At the heart of our remarkable Blue Frontier community are some people helping turn the tide. Our team members are multi-talented individuals & activists who have a genuine love for the ocean and intimate connection with the issues that threaten it’s health and with that the health of the planet.
OUR TEAM
David Helvarg
Executive Director
David Helvarg is Executive Director of Blue Frontier – an ocean conservation and policy group and the author of six books: Blue Frontier, The War Against the Greens, 50 Ways to Save the Ocean, Rescue Warriors, Saved by the Sea and The Golden Shore. He is organizer of ‘Blue Vision’ Summits for ocean activists, Peter Benchley Ocean Awards (with Wendy Benchley), chaired the first global March for the Ocean in 2018 and in 2019 launched the Ocean Climate Action Plan coalition that contributed to the first Climate Action law in U.S. history including $6 billion for coastal restoration and greening ports.
Helvarg worked as a war correspondent in Northern Ireland and Central America, covered a range of issues from military science to the AIDS epidemic, and reported from every continent including Antarctica. An award-winning journalist, he produced more than 40 broadcast documentaries for PBS, The Discovery Channel, and others. His print work continues to appear in The New York Times, LA Times, National Geographic, Sierra, etc. He’s done radio work for Marketplace, AP radio, and Pacifica and led workshops for journalists in Poland, Turkey, Tunisia, Slovakia and Washington DC. Today he and Blue Frontier continue to lead media training workshops for ocean scientists and advocates. He is also a licensed Private Investigator, body-surfer and scuba diver.
Natasha Benjamin
Associate Director
Natasha has almost 20 years’ experience working in marine science and policy and a strong dedication for ocean conservation. She is also the Media Director at Marine Applied Research & Exploration (MARE) where she works with deep sea robotic technology to collect data to inform ocean and fisheries policy. Natasha’s has a background in marine science and fisheries management and strong expertise in science, policy and partnership building. She also worked with the Institute for Fisheries Resources, the Ocean Conservancy and as a consultant for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and other ocean conservation groups. Natasha has a B.S. in Marine Biology from Boston University and M.S. in Marine Policy from University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science (RSMAS).
Margo Pellegrino
Field Organizer and Ocean Explorer
Margo has a BA in Labor Studies from Rutgers University. She is a life-long Jersey Gal who group up in an ocean loving family. Out of concern for the state of our ocean and what that means for the future of her children, she became a paddling ocean activist. Armed with David Helvarg’s “50 Ways to Save the Ocean” and a paddle, she feels that her outreach can be yet another tool in the toolbox to bring our ocean and water to the forefront of issues on which our great nation should focus. She believes that our country can and should take a leadership in ocean stewardship for the benefit of the global community and our children and generations to follow.
Eleanor Kerlow
Senior Communications Advisor
Eleanor is a marine-loving, award-winning PR professional. She has 30 years of experience in media and directing PR campaigns to advance strategic positioning and business goals. She worked for 12 years in legal media, including writing a book about Harvard Law School, and 18 years heading the public relations at three AmLaw100 law firms. Her joy is traveling the world with her family to dive and loves observing the small critters. After participating in recent Blue Vision Summits and 2017 Healthy Oceans Hill Day, she rededicated herself to advancing ocean communications and co-chairs the media committee of the March for the Ocean.
Nick Paz
Media Coordinator
Nick is an oceanography student at Cal Maritime with a passion for environmental stewardship, equitable access, and creating and fostering inclusive ocean communities. He is also an avid surfer, diver, and accomplished photographer with a focus on surfing and nature.
Myra Khan
Coordinator
Myra is the Coordinator at Blue Frontier, bringing a strong background in environmental advocacy to her role. Before joining Blue Frontier, Myra worked with various environmental and humanitarian organizations focused on climate justice and supporting the rights of asylum seekers. Her experience includes conservation fieldwork in diverse locations such as the U.S., Costa Rica, Malta, and Indonesia. Her varied experiences have equipped her with a broad perspective and practical skills that she now applies to her work at Blue Frontier, helping to advance their mission of creating a sustainable and equitable future.
Holden Hardcastle
Podcast Producer
Over the last twenty years, I have produced award-winning strategic marketing campaigns. I am an experienced art and creative director who has led high-performing teams at companies across various industries. Working with inspired and driven individuals, I aspire to create beautiful, exciting, and positive experiences. Whether it is bringing people together through an application or developing a dynamic brand to change the world, I believe that inspired teams yield inspirational results.
Charles Landon
Podcast Editor
Charles Landon is a photojournalist who worked for 40 years at the CBS affiliate in San Diego. He has won numerous Emmy, Golden Mikes and a National Press Photographer award.
Born and bred by the beach he surfs, body boards and dives in the San Diego area. Charles has worked with David Helvarg on numerous documentary’s and edits the Rising Tide Ocean Podcast.
Jacob Mcgrath
Kelp Coordinator
Jacob is dedicated to advancing marine conservation through innovative policy solutions and stakeholder engagement. A recent graduate from University of Colorado with an M.S. in Environmental Policy, Jacob’s previous work focused on international governance mechanisms and the associated impacts of deep sea mining. He spends his free time surfing and alpine climbing.
