Dyhia joined Ecotrust Canada in September 2016 as a Fisheries Program Manager. Previously, she led research and engagement for the Sea Around Us Africa at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her work centres on fisheries equity, food security, and the social and financial values tied to fishing. With expertise in illegal fishing, unfair agreements, data gaps, climate change, governance, and conflicts, Dyhia advises the Sea Around Us, and serves as a board member for the Research Centre of the Ministry of Fisheries of Algeria and FishTracker. Her research has brought significant transparency and insight into fisheries in the developing world.
In 2019, she founded the online fisheries platform Spyglass, the largest international public database on illegal crimes committed at sea by vessels and their companies. Spyglass has since expanded to 8,000 entries, making this open-access resource an important tool in global surveillance efforts.
Dyhia delivered a TED Talk in 2023 that has since garnered over half a million views. Her presentation, which focused on the principles of information democracy and its crucial role in combating maritime crimes, has had a significant impact on the global conversation about these issues.
In 2024, she was named a Pew Environment Marine Fellow. Her research will explore how technology and community engagement can be used to reduce illegal fishing activities within artisanal zones and marine protected areas in Senegal.
Dyhia holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia in Resource Management and Environmental Studies, a Master’s in Science from the University of Quebec in Rimouski, and an engineering degree from the Institute of Marine Sciences of Algiers (Algeria).