David O'Brien

David O'Brien is the Deputy Director of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture, a position he has held since 2012.1 He also serves as the Co-chair of the Interagency Aquaculture Economic Development Task Force at NOAA, a role he has occupied since June 2020.1

Career at NOAA

David O'Brien has been with NOAA for over two decades, starting his career there in 2000 as a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow.1 His progression within the organization includes:

• ESA Listing and Recovery Specialist (2001-2006)
• Aquaculture Program Coordinator (2006-2010)
• International Coordinator - Aquaculture (2010-2012)
• Deputy Director, Office of Aquaculture (2012-present)

Education and Early Career

O'Brien holds an M.S. in Marine Estuarine and Environmental Science from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Massachusetts.1 Before joining NOAA, he worked as an aquaculture extension agent for the Peace Corps in Cameroon, West Africa.1

Current Role and Responsibilities

As the Co-chair of the Interagency Aquaculture Economic Development Task Force, O'Brien is involved in developing a national Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Economic Development.1 This plan aims to outline actions that federal agencies can take to support a robust, resilient, globally competitive, and environmentally sustainable domestic aquaculture sector.1

Expertise

David O'Brien is a fishery biologist by training and has extensive experience in:

• Aquaculture development and policy
• Marine and environmental science
• Endangered Species Act implementation
• International coordination in aquaculture

His work at NOAA focuses on providing science, services, and policies to support the significant expansion and sustainability of U.S. marine aquaculture.1