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Dan Laffoley

Key Opinion Ambassador

Dan is a well-respected leading global expert on ocean conservation. At IUCN he is Emeritus Marine Vice-Chair for the World Commission on Protected Areas and a Member of the Chair’s Advisory Team. Through his work, Dan provides knowledge, innovation, and leadership on consolidating action for the ocean and devising new ways for delivering marine conservation which lever greater action and attention for our seas.

His proven track record involves working with leading scientists to create initiatives that bring new knowledge into policy on issues such as coastal carbon sinks, climate change, 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 energy sector. He has a place on the Boards and Councils of many UK leading marine science organisations. Between 2009 and 2014 Dan was an independent advisor to the UK’s top-level Marine Science Coordination Committee, where he led on improving communication of marine sciences and how UK marine science is showcased on the international stage.

Dan has a keen interest in how information technology can help protect the ocean and recently helped deliver Google Ocean, showing the public for the first time how the ocean is protected, benefitting in excess of 1 billion people with a new perspective on the seas. He recently spearheaded the development of Smartphone Apps for MPAs including the 2012 launch of the first Marine World Heritage App with UNESCO, and the 2013 launch of the Sargasso Sea App. He undertakes extensive international conservation, education, and outreach work and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Sylvia Earle Alliance/Mission Blue, and in 2014 was appointed as Co-Chair of the Executive Board. In 2013 Dan was appointed to the Council of Advisors to the Ocean Elders including Her Majesty Queen Noor, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Sir Richard Branson, Ted Turner, Sylvia Earle, James Cameron, and other ocean world leaders.