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About Us
Austin Humphries
Dr. Austin Humphries is President of MMS. Dr. Humphries is a marine biologist specializing in the complex relationship between people and the sea. With a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from Rhodes University, his research integrates field data—from underwater fish surveys and fisheries catches to fisher interviews and household surveys—to analyze social-ecological interactions in coastal and marine systems. Using statistical tools and computer simulations, he explores the trade-offs between human needs and resource sustainability, informing policy solutions that support both marine ecosystems and fishing communities. Dr. Humphries’ work spans diverse fisheries, from bioeconomic modeling of mud crab fattening in Micronesia to studying the impacts of distant water fleets on food security in developing nations. He also investigates how small-scale lobster fishers in Vietnam are adapting to climate change while preserving their cultural heritage. His research is rooted in collaboration with fishers and policymakers, ensuring practical and sustainable fisheries management.
Ashok Menon
Ashok Menon is Vice President and Executive Director of Marine Market Systems and has has passion for the underwater world and marine conservation. He has lived in Mozambique for 15 years and has been diving throughout the world, seeing first hand how market forces can help to advance marine conservation efforts. Ashok has been directing USAID projects focused on economic policy reform in Mozambique, Laos and Indonesia for the past 23 years. He has a MA in Commercial Diplomacy and Trade and completing an MSc in international Marine Science.
Symantha Holben
Dr. Symantha Holben is Vice President, Strategy and Marine Policy at MMS. Dr. Holben is a globally recognized expert in natural resource governance, marine conservation, and climate-resilient development. With over 20 years of experience designing and leading large-scale donor-funded programs across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, she brings deep expertise in both terrestrial and marine systems. Symantha has served as Chief of Party on complex USAID initiatives, Senior Advisor at USAID/Indonesia’s Environment Office, and led major reforms in marine protected area policy, sustainable fisheries, and biodiversity conservation. A fluent Spanish and French speaker with a PhD in Cultural Anthropology, she combines technical rigor with a commitment to local knowledge, inclusive policy, and systems change.
Nathan Sage
Nathan Sage is Vice President of Marine Market Systems and is dedicated to advancing human-centered, nature-based solutions for coastal and marine biodiversity. With over 25 years of experience in international environmental policy and natural resources management, he has worked extensively across Africa and Asia, leading initiatives that integrate market-based approaches to marine conservation. Nathan has directed USAID programs focused on climate resilience, ecosystem services, and sustainable fisheries in Bangladesh, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Vietnam. He holds a Master of Arts in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island and a Fulbright Fellowship specializing in human ecology.
Kevin Carlucci
Kevin Carlucci is the Chief Financial Officer of Marine Market Systems, where he leads efforts to unlock financial solutions that advance nature-positive markets for communities around the world. An economist by training, Kevin specializes in structuring innovative financing mechanisms—including climate finance, blended capital, and loan instruments—to improve access to finance for marine-focused communities and conservation-driven enterprises. His experience spans USAID-funded programs in natural resource management, land use planning, biodiversity conservation, water and sanitation, and ecosystem services. Originally from Austin, Texas, Kevin and his family were inspired by the stunning coastlines of Mozambique and are committed to ensuring that communities can sustainably benefit from such natural beauty for generations to come. He holds an MA in Behavioral Economics from Vanderbilt University.
Products
Maps and Species Lists
MMS Works with marine communities to develop maps and species lists.
Reports and Assessments
MMS Worked with USAID/Mozambique to develop the Marine Market Assessment, which helped drive over $100 million of new investment into the marine and coastal sector in Mozambique.
Underwater Photography Exhibitions
MMS worked with the Embassy of Norway and Biofund, a conservation trust fund in Mozambique, to develop an underwater exhibition entitled "Oceans Bring us Together" at the Museum of the Oceans from December 18 2022, to January 15, 2023.
Underwater Photography Exhibitions
MMS worked with the Brazilian Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, on an exhibition at the Brasilia Art Museum called "Soul of the Ocean" in November 2022 as well as for the Brazilian Parliament on an exhibition entitled "We're from the Ocean".
Photography and Virtual Exhibitions
MMS worked with the Ministry of Seas, Inland Waters and Fisheries in Mozambique as well as the National Administration for Conservation Areas and key NGOs such as Biofund, WCS and CTV, to produce a virtual exhibition of Mozambique's underwater world. All photographs were taken by MMS.
Supporting an integrated marine market system
Supporting an integrated marine market system
Supporting an integrated marine market system
MMS advances Increased use of economic incentives for sustainable marine and coastal ecosystem management, aligning social and ecological outcomes
Services offered by MMS
Supporting an integrated marine market system
Supporting an integrated marine market system
MMS helps to design tailor-made market approaches for communities to tap into markets to advance marine and coastal conservation efforts.