Joan M. Drinkwin

Joan Drinkwin specializes in designing and implementing strategic conservation programs and projects. She has 25 years’ of experience in developing and operationalizing collaborative conservation programs. She is a recognized leader in the field of abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear and is regularly called on for consultation from practitioners worldwide as well as Intergovernmental Organizations (FAO, IWC). She has collaborated on significant research into impacts of derelict fishing gear and led development of a comprehensive strategy to address the problem of lost and abandoned crab pots in Puget Sound. Ms. Drinkwin has managed on-the-ground nearshore restoration projects as well as developed and directed strategic restoration programs and communications plans. She brings to all her projects strong communications skills. She has extensive grant acquisition and development experience and has raised more than $10 million for conservation work in the Salish Sea and beyond.