Geoff Coughlan has been at the forefront of integrated coastal and ocean management and marine spatial planning (MSP) in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) over the last two decades. Geoff proposed, and led the development of the first graduate level marine spatial planning program in North America that commenced in September 2016 at Memorial University’s Fisheries and Marine Institute. He currently serves as an instructor and Academic Director of the program. Program development included engagement of international MSP expertise and raised awareness of MSP for local stakeholders. The program aims to contribute to increased MSP capacity in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and internationally. He is also the Academic Director of the Master of Marine Studies (Fisheries Resource Management) program and teaches Marine Environmental Technology Diploma courses.

Previously Geoff worked with Fisheries and Oceans Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Region where he was involved with development of integrated coastal and ocean management plans, marine protected area establishment and federal/provincial oceans governance committees as per Canada’s Oceans Act and Canada’s Oceans Strategy.