Stephanie Good | Responsable de la certification des pêches

Stephanie Good

Senior Fisheries Certification Manager

Marine Stewardship Council

Created On: May 30, 2017
Sector:
Natural Resources
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Biology,  Ecology,  Ecosystems,  Zoology,  Earth Science,  Oceans,  Sustainability

Learn About My Career

Stephanie Good is a Senior Fisheries Certification Manager for Marine Stewardship Council.

I was born/grew up in: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, USA

I now live in: London, UK

I completed my training/education at: B.Sc. in Zoology, Masters degree in Library and Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison

I spend most of the day answering questions and trying to solve problems. This means that no two days are exactly alike, which I really enjoy. I use my STEM skills most when working on policy development. For example, I developed a new requirement that fisheries need to consider how they are impacting non-target species and investigate what other methods are out there for further minimising this impact. For example, in a fishery where seabirds might get hooked on a longline, fisheries would look at how many birds they interact with and whether this level is sustainable on a population level. Whether it is or is not, they then need to look at what sort of measures they could put in place to reduce this as much as possible. A common measure for this type of interaction is for the fishery to float streamer lines behind the vessel that flap in the wind and keep the birds away. This has resulted in huge reductions in seabird injuries and mortalities. I research the ways that the population level impacts are conducted and also what sort of new technologies are out there so that best practice can be incorporated into the standard.

My background in zoology helps with understanding behavioural aspects of how other species might interact with fishing gear. This, as well as math, helps me to work out how population-level impacts might be assessed. It is useful to understand gear technology and how fishing boats operate to work out what technical solutions might address the bycatch problems. My workplace is very collaborative and we all contribute different skills in different parts of the standard, so I am always learning something new. For example, I've recently learned how to conduct a stock assessment for fish species.

I speak a bit of French, which is useful when working for a global organisation. I wish I had taken some other languages as well.

I did a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at UW-Madison, and originally wanted to be a veterinarian. I took quite a few classes on animal behaviour and wildlife ecology and became really interested in those areas. I decided I didn't want to be a vet but wasn't quite sure what I did want to do. Because of that I took a lot of additional coursework in areas outside zoology, including math, chemistry, cultural anthropology (great for learning about our own species) and even creative writing.

When I finished, I worked at a bookstore and became interested in how people collect and use information, particularly as the internet was really taking off. So I decided to do a Masters degree in Library and Information Studies. It is not a traditional science route, or one that many take to go into work on marine ecology but I've found that this combination of science with a practical masters meant that I had a unique and useful skillset that has benefitted me in my career path.

I get really excited about learning new things, working with people who are all trying to solve problems and work to make the world a better place. I get to use a wide variety of skills in this line of work - lots of engagement with people - from scientists to the general public - researching science, developing policy, creating new processes, distilling and presenting information...and all along with traveling the world.

I'm lucky that in my career I feel I can make a difference to the state of the world's oceans. Changes I make to the standard are brought into individual fishery assessments, where they are implemented 'on the water'. This is very satisfying on a personal level but I hope also inspires others to get involved in any way they can to improve the environment.

I love to read, ride horses, go hiking and travel the world, meeting new and interesting people. I try to get to the sea as much as possible and love to go whale and seabird watching. I volunteer for the British Trust of Ornithology doing a waterbird count at a site near my house, a great way to keep a hand in data collection work and to just sit and enjoy my local nature.

Think outside the box - what skills might set you apart? It is as important to see and experience things as it is to learn in a classroom, so take the time to try out any fields you're interested in. Many organisations take on interns and this can be a fantastic way to experience what a particular job is like and get a foot in the door!

What I do at work

I spend most of the day answering questions and trying to solve problems. This means that no two days are exactly alike, which I really enjoy. I use my STEM skills most when working on policy development. For example, I developed a new requirement that fisheries need to consider how they are impacting non-target species and investigate what other methods are out there for further minimising this impact. For example, in a fishery where seabirds might get hooked on a longline, fisheries would look at how many birds they interact with and whether this level is sustainable on a population level. Whether it is or is not, they then need to look at what sort of measures they could put in place to reduce this as much as possible. A common measure for this type of interaction is for the fishery to float streamer lines behind the vessel that flap in the wind and keep the birds away. This has resulted in huge reductions in seabird injuries and mortalities. I research the ways that the population level impacts are conducted and also what sort of new technologies are out there so that best practice can be incorporated into the standard.

My background in zoology helps with understanding behavioural aspects of how other species might interact with fishing gear. This, as well as math, helps me to work out how population-level impacts might be assessed. It is useful to understand gear technology and how fishing boats operate to work out what technical solutions might address the bycatch problems. My workplace is very collaborative and we all contribute different skills in different parts of the standard, so I am always learning something new. For example, I've recently learned how to conduct a stock assessment for fish species.

I speak a bit of French, which is useful when working for a global organisation. I wish I had taken some other languages as well.

My career path is

I did a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at UW-Madison, and originally wanted to be a veterinarian. I took quite a few classes on animal behaviour and wildlife ecology and became really interested in those areas. I decided I didn't want to be a vet but wasn't quite sure what I did want to do. Because of that I took a lot of additional coursework in areas outside zoology, including math, chemistry, cultural anthropology (great for learning about our own species) and even creative writing.

When I finished, I worked at a bookstore and became interested in how people collect and use information, particularly as the internet was really taking off. So I decided to do a Masters degree in Library and Information Studies. It is not a traditional science route, or one that many take to go into work on marine ecology but I've found that this combination of science with a practical masters meant that I had a unique and useful skillset that has benefitted me in my career path.

I am motivated by

I get really excited about learning new things, working with people who are all trying to solve problems and work to make the world a better place. I get to use a wide variety of skills in this line of work - lots of engagement with people - from scientists to the general public - researching science, developing policy, creating new processes, distilling and presenting information...and all along with traveling the world.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I'm lucky that in my career I feel I can make a difference to the state of the world's oceans. Changes I make to the standard are brought into individual fishery assessments, where they are implemented 'on the water'. This is very satisfying on a personal level but I hope also inspires others to get involved in any way they can to improve the environment.

Outside of work I

I love to read, ride horses, go hiking and travel the world, meeting new and interesting people. I try to get to the sea as much as possible and love to go whale and seabird watching. I volunteer for the British Trust of Ornithology doing a waterbird count at a site near my house, a great way to keep a hand in data collection work and to just sit and enjoy my local nature.

My advice to others

Think outside the box - what skills might set you apart? It is as important to see and experience things as it is to learn in a classroom, so take the time to try out any fields you're interested in. Many organisations take on interns and this can be a fantastic way to experience what a particular job is like and get a foot in the door!

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Foreign Languages
  • Geography
  • History
  • Math
  • Music
  • Science

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Brought people together
  • Always wanted to be outside
  • Liked helping people
  • Played on a sports team
  • Was motivated by success
  • Liked being given free range to explore my ideas
  • Liked reading
  • Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
  • Learned best by doing

Related Topics

Biodiversity Careers Fisheries Marine Ecosystems Regulatory Agencies Science Communication Sustainability

Explore More Career Profiles

  • Brianna Lummerding à genoux près d’un cerceau en plastique collectant des échantillons dans un champ herbeux.

    Brianna Lummerding

    Career Profiles

    Agronomic Innovation Manager

    I look after all things related to soil management for a group of retailers.
    Learn More Brianna Lummerding
  • Li Tan, vêtu d'une blouse de laboratoire de couleur blanche, souriant dans son laboratoire.

    Li Tan (he/him)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (he/him)
  • Tyler Mohard wearing lab coat and hair net as he works in the SyLMAND lab

    Tyler Morhart (video)

    Career Profiles

    Scientist, Beamline Responsible - SyLMAND

    I am responsible for the SyLMAND beamline at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron facility.
    Learn More Tyler Morhart (video)
  • Five people, each wearing a white lab coat, standing around a lab bench that has scientific equipment on it.

    Li Tan (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (Video)
  • portrait par Rashell Featherstone

    Rashell Featherstone (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Senior Program Associate

    I coordinate projects for the development of new products at STEMCELL.
    Learn More Rashell Featherstone (she/her)
  • Kira Hoffman portant un casque rouge avec de la fumée en arrière-plan

    Kira Hoffman (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Postdoctoral Researcher/Fire Ecologist

    I am a researcher at both a university and a not-for profit organization where I am gaining experience to become a senior researcher.
    Learn More Kira Hoffman (she/her)
  • Zoe Ehlert closely examining a plan that has yellow flowers

    Zoë Ehlert (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert (Video)
  • Daniel Meister headshot

    Daniel Meister

    Career Profiles

    Master's Student, Kinesiology

    Learn More Daniel Meister
  • Zoë Ehlert, vêtue d'une blouse de laboratoire blanche, pose une boîte en carton sur une étagère.

    Zoë Ehlert

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert
  • Jennifer Baltzer portant une casquette et un tee-shirt violet avec des arbres en arrière-plan.

    Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Professor and Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change

    I work at a university, teaching students and conducting research on the impact of climate change on forests in Canada and around the world.
    Learn More Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)
  • Caitlyn Lyons, prête pour la forêt avec son sac à dos et ses outils de collecte de données. La photo insérée montre Caitlyn examinant une section de gazon.

    Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Ph.D. Candidate

    I am working towards my PhD and studying the forests in the Northwest Territories.
    Learn More Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)
  • Joann Whalen headshot

    Joann Whalen

    Career Profiles

    Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,

    I teach advanced courses on how to manage soils to produce healthy, nutritious food and maintain healthy ecosystem functions.
    Learn More Joann Whalen