in marine conservation and research, he coaches high school debate, is an avid placemaker, and is active in Canadian politics. You can read more about his various projects and research here.