Melissa Walsh

Dr. Melissa Walsh is a leading global expert in ocean finance and the blue economy and was recently the co-lead of the Ocean Finance paper for the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. Melissa has 21 years experience in coral reef science, management, and conservation finance in Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. Current and recent clients include the Asian Development Bank, Pew Charitable Trusts, Micronesia Conservation Trust, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Australian Government Reef Trust, and many more. Dr. Walsh has worked across all sectors in marine conservation - government, private, academia, and NGO. In 2011, Melissa was awarded the “Global Leader Award” by Conservation International for developing the $10 million USD Hawaii Fish Trust. Melissa holds a BS in Chemistry & Marine Science (University of Miami), a MS in Oceanography (University of Hawaii), and a PhD in Marine Conservation Finance (James Cook University).