Shannon Davis is currently working as an Aquaculture Welfare Specialist with the Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.). G.A.P. is a science-based animal welfare certification and labeling organization that  promotes ethical animal farming practices. Shannon’s current role focuses on fish welfare, work that is  based on the principle that fish are sentient and have the capacity to suffer. Shannon is currently spearheading the aquaculture welfare program at GAP where she is building groundbreaking standards and regulations for ethical aquaculture practices. As Shannon is the first person to work within the realm of fish welfare at G.A.P., her co-workers playfully describe her as the resident “fish person” at the organization, a title any MCP graduate would wear proudly. Shannon’s work with G.A.P. is at the forefront of an emerging movement in fish welfare.

Shannon Davis came to the Marine Conservation and Policy program with a BFA in Dramatic Writing from Purchase College and a passion for fish and sustainable fisheries. She chose the MCP program for its unique marriage of science, policy, and communications, which would allow her to pursue both her passions: writing and sustainable fisheries. While attending the MCP Program, Shannon worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and with the Peconic Estuary Program, restocking local bays with shellfish to improve water quality. She also interned at New York Sea Grant, researching sustainable fisheries on Long Island. After graduation,Shannon interned for a year with FishWise, a Santa Cruz organization dedicated to promoting sustainable seafood standards before starting her current role at GAP.