Megan O'Toole

Megan has been passionate about marine conservation issues from an early age, from marine mammals, sharks to most recently, sea cucumbers. 

She has considerable experience working in international fora, providing technical advice and recommendations to governments seeking better global management for threatened marine species. Megan has also worked extensively at the national level, recognizing that conservation for the world’s wildlife is not a one-size-fits-all solution and has partnered with governments, scientists, NGOs and IGOs to identify best practices and policies that aim to reduce shark mortality and build capacity depending on the needs of the region, country or species. 

Today, Megan leads IFAW’s engagement on the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) with the aim of ensuring global catch and trade of threatened species does not drive them to extinction. Megan also incorporates IFAW’s wider programmatic work, such as preventing wildlife cybercrime, training of customs officials to identify and seize illegal specimens and guidelines on the handling of confiscated animals to provide governments with comprehensive resources and advice in implementing their obligations under CITES and CMS, leading to better management for animals worldwide.  

Megan holds a Masters of Environmental Management from Duke University with special interests in marine resource management and international agreements. She resides in the United States.