Brian Albaum

About Brian Albaum

Accomplished leader with over a decade of experience driving climate action, building partnerships, and implementing operational improvements in foodservice, catering, and retail operations at cultural institutions and with high-volume buyers. Marine biologist and sustainable seafood expert - proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, develop and implement net-zero strategies, and build high-impact partnerships across nonprofit and for-profit sectors.Until August 2025 I was the Director of Sustainability at SSA Group, specializing in hospitality operations (foodservice, event catering, retail, and ticketing) for zoos, aquariums, museums, and cultural attractions throughout the United States - our clients were some of the most iconic venues in the country. My role was to create the best food and retail services possible while minimizing our operational impacts. Combined, our accounts hosted over 75 million guests annually - my projects included implementation of recycling and composting programs, zero-waste events, reducing single-use disposables, eco-conscious retail packaging, edible food rescue, increasing local sourcing, and training operators how to engage with all of these initiatives. I supported General Managers at 90 different accounts in 37 States across 6 time zones, constantly needing to manage multiple time-sensitive requests and projects simultaneously. From October 2012 until August 2020, I worked as a Business Engagement Manager with Seafood Watch at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. My main responsibilities included working with seafood suppliers, restaurants, retailers, and foodservice companies to make better purchasing decisions and improve the environmental sustainability of the seafood they served. My corporate clients had influence over more than $1B in seafood sales annually.I have 10+ years experience working with executives, chefs, the media, frontline operators, and consumers to promote awareness of sustainability and tie it to increased profits. I have experience building and managing teams, and create a culture of collaboration and accountability. By working at the nexus of environmental consciousness and commercial-scale operations, I leverage market forces and create positive change in the market. I earned my Master of Science in Aquaculture Business Management from the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling in Scotland. Prior to that I earned my Bachelor of Science in marine biology and business at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada.

Experience

1. Director, Fisheries and Seafood

   Ocean Wise

   Feb 2026 — Present

   I lead fisheries and seafood work at Ocean Wise, advancing science-based, market-driven solutions that support healthy oceans, resilient coastal communities, and responsible seafood supply chains.My role focuses on strengthening the sustainability and market access of Canadian fisheries - including Indigenous-led fisheries - while engaging retailers, foodservice companies, and suppliers to drive measurable improvements across both domestic and imported seafood production. I oversee programs that connect fisheries science, policy, and markets, translating sustainability commitments into practical improvements on and below the water.I manage a multidisciplinary team and work closely with harvesters, Indigenous partners, government regulators, and other NGOs. We engage with global initiatives such as the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions to align efforts and scale impact.I am particularly interested in partnerships that support fisheries and aquaculture improvement, transparency, and innovation, and am always open to collaboration with companies and organizations committed to credible, science-based seafood sustainability.

Education

• Freshwater Institute Water Reuse Course

  Certificate of Completion, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

  2009 — 2009

• University of Victoria

  B.Sc., Marine Biology, Business

  2005 — 2010

• University of Stirling

  M.Sc., Sustainable Aquaculture Business Management

  2010 — 2011

• Cornell University Aquaculture Short-Course

  Certificate of Completion, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

  2009 — 2009