Dr. La Daana Kanhai is a Marine Scientist and Lecturer in Marine Biology/Ecology that is currently based at the Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad. Her research is multidisciplinary, and it is focused on understanding human impact on coastal/marine ecosystems, to advance the development of context-specific interventions that will contribute to ecosystem health and human well-being. She has conducted research in Trinidad and Tobago, the Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Dr. Kanhai represented Trinidad and Tobago on the Scientific Advisory Committee on Marine Litter and Microplastics (2019 – 2022, UNEP). Dr. Kanhai published on the issue of marine debris and plastic pollution in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME). She was also one of the Lead Authors on the Grenada National Ecosystem Assessment. Dr. Kanhai is presently the Co-Principal Investigator of projects focused on (i) The Human Dimension of Plastic Pollution in Trinidad and Tobago and, (ii) Abandoned, Lost and Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) in Trinidad and Tobago, (iii) Marine Megafauna in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Kanhai served as a member of the National Sea Turtle Task Force of Trinidad and Tobago and was a member of the National Steering Committee to guide the execution of the UNEP project “Capacity development to catalyze actions and commitments at the national and global level to reduce plastic pollution including in the marine environment” in Trinidad and Tobago.
Most recently, in July 2026, Dr. Kanhai was one of the Co-Principal Investigators of one of the 2026 Schmidt Ocean Institute expeditions, Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago, onboard the RV Falkor (Too). Dr. Kanhai teaches undergraduate courses focused on coastal and marine ecosystems, science communication and environmental impact assessments. Dr. Kanhai is currently supervising several postgraduate students pursuing research on coastal/marine issues. She serves as a member on several local, regional and international working groups and committees that are focused on marine conservation and pollution. Beyond research, Dr. Kanhai is involved in science communication and outreach.
La Daana has previously bee a crew member on the Caribbean leg of eXXpedition, raising awareness among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) about the issue of plastic pollution in the Caribbean Sea. She now joins us Mission Leader on our Caribbean 2026-27 legs.
