Steve Fletcher

Professor of Ocean Policy and Economy
University of Portsmouth

Presenting the Keynote Speech:
“Unlocking the Transition to a Sustainable Blue Economy”

I am an ocean policy, blue economy and plastic pollution specialist focused on delivering actionable research to support positive outcomes for people and the ocean. I have held senior marine research leadership positions for the last decade within the academic and UN systems. I have more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, research reports, and policy-focused publications, and I am one of the top five most-cited researchers in the blue economy field. I am also an experienced and effective media communicator. I am a member of the UNEP International Resource Panel and have worked with the G20, World Bank and UNEP on a range of ocean and plastics-focused projects. I have led and managed multiple large multi-partner international ocean projects and have worked extensively in the UN family of organisations.

From 2015 to 2018, I was Head of the Marine Programme at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) in Cambridge, where I contributed to the development and monitoring of a range of global agreements, including on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.