Our Mission

to safeguard Antarctic wildlife and Southern Ocean habitat from industrial fisheries impacts and advance durable conservation solutions.

Backed by science and in collaboration with partners around the world, we are a U.S. team helping lead a global movement to end destructive krill fishing.

Meet the Team

  • Ally Kristan

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

     Ally (B.S. Marine Biology, M.S. Oceanography & Coastal Sciences) is a marine biologist and Antarctic policy expert with over a decade of experience in Antarctic conservation. She has conducted research on Antarctic penguins and seals, served on the U.S. Delegation to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and CCAMLR, deployed to McMurdo Sation, and held leadership roles in Antarctic science and policy forums. She continues her engagement through work with the IUCN WCPA and Duke University Marine Lab.

  • Andrea Kavanagh

    FOUNDER & CHIEF CAMPAIGN AND POLICY OFFICER

    Andrea is an Antarctic policy strategist and ocean conservation campaign leader with more than 25 years of experience designing and directing international initiatives. During her two decades at The Pew Charitable Trusts, she led efforts to strengthen fisheries management, reduce illegal fishing, advance ecosystem-based krill management, and secure the designation of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area—the largest MPA in the world at the time. She has represented coalitions in United Nations and CCAMLR negotiations and brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, campaign development, and strategic communications.

  • Sean Cosgrove

    FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC OPERATIONS

     Sean is a senior conservation campaign professional with more than three decades of experience advancing ocean, fisheries, and public lands protections. He has led national campaigns, managed multi-partner coalitions, served as a federal policy advocate, and directed a national grant portfolio for the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

Advisory Board

Statement on Equity & Inclusion

Antarctic Wildlife Alliance deeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities, abilities and cultures. AWA operates in the best interest of securing protection and a sustainable future for wildlife.

In recruitment and hiring, AWA will provide an equal opportunity in recruitment and employment to all individuals and will consider candidates without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation and identity, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status; and without discrimination based on socioeconomic, marital, parental or caregiving status, or any of the previously listed characteristics or statuses.

Contact us

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