Rhodes University Officially Launches the Oppenheimer Chair for Environmental Justice in Coastal and Inland Fisheries

November 18th, 2025 - Rhodes University in partnership with Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation have officially launched the Oppenheimer Chair for Environmental Justice in Coastal and Inland Fisheries. The chair incumbent is Prof. Warren Potts, Professor in the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science and head of the Southern African fisheries Ecology Research Lab. The term of this Research Chair is six years and will focus on developing long-term, high-impact transdisciplinary research, fostering academic, government and public collaboration, and building transformed research capacity in the discipline.

This Research Chair is also aimed at promoting resilient coastal and inland ecosystems (justice for the environment) and ensuring fair, equitable access while maximising economic opportunities for all (justice for people). Central to attaining this aim will be engagements with policymakers, management agencies, industry, and communities to ensure that research findings inform practice and contribute to societal well-being.