Dr. David Die joined the NOAA LMRCSC as its Distinguished Research Scientist at the start of Fall semester. He is headquartered at University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
He has held positions at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, CSIRO-Australia, FAO Rome, University of Miami and most recently was the Branch Chief, Highly Migratory Species at the SEFSC-NOAA. He develops mathematical and statistical models (both for prediction and estimation) to support assessment of fishery resources and quantitative evaluation of the performance of natural resource management. He specializes in developing an understanding of the mechanisms that are key to the sustainability of fisheries. He has researched fisheries worldwide, and some of his research has been instrumental in the development of major management changes (fishing closures, fleet capacity reductions) in several fisheries.
Presently, Dr. Die is focusing on research to support the assessment and management of exploited fishery species following the principles of ecosystem based fishery management. He has current collaborative research links with scientists in fishery Institutions all around the world. He was for many years a Technical Coordinator for the Center for Independent Experts, one of the main vehicles used by NOAA Fisheries to oversee the quality of its science. He is a former Chair of the Scientific Committee for Research and Statistics of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. He is also a former faculty member at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, where he mentored LMRCSC fellows.
LMRCSC students are encouraged to reach out to the DRS with any questions regarding the scientific portfolio of the Center. Dr. Die also welcomes conversations about students’ research interests and is available to discuss professional development opportunities.
Dr. Abiodun Olusola Omotayo, also headquartered at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, is a quantitative economist whose work integrates applied econometrics, agricultural resource economics, and policy analysis. As Lead Economist at the NOAA LMRCSC, he leads interdisciplinary research that bridges fisheries productivity, ecosystem management, and the resilience of coastal and marine-dependent areas.
Dr. Omotayo’s research focuses on modelling market and policy interactions that affect living marine resources and coastal economies, using tools from applied data science, trade modelling, and time-series econometrics. His work supports NOAA’s mission by developing evidence-based frameworks for adaptive and equitable fisheries management, aligning ecological assessments with economic outcomes in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Shelf regions. He brings extensive experience in quantitative analysis, ecosystem valuation, and international trade dynamics, with a growing portfolio of research connecting marine ecosystem services to food security, environmental resilience, and circular bio economy transitions.
Dr. Omotayo mentors graduate and undergraduate students in applied economics and analysis through the LMRCSC Student Research Training Program, emphasizing skills in data analytics, econometrics, and marine policy evaluation. He is committed to equipping early-career scholars with quantitative tools for ecosystem-based management.
