Matt Koller comes to Surfrider with a background in ocean and climate policy and strategic communications and has built his career at the intersection of science, conservation, and public policy. Through roles with NOAA Fisheries, the California State Lands Commission, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Protect Our Winters, and Mako Strategies, he has worked to translate complex environmental issues into effective campaigns that engage communities, inform decision-makers, and advance conservation outcomes. He is excited to continue protecting California's coast through grassroots organizing, coalition building, and community engagement with the Surfrider Foundation. In his new role as California Offshore Drilling Campaign Manager, Matt will lead Surfrider's campaign to prevent new offshore oil and gas development by supporting chapters, building partnerships, mobilizing advocates, and working with coastal communities across the state to protect California's ocean, waves, and beaches. Let's learn a little more about Matt!
What’s your favorite marine animal and why?
It might be a bit basic, but my favorite marine animal is the humpback whale! I spent several seasons working as a whale-watching guide in Juneau and Maui, and they are such a powerful symbol of effective conservation policy. Hunted to the brink of extinction in the mid-20th century, they were placed on the endangered species list and have since recovered enough to be removed. They’re a perfect example of identifying a conservation problem (declining whale populations), developing a policy solution (listing them as endangered), and achieving the desired outcome (more whales!).
Humpbacks are considered charismatic megafauna for a reason—they get curious and approach boats, often coming so close that you need to shut off the engine as they circle the vessel to investigate. They’re active in the water, slapping their tails and pectoral fins, surface feeding, and, of course, breaching, all of which help people connect with an animal that remains largely underwater. I witnessed thousands of people have profound experiences with humpbacks, which piqued their curiosity about marine science and turned them into conservation advocates.
I’ll never cease to be amazed by these incredible creatures, and I hope we continue protecting the ocean they depend on for generations to come!
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
I recently had the chance to join a month-long Antarctic science expedition documenting the overlap of whales and krill fishing vessels around the South Orkney Islands. I’ve spent my career at the intersection of science, policy, and communications, and this expedition brought all three together!
I was a member of the science team investigating the abundance, distribution, and composition of whales in the region, while also serving as a Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research fellow, documenting the expedition and translating the science for Antarctic policymakers.
It was a dream to spend 28 days in such a remote, pristine location, getting to know the rhythms of the whales, penguins, and seabirds that congregate there to feed. Equally rewarding was helping ensure that the science reached the policymakers responsible for deciding where, when, and how much vessels can fish for Antarctic krill.
I plan to bring this same skill set to my new position as California Offshore Drilling Campaign Manager by ensuring that the Drilling is Killing campaign is grounded in robust science and translates that message into compelling communications that inspire public action to protect our coast and beaches for generations to come!
What are three fun facts about yourself?
Why is being a part of the Surfrider ocean conservation community important to you?
Everyone should be empowered to protect what they love, and Surfrider provides coastal communities with the tools, know-how, and confidence to protect and enjoy the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches. I spent several years working with Protect Our Winters, where I realized how powerful this model can be. If someone really loves spending time outdoors, it’s often just a small step toward becoming a conservation advocate. All it takes is connecting them with a community of people who care about the same place and share a commitment to protecting it.
Regardless of political beliefs, everyone who loves taking their kids to the beach, walking barefoot in the sand, or catching a few waves at sunset should be united by the idea that we are all stewards of these coastal places and share a responsibility to keep them healthy for generations to come. Surfrider helps turn that passion into action.
What are you most excited about in your role as the California Offshore Drilling Campaign Manager?
I’m most excited to help empower Californians to protect our coast and ocean. When I first moved to California almost ten years ago, I was struck that the coastal horizon of a state renowned for its natural beauty was dotted with oil rigs, and I knew I wanted to help change that. At the State Lands Commission, I learned that these were legacy platforms, and gained firsthand experience with the state’s efforts to safely decommission aging infrastructure while preventing new offshore development.
I’m immensely grateful to the state of California for the opportunities it has given me—from earning my graduate degree at UC Santa Barbara to serving as a California Sea Grant Fellow—and I’m excited to give back by helping protect the coastline that has shaped both my career and my lifestyle.
I’m excited to help bring together chapters, partners, and coastal communities to build broad public support for protecting California’s coast from new offshore drilling!