Degree program: M.M.A.

Year accepted: 2026

Advisor: TBD

Research: Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated (IUU) fishing

Background: Bachelor of Science, U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Profile:

Kayla Ishida is a Lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard and is currently enrolled in the Master of Marine Affairs Graduate Program. Kayla graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Environmental Science. Upon graduation, she reported to the 418 foot vessel, the CGC BERTHOLF (WMSL-750), in Alameda, CA where she earned her Deck Watch Officer qualification for ship driving and navigation.

Following this tour, she was assigned to Pacific Area (PACAREA) Maritime Forces where she served as the Living Marine Resources (LMR) Policy Analyst. There, she oversaw planning and execution of domestic & international fisheries missions and operations across the West Coast of the U.S., Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska. During this tour, she helped establish the boarding flag and pennant for the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation and subsequently supported the first High Seas Boarding and Inspection operation in the area.

Most recently, she was stationed in Puerto Rico in the Emergency Management and Force Readiness (EMFR) Division. As the Deputy EMFR Chief, she managed emergency and contingency plans for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to primary EMFR duties, she qualified as a Command Duty Officer, where she managed law enforcement and search and rescue cases. Additionally, she took on the role as the Sector San Juan LMR Officer, where she worked with local partners to develop fisheries enforcement operations.

These experiences within the Coast Guard have sparked a passion for fisheries management. While at URI, she hopes to study the drivers of IUU fishing activity and its impacts in Southeast Asia.

Kayla was born and raised on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaiʻi. In her free time, she enjoys surfing, hiking, yoga, and rock climbing.