Robert Jones, M.S.
As the Lead of TNC’s Global Aquaculture Program, Robert Jones is responsible for the strategy’s conservation outcomes and impact. The Global Program consists of five multidisciplinary initiatives – Science and Tools for Management, Restorative Seaweed, the Blue Revolution Fund, Low Carbon Future, and the Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration Program – and guides the design, launch and ongoing development of new on the ground aquaculture projects in North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
Robert’s background is aquaculture sustainability, with a focus on offshore aquaculture and international projects. Prior to joining TNC seven years ago, he served as the National Program Coordinator for the NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture, where he worked to advance national policy for aquaculture in Federal Waters, and a Foreign Affairs Officer at the U.S. Department of State, where he focused on international fisheries and aquaculture agreements. He holds a B.A. from Boston College in International Studies and an M.S. in Marine Affairs and Policy from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science with a concentration in marine aquaculture.
Email: robert.jones@tnc.org
Heidi Alleway, PhD
In her role as the Senior Aquaculture Scientist for TNC’s Global Aquaculture Program, Heidi Alleway leads the organizations aquaculture initiative and research on restorative aquaculture and contributes to broader efforts to enhance regenerative food systems and seafood initiatives. Her research experience spans aquaculture, fisheries and fisheries habitat, biosecurity, and historical ecology. Much of her work has been conducted in an applied setting, working with and for government, industry, and communities to support spatial planning, aquaculture zoning, policy, regulation, and environmental monitoring. Heidi was previously employed for 15 years by the South Australian Government, including as the General Manager of Aquaculture overseeing the management and sustainable development of one Australia’s pioneering and most diverse seafood industries. She holds a PhD in Marine Science from the University of Adelaide.
Email: heidi.alleway@tnc.org
Jonathan MacKay, M.S.
Jonathan MacKay is the Aquaculture Spatial Scientist for The Nature Conservancy’s Global Aquaculture Program He performs complex aquaculture site suitability analyses and builds decision support tools to help stakeholders plan for aquaculture development while balancing environmental, social, and economic factors. His work spans marine and freshwater systems worldwide, leveraging his background in GIS and marine and environmental science. Before joining TNC, Jonathan worked with federal and state governments, non-profits, and start-ups in the aquaculture space. He holds an M.S. in Environmental Science from California State University, Los Angeles, and a B.S. in Marine Science from the University of the South Pacific, Fiji.
Email: jonathan.mackay@tnc.org