Dan Laffoley

Dan is a well-respected world leader on Marine Protected Areas and a leading global expert on ocean science and conservation. Scientist, communicator and conservationist, at IUCN he is Principal Advisor, Marine Science and Conservation for the Global Marine and Polar Programme, and has the global honorary role as Marine Vice Chair for the World Commission on Protected Areas. For over 30 years Dan has been responsible for the creation of many global, European and UK partnerships and alliances that underpin modern-day marine conservation. He provides strategy, knowledge, innovation and leadership on measures for the ocean protection, and helps devise new ways for delivering marine conservation which lever greater action and attention for our seas. This includes working with leading scientists to create initiatives that bring new knowledge into policy on issues such as marine protected areas, the High Seas, and World Heritage, and on topics including coastal carbon sinks, climate change, ocean warming and ocean acidification. He has a broad knowledge of marine science matters across multiple disciplines and a track record of working with industry, especially with the insurance and energy sectors. He advises many marine conservation initiatives around the world and leading marine science organisations, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Sylvia Earle Alliance/Mission Blue.