The Environmental Defense Fund announced 17 June that it has hired Eric Schwaab, a former leader of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as the organization’s new senior vice president of its Oceans program.
Schwaab has been a leader of government agencies at both the state and federal levels, starting at Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources before moving up to leading the NMFS. He has also run conservation grant programs at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and was chief of conservation programs at the National Aquarium and the National Park Foundation.
"Eric's passion for the oceans, his deep technical and management expertise on fisheries issues and his experience as a leader makes him a perfect fit," Amanda Leland, executive vice president, at the EDF, said. "Over more than two decades, he has worked in nearly all aspects of conservation and he understands what is required to drive impact at scale."
While heading the NMFS, Schwaab led the reforms of U.S. fisheries management, including adoption of science-based catch limits. He has also represented the U.S. in global fishing treaties, as well as in negotiations with other countries regarding fishing operations.
As the senior vice president for the Oceans program, he’ll lead a team of scientists, economists, and advocates to “achieve EDF's vision of creating thriving, resilient oceans in our lifetimes.”
"I'm excited about the opportunity for what we can achieve at EDF," Schwaab said. "This team and the global network it is building have the tools and passion to reverse overfishing and make our oceans – and all those who depend on them – more resilient, even in the face of climate change."
Photo courtesy of EDF
