Dr. Thomas Anderson first dove into marine resource economics research at the University of Florida as an undergraduate student.  Now, several years and a Ph.D. later, he is returning to UF, not as a student but as an assistant professor of Food and Resource Economics.

Exploring Aquatic Resource Management Policy 

Anderson’s first foray into the field that would become his specialty came in the form of undergraduate research while earning his bachelor’s degree in economics. Under the mentorship of UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics professor emeritus Charles Adams, Anderson helped develop farm budgeting and management plans for the burgeoning Clam Farming industry in Cedar Key, Florida. 

“Working with Dr. Adams was my first main entry to the field,” Anderson said. “I was interested in doing research that would be fully engaged in the present and policy-relevant. I’ve always loved interacting with oceans – kayaking, fishing – so this type of project seemed a perfect fit.” 

After receiving his B.S. in economics from UF, Anderson earned a master’s degree in applied economics from Cornell University. Most recently he graduated with his Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Davis in June 2024 and officially joined our department as an assistant professor this August. 

An applied economist, Anderson uses economic theory and empirical tools to evaluate resource management policy. His research program focuses on sustainability in the aquaculture industry, examining disease management, food security, and conservation finance. 

His exploration of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture reached new depths with each step of his academic journey, expanding to areas far beyond the Florida Gulf, such as Chile, where he explored best management practices for disease management in salmon aquaculture. 

In his dissertation, Anderson explored policy evaluation in the spatial dynamic environment of Chile’s salmon aquaculture industry. Specifically, he examined how a top-down policy for antibiotic use could be implemented to control disease outbreaks. 

His most recent publication, co-authored with UF faculty members Frank Asche, Jim Anderson, and 17 others across institutions and countries, examines the international aquaculture industry’s sustainability as measured using the Aquatic Performance Indicators and defined by three key pillars: social, economic, and environmental. 

Interdisciplinary Collaboration 

Anderson’s intentional efforts to engage in interdisciplinary research have also been key to developing his research and Extension philosophy. 

“A lot of the things I am focused on are inherently interdisciplinary,” Anderson explained. “To understand resource problems – the industry and its players, it’s often critical to learn about the underlying natural systems.” 

To develop his skills as an interdisciplinary research collaborator, he participated in a National Science Foundation – National Research Traineeship (NSF-NRT) from 2019-2021. 

The NSF-NRT program is designed specifically to foster collaboration among different types of researchers, all focused on one big theme —Sustainable Oceans.  

“Together, we had the opportunity to look at things in a way that connects hard science to policy, and to decision-making at an individual or industry level,” Anderson said.  

Each trainee in the program received two to three years of programming with graduate students from across UC Davis. They took classes together and spent a year focusing on a specific policy challenge—in the case of Anderson’s cohort, the topic was offshore wind management. 

“This was a great opportunity because I got to interact with a diverse group of scientists who were all at the top of their game,” Anderson said. “When we all got together, each person had a different perspective and expertise that was unique to their discipline. The multitude of viewpoints allowed for a well-rounded approach the problem.” 

Looking Forward 

As he returns to Gainesville, Anderson is excited about the future as he expands his research and Extension programs and fosters the next generation of academics in the field.  

Building upon his experiences in the NSF-NRT program, he will continue to participate in an offshore wind management/monitoring group that explores the types of data that would need to be collected for decision-making regarding the potential implementation of this new technology. 

He also plans to expand further his research into disease management and antibiotic use in aquaculture, continuing to work with his established connections within Chile’s salmon aquaculture industry. 

“The issue of disease management in aquaculture is one I plan on digging into deeper,” Anderson said. “With the research I’ve already done, we’ve just scratched the surface, and there is still lots of interest among stakeholders in that area.” 

This semester, he will teach a special topics course for Ph.D. students on Natural Resource Economics. 

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching, and so I’m looking forward to getting into the classroom,” Anderson said. “I feel like it’s a great way to get to know the current graduate students, and I’m especially excited to be teaching this class in particular”” 

One thing is certain: we are thrilled to have him back here in the Gator Nation. 

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