Robert Mazurek

Robert Mazurek has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of ocean science, policy, and multi-sector partnerships. As Executive Director of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, he leads a 30-person team advancing conservation across California’s coast — from watershed health to whale protection. Before joining CMSF, he founded the Secure Fisheries program at One Earth Future, led international ocean conservation work at Pew contributing to major marine reserves off Australia, Chile, and the U.K.’s Pitcairn Island, and co-founded the California Ocean Alliance, which he continues to chair.

CMSF’s Blue Whales Blue Skies program is one of the more concrete examples of what cross-sector collaboration can produce: 49 shipping lines representing 787 vessels participating voluntarily, a 50% reduction in fatal whale strike risk, measurable air quality benefits in coastal communities, and a model now codified in California law. Robert’s focus is on what it actually takes to get conservation outcomes at scale — which usually means bringing the right partners to the table and building structures that outlast any single grant or program.