Dr. Melissa Walsh

Melissa is a leading global expert in ocean finance and the blue economy, with 24 years of experience in coral reef science, management, and conservation finance across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. In 2015, she published the seminal paper establishing the field of marine conservation finance, and in 2021, she co-led the Ocean Finance paper for the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. Melissa’s expertise spans all sectors of marine conservation including government, private industry, academia, and NGOs. Her outstanding contributions were recognized in 2011 when she was awarded the “Global Leader Award” by Conservation International.

Prior to ORRAA, Melissa was Head of Ocean Finance at the Minderoo Foundation and Director of the Ocean Finance Initiative for the Asian Development Bank. In the latter role, she supported ADB’s USD$5 billion commitment by developing innovative finance mechanisms including the Blue Bond Incubator and building global market standards for blue finance. Melissa also designed and managed the Pacific Ocean Finance Program for the Office for the Pacific Ocean Commissioner and the Forum Fisheries Alliance. She holds a BS in Chemistry & Marine Science from the University of Miami, an MS in Oceanography from the University of Hawaii, and a PhD in Marine Conservation Finance from James Cook University.