Kelsey is researching the amounts, types, fates and impacts of fishing gear loss from major commercial fisheries around the world. Her multidisciplinary research combines a quantitative and statistical approach to identify gear loss, with an examination of governance regimes that mitigate and manage gear loss. Her research aims to highlight effective offset strategies that reduce gear loss and its associated impacts.

Kelsey has a background in marine conservation and international environmental policy, with an ongoing focus on the global marine debris issue.