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The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has appointed Paul Gamblin as its new Chief Executive. A leader in conservation for 25 years, Gamblin brings an exceptional track record in advocacy, management and communications, underpinned by extensive experience at international, national and local levels.

Gamblin's deep commitment to the ocean and marine life is inspired by a lifelong passion for the natural world. As a teenager, he was mesmerised by the diversity and beauty of the Western Australian coast and Ningaloo Reef - a fascination that led him to volunteer in turtle research during the 1990s. In the early 2000s, Gamblin served as the spokesperson for the original Ningaloo campaign - a pivotal initiative in which AMCS played a key role - boosting protection efforts that ultimately led to the reef's World Heritage listing.

From this foundation, Gamblin led groundbreaking work with WWF-Australia, steering efforts to safeguard offshore reefs and islands from the threats of oil and gas development. His leadership was instrumental in the major collaborations that established the world's largest marine protected area system in Australia's federal waters, as well as contributing to conservation efforts in the Kimberley and Antarctica. During his time with WWF International in Europe, Gamblin was the architect of a global campaign that rallied international institutions to recognise the urgent need for ocean conservation and climate action.

For the past five years, as WA Director with AMCS, Gamblin has shown unwavering dedication to the organisation's mission. He has led the Protect Ningaloo campaign, working to shield the magnificent Exmouth Gulf from industrialisation while advancing a broad range of Western Australian and national ocean, nature and climate priorities.

Gamblin shared "I am honoured to lead AMCS at such a pivotal time for Australia's marine and coastal environments. I've worked alongside and with AMCS for much of the past 25 years, and have greatly respected and admired the courage, determination and collaborative spirit of its staff. It's a real privilege to work with AMCS colleagues and fellow travellers in conservation, and to have such loyal and dedicated supporters across the country.

"I'm eternally inspired by the ocean, and the deep human connections to it, but I'm also conscious that we're harming our marine heritage at a staggering rate. We must be clear-eyed and honest about the state of the environment and resolved to lift our game, irrespective of political hue. This is bigger than any electoral cycle or passing trend.

"AMCS has successfully taken on some of the most daunting threats to Australia's magnificent marine environment. I sense that what's ahead will require us to set our sights much higher still, to inspire a large and powerful movement of Australians who understand that the destiny of the coastal and marine realms is also our own destiny. I look forward to leading AMCS to tackle the challenges head-on. There is no time to lose."

AMCS is confident that under Gamblin's leadership the organisation will continue to be at the forefront of environmental advocacy, championing marine conservation solutions that benefit people and the planet.

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