Who we are

Founded in 2025 by Dr. Seth Theuerkauf, Thriving Coasts Consulting is dedicated to helping coastal communities and ecosystems thrive through application of expert science, strategic insight, and collaborative solutions.

With deep roots in the Chesapeake Bay and broad experience nationally and internationally across the realms of restoration, aquaculture, offshore energy, and science-policy integration, we’re here to help organizations meet today’s environmental challenges with rigor and agility.

Our team operates at the intersection of science and strategy. Whether embedded in your team or driving independent research, we deliver high-quality, actionable insights grounded in the best available science. Our work is adaptive, client-centered, and impact-driven.

Why we care

Born and raised along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Seth developed a deep awareness of the environmental challenges facing the Bay early in life. As a student at the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School during his formative years, he engaged in hands-on field research that sparked what has become a lifelong passion for marine conservation science. This passion deepened at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, where he joined the marine conservation ecology lab—discovering how applied science could help reverse decades of oyster reef decline.

Since those early days, the scope and geographic reach of our experience has grown significantly, just as the pace and complexity of today’s environmental challenges have accelerated. Addressing these challenges requires bold thinking, innovative strategies, and cross-sector collaboration.

Our team brings deep, practical experience in coastal restoration, marine aquaculture, offshore energy, and infrastructure—spanning academia, nonprofits, and government. We are driven by purpose and ready to partner with you to tackle complex problems with integrity, creativity, and real-world impact.

Learn more about our areas of expertise

Our Team

Dr. Seth Theuerkauf

  • Over 18 years of experience advancing marine conservation, aquaculture, and coastal resilience through science, strategy, and partnerships

  • Highly-cited marine conservation biologist with 25+ peer-reviewed scientific articles (>1,800 citations) on topics including habitat restoration, ecosystem services, aquaculture, and geospatial modeling for decision support

  • Former Federal regulator for offshore wind energy with the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, overseeing leasing activities along the US East Coast

  • Oversaw integration of science to inform aquaculture sector management as the national Science Coordinator the NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture and with NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science

  • International sustainable aquaculture development experience with The Nature Conservancy’s Global Oceans Team, including experience in Tanzania and Palau

  • Extensive experience delivering science briefings to congressional staff and senior federal leadership, translating complex findings into actionable, policy-relevant insights

  • Frequently represents agencies and initiatives in national and international forums, with extensive experience in technical communications, media interviews, and multi-stakeholder convenings

  • Expert in geospatial decision-support tools, ecological modeling, and designing collaborative science processes that inform real-world decisions

Founder and Lead Consultant

Dr. Alex Schneider

Senior Marine Ecologist & Science Communication Specialist

  • Fisheries scientist and marine ecologist with expertise in understanding and communicating the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems

  • Research experience focused on offshore wind development, fisheries management, climate change, and impacts to fish and invertebrate populations across the Northeast U.S.

  • Strong background translating science to inform sustainable resource management, conservation planning, and policy-relevant decision-making

  • Experience across the Federal government and academia engaging with fisheries management groups, stakeholders, and the public

  • Skilled in disseminating research, listening to stakeholder concerns, and designing scientific studies responsive to management and community needs

  • Expertise in science communication, public engagement, statistical modeling, quantitative methods, and scientific review and editing

  • Committed to advancing clear, accessible, and decision-relevant science for marine conservation and resource management

  • Lifelong connection to marine ecosystems through fishing, sailing, and swimming off the coast of Rhode Island

Bryce O’Brien

  • Marine ecologist with six years of experience applying geospatial tools to marine spatial planning, natural resource management, and conservation initiatives

  • PhD student in the Baum Lab at the University of Victoria, mapping blue carbon ecosystem co-benefits to inform conservation strategies in the Bay of Fundy and Atlantic Nova Scotia

  • Former Geospatial Analyst and Central Atlantic Marine Planning Coordinator with NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science

  • Experience developing spatial suitability models to support offshore wind energy planning while minimizing impacts to vulnerable marine wildlife, fishing communities, and other ocean users

  • Skilled in translating spatial data and ecological information into decision-support products for ocean planning and conservation

  • Strong background in marine spatial analysis, stakeholder-informed planning, and data-driven conservation strategy

  • Committed to advancing healthy oceans, resilient coastal communities, and effective climate solutions

Coastal Resilience & Geospatial Analyst

Our Partners

We believe in the power of effective partnerships to enhance the quality, reach, and impact of our work. These collaborations expand our capacity, allowing us to scale teams and deliver cost-effective, high-quality solutions.

Our team is integrated directly with Geo Horizons, LLC to provide permit-ready science and spatial analytics for aquaculture, restoration, and marine infrastructure. In partnership with Seatone Consulting, we integrate facilitation and technical expertise to drive real-world impact. We also collaborate with the additional partners listed below as needed.

Additional partners include: