Dr Ian Dutton is a fifth generation Tasmanian and is an advocate for sustainable use of Tasmania’s coastal waters. His 40 year career has included global executive leadership roles with the Southern Cross University, University of Rhode Island, The Nature Conservancy, Alaska SeaLife Center/North Pacific Research Board and Rasmuson Foundation. Ian returned to Australia in late 2018 to take up the role of General Manager of Marine Resources with the Tasmanian Government where he led numerous research and development collaborations (Including SMRCA) and major policy reform processes until he stepped down in March 2024.

He currently serves as a Federal (AFMA) Fisheries Commissioner and an advisor to philanthropists, nonprofit and public boards and research organisations on environmental and social change initiatives, with a particular focus on coastal and marine environments and communities.

A serial entrepreneur, Ian has founded four companies, including Nautilus Impact Investing LLC which provided advice to individual investors, development banks, corporations and foundations on fisheries and oceans, climate change adaptation, food security and other initiatives supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with indigenous communities, interdisciplinary research coalitions, public and private sector partnerships and philanthropic organisations on high impact social and environmental initiatives throughout Australia, and in more than 30 countries.

Ian is a graduate of the University of Canberra (BAppSc), Griffith University (MSc), the University of Queensland (PhD) and the Cornell University Executive Leadership Program. His work has been formally recognized by the Matsumae Foundation (Japan), Coastal America Partnership (USA), the Planning Institute  of Australia, the Ministry for Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Indonesia) and the Governor of Alaska. He has authored more than 70 refereed scientific publications and has been featured on CNN, ABC, Asia Week and other global media.

He is a keen photographer, golfer, bushwalker and poet and is actively engaged with various community service organisations including the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) and Wildcare (Little Penguins).

https://reenvision.au/