John Phillips Joins The Center For Marine Conservation

The Ocean Conservancy
Thursday, 10 May 2001

Phillips starts as New England Regional Director

WASHINGTON, DC – The Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) is very proud to announce the hiring of John Phillips director of its New England Regional Office in South Portland, Maine. Phillips comes to CMC with a long and extensive background in marine issues and is familiar with New England's ocean, fishing, and coastal problems and the associated politics of the region.

"I'm excited to be starting with CMC at such a critical time for our marine resources here in New England. My goals are to build our presence and visibility, become increasingly active in a range of Gulf of Maine issues, and establish strong links with other conservation groups," says Phillips.

Before coming to CMC, Phillips served as a consultant and advisor to the Conservation Law Foundation where he used the highly controversial listing of Atlantic salmon as an endangered species as an opportunity to change the way Maine's salmon aquaculture industry manages its operations. At CMC's New England office Phillips plans to focus his efforts on fish conservation, protecting the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, establishing marine protected areas in the region, and conserving North Atlantic right whales.

"John brings over two decades of leadership on coast and ocean policy issues," said Warner Chabot, CMC's Vice President for Regional Operations. "He understands the issues and the players, and he respects the New England perspective on conservation policies."

Before working with the Conservation Law Foundation, John served as Massachusetts Commissioner of Fisheries and Wildlife, where his responsibilities included marine fisheries, endangered species, and coastal enforcement. He has also worked for the Atlantic Salmon Federation as its U.S. Executive Director and for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in both the Administrator's office and at the Coastal Zone Management office.

John is a graduate of Harvard and the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and currently lives in Ipswich, Massachusetts. In his spare time, he loves almost many outdoor activities especially hiking, camping, and canoeing. He also serves on the board of directors for American Rivers.

Through science-based advocacy, research, and public education, the Center for Marine Conservation informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act for the oceans in order to protect ocean ecosystems and conserve the global abundance and diversity of marine wildlife. Headquartered in Washington, DC, CMC has regional offices in Alaska, California, Florida, and New England and field offices in Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz, CA, Florida Keys, U.S. Virgin Islands and the office of Pollution Prevention and Monitoring in Virginia Beach, VA.

For more information, or to contact The Ocean Conservancy, see their website at: www.oceanconservancy.org