Carissa Gervasi Bloom

Carissa Gervasi Bloom is helping ensure one of Florida’s economically and environmentally important recreational fisheries is sustainably managed and can be enjoyed well into the future.

When fishermen from the non-profit organization Lower Keys Guides Association noticed they were catching less crevalle jack, they approached FIU professor Jennifer Rehage’s lab for help. Under Rehage’s guidance, Carissa collaborated closely with the fishermen and conducted research to protect the unregulated species.

Part of Carissa’s research involved tagging and tracking 83 crevalle jack. Data revealed that some of the fish had an expansive range —with several traveling from the Florida Keys to Louisiana. This new information provides a better understanding of what management might be needed.

Growing up in central Massachusetts, Carissa knew she wanted to be a marine biologist from a young age. She earned her bachelor’s degree in marine biology at Roger Williams University and a master’s degree at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

At FIU, Carissa has not only conducted groundbreaking research, but also made time to mentor students and participate in community outreach events. She received the FIU For Everglades graduate scholarship from the Everglades Foundation; an award from the International Women’s Fishing Association; and she won the American Fisheries Society 2019 Student Writing Contest.

Carissa accepted a postdoctoral position at the University of Miami where she will be working closely with NOAA Fisheries. She hopes to continue working in fisheries management, hopefully in an official government capacity.

By Angela Nicoletti
Account Manager
College of Arts, Sciences & Education