Janis Searles Jones is CEO of Ocean Conservancy, working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthier ocean, protected by a more just world. Ms. Searles Jones is an environmental lawyer by training. She is fluent in marine conservation and policy, with deep expertise in Alaska and the Arctic.
Ms. Searles Jones is a frequent speaker and lecturer on ocean and coastal law and the intersection of science, policy and people in advancing conservation. She is a published expert on sustainable use of ocean resources and ecosystem-based management. Ms. Searles Jones holds a JD and a certificate in environmental and natural resources law from Lewis & Clark Law School where she is also a Distinguished Environmental Law Graduate and an adjunct faculty member. She is a 2017 Pew Marine Fellow.
Prior to joining Ocean Conservancy, Ms. Searles Jones was senior regional counsel and policy advisor for Oceana, covering the Pacific region from Alaska to California. She also worked as a staff attorney for the Alaska office of Earthjustice, where her docket focused on marine issues. She is based in Ocean Conservancy’s Portland, Oregon office.
The ocean makes life on earth possible, but there is too much going into the ocean (CO2, plastics) and too much coming out (marine life, habitat). I am inspired every day to chart a better future for the ocean.