Growing up around the reefs of Maui, Sarah developed a love for the ocean that has shaped her career in marine conservation. Today, she leads the Blue Parks initiative at Marine Conservation Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans by establishing highly protected marine areas, ensuring their ecological integrity, and promoting effective stewardship. Marine Conservation Institute aims to revitalize marine ecosystems and build ocean resilience, bringing rigorous science to advocacy and public engagement.
As Director of Blue Parks, Sarah collaborates with scientists, policymakers, and local communities worldwide to support and recognize marine protected areas (MPAs) that meet high standards for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Her role also includes collaboration on the Marine Protection Atlas, a vital database tracking the state of global marine protection and providing a resource for conservationists and governments alike to measure progress and drive action.
Sarah’s background is uniquely interdisciplinary: she holds a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from UC Davis, where her work on population connectivity informed how MPA network design can promote resilience in marine ecosystems. Her foundation in Public Policy and Teaching, with degrees from Brown University, helps her bridge the gap between science and management, making her an effective advocate for ocean conservation.
With over a decade of experience, Sarah has served on multiple advisory boards, including the Advisory Council for Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the World Surf Reserves Executive Committee. She’s become a world connector, as she’s been supporting and working with communities across the entire globe and is always willing to go above and beyond to bridge gaps and establish relationships. Whether advocating for conservation policy, getting out in the surf, or enjoying a family beach day, Sarah’s commitment to marine protection is always on—a passion she’s eager to share with her colleagues worldwide.
