March 1, 2016

When Paul Dye focuses on marine conservation, change happens. Dye now brings that focus to Washington Sea Grant, where he recently began serving as the new assistant director for outreach for the marine research, education and outreach organization.

Dye’s previous work in Washington has conserved fish and shellfish habitat, supported fisheries innovations to create sustainability, helped coastal communities adapt to climate change, and reduced the risk of oil spills.

Dye has 30 years experience in the conservation field, spanning protection and restoration of bottomland hardwood forests, subtropical coral reefs, and marine habitats of the Pacific Northwest. For the past six years, he was with the Seattle office of The Nature Conservancy as director of marine conservation for Washington.

Penny Dalton, director of Washington Sea Grant, praised Dye’s work with Washington’s coastal communities, noting that, “I have enjoyed working with Paul since he arrived here in Washington. His track record speaks for itself and we are pleased to welcome him to Sea Grant.”

“Issues within Washington’s coastal communities are as likely to be social or economic as much as they are to be environmental,” comments Dye. “Sea Grant’s mission and breadth of experience with these issues are unique in this region, and I’m excited about the opportunity to lead such an accomplished outreach team.”

Dye also chairs the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Ecosystem Advisory Subpanel and, until recently, served on the Washington Marine Resources Advisory Council, which advises Governor Inslee’s office on ocean acidification.