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.
We operate 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.
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 (>1,500 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
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:
KJ Baker & Associates, LLC
Rust and Associates, LLC