Dr Kathryn MENGERINK

Executive Director, Waitt Institute

Dr. Kathryn Mengerink leads a team of ocean experts in developing and implementing blue prosperity programs, including marine spatial planning and blue economy. She works in partnership with governments, NGOs, and ocean experts across the globe. Kathryn brings more than 20 years of ocean expertise to her work combining marine science, law and policy to inform decision-making.

Previously, she led the Environmental Law Institute’s Ocean Program, including leading projects related to ecosystem-based ocean management, marine spatial planning, fisheries management and enforcement, marine protection, deep seabed mining and more. Kathryn also served as a lecturer and academic coordinator at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. 

Kathryn holds a BS in Zoology from Texas A&M University, PhD in Marine Biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a JD from University of California, Berkeley.