
Eric Schwaab
Senior Vice President, People and Nature
Description
Eric is an accomplished conservation leader with experience in government and the foundation and non-profit sectors. In his role as Senior Vice President for the Ecosystems & Oceans program, he leads a global team of scientists, lawyers and advocates working to create thriving, resilient oceans. He brings more than two decades of experience driving complex conservation initiatives to scale.
Schwaab, who served as head of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), has deep expertise coordinating environmental policy while working with stakeholders on all sides to ensure the best possible outcomes for the environment and fishing communities.
At NMFS, Eric led the transformation of U.S. fisheries management, including widespread adoption of science-based catch limits and catch shares. He represented the United States in negotiations of international fishing treaties such as the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), as well as important bilateral negotiations with other countries such as Mexico and Canada.
He has led government agencies at state and federal levels managing coastal and ocean resources, ran a conservation grant-making program at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and was chief of conservation programs at the National Aquarium and the National Park Foundation.
Background
Schwaab is known for his vision, energy and deep technical expertise. He has been lauded for his ability to pull people together, persist through tough challenges and solve problems. Over more than two decades of work in conservation, he has provided strategic direction, team development, management, budgeting and fundraising at the highest levels of governments as well as with foundations and non-profits.
He holds an undergraduate degree in Biology from McDaniel College and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Planning from Towson University.
Latest pieces
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Investing in life below water is an investment in all sustainable development goals
EDFish, September 18, 2023 -
Climate change is causing fishery problems, but we can solve them
EDFish Blog, May 4, 2022 -
Natural infrastructure can address growing climate impacts and save hundreds of billions of dollars annually in the process
Growing Returns Blog, November 7, 2021 -
Charting a New Course Toward Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture
EDFish Blog, May 20, 2021
Press materials
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COP15 Accord is Crucial Step to Stem Biodiversity Loss
December 19, 2022 -
New Legislation to Spur Sustainable, Inclusive Seafood Farming in the U.S.
December 8, 2022 -
Aquaculture Poll Shows Americans Want More Local Seafood and Stronger Environmental and Consumer Protections
August 4, 2021 -
Reps. Huffman, Case Introduce Legislation to Reauthorize Magnuson-Stevens Act
July 26, 2021 -
President Biden Confronts Climate Extremes with Increased Funding for Resilience
May 24, 2021 -
Monica Medina Nominated to Lead Bureau on Ocean, Environmental, Scientific Affairs
April 22, 2021 -
Strong Advocate for Healthy Oceans and Ecosystems in Pick of Spinrad to Lead NOAA
April 22, 2021 -
Climate Resilience and Equity Highlighted in COFI Declaration
February 8, 2021