Areas of Expertise

• Marine ecology and conservation
• Offshore oil and gas impacts
• Gulf of Mexico restoration
• Ocean-carbon dynamics and climate change
• Harmful algal blooms, water quality

Raised in Hawai‘i, Chris developed a passion for the ocean at an early age. He first became aware of one of the greatest challenges facing our ocean—plastics—as young boy walking along Kailua beach on Oahu. Canoeing, scuba diving, surfing and beach combing stoked his curiosity in marine life and set him on a career path of conservation.

Chris has more than 25 years’ experience in conservation science. At Ocean Conservancy, he played a pivotal role in developing the blueprint for the restoration of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem after the devastating BP Deepwater Horizon tragedy in 2010. Chris is passionate about using science and research to guide policy priorities and advocacy efforts to tackle climate change, ghost fishing gear, oil spill response, marine restoration and ocean plastic pollution.

His previous experience includes salmon conservation in the North Pacific, wildlife conservation strategies and investigations into the international trade in threatened species.

Education

• Master of Science, Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development
  • University of Maryland, College Park
• Bachelor of Science, Environmental Conservation
  • University of New Hampshire, Durham

Favorite Thing About the Ocean

Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore has always been my favorite ocean place. In winter, it is a cauldron of bubbling seafoam generated by some of the largest waves on the planet. In summer, it is as placid as a lake and ideal for snorkeling, swimming and sea turtle gazing.

Media Mentions

• Leaky Gas Pipeline Sparks an Inferno in the Gulf of Mexico | The New York Times
• 47 Whales Confirmed Dead in Mauritius | Forbes
• Make sure the $16 billion for Gulf restoration is well spent | The Times-Picayune

Recent Publications

• Love, M., Baldera, A., Robbins C. (2018). The benefits of adaptive management: Three case studies from ecosystem restoration programs around the U.S. Austin, TX: Ocean Conservancy.
• Spies, R. B., S. Senner and C. S. Robbins. 2016. An Overview of the Northern Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem. Gulf of Mexico Science 33
  (1).
• Love, M., A. Baldera, C. Robbins, R.B Spies, and J.R. Allen. 2015. Charting the Gulf: Analyzing the gaps in long-term monitoring of the Gulf of Mexico. Ocean Conservancy. New Orleans, LA. 95 pp.