OceanWatch Australia’s voluntary directors guide the organisation’s strategic direction and oversee governance.
Our current directors bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise in areas including executive management/leadership in the seafood industry; natural resource management policy and practice at regional and national scales; environmental sciences, especially relating to fisheries and aquaculture communications, media relations and marketing; public policy and management of government-industry relations fisheries research, development and extension; natural resource economics and social sciences; financial management; Indigenous fishing; corporate governance.
Troy Billin
Professional Fisherman, NSW
Troy is an OceanWatch director since 2025. He has been a commercial fisherman on the NSW north coast for over 27 years and won the 2024 Primary Producer Award in both NSW and at the National Seafood Awards. He has previously sat on the NSW research advisory committee and on the board of the PFA. He has great passion for the sustainability of his industry and the marine environment he operates in, and wants to see future generations enjoy the industry he loves.
Craig Aspinall - Director
NSW Community Landcare Aboriginal Engagement Officer
Craig is an OceanWatch director since 2005. He is an Aboriginal man from the Birpai nation on the lower north coast of NSW who has devoted his private and working life to the natural and cultural values associated with land and sea country. He holds several university and VET qualifications and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Doug Ferrell - Director
Fisheries Science and Management
Doug has been an OceanWatch director since 2012. He grew up and studied marine ecology in the Pacific northwest of the USA. He has worked in fisheries ecology and fisheries assessment for two decades and spent a further decade working in fisheries management for the NSW government. He is now retired but professionally active.
Geoff Blackburn - Chairman
Professional Fisherman, NSW
Geoff is a director since 2003. He has been a professional fisher since 1977. He is a director of NSW Catcher's Trust, Coffs Harbour Fisherman's Co-op and the Professional Fisherman's Association. Geoff is a graduate of the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program 2004 and is a strong advocate for building a better future for Australian seafood by strengthening partnerships with the government, resource managers, businesses and local communities.
Andre Gorissen
Director, Fraser Isle Spanner Crab
Andre is Director of Fraser Isle Spanner Crab and brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and food service sectors. He has a strong passion for supporting producers, fishers, and retailers through value-added seafood solutions and smart, sustainable business growth. Throughout his career, Andre has actively contributed his expertise in business development, innovation, and responsible practices across a range of sectors. He is committed to the long-term sustainability of the seafood industry and the marine environments it depends on!
George Apostolakis - Director
Business Owner- M&G Seafoods
George has been an OceanWatch director since 2020. He has been involved in the seafood industry since 1992 focusing primarily on the supply chain of seafood from farmers and fishers to end users. George commenced employment with M&G Seafoods Wholesalers in 1992. At around the same time M&G purchased Marine Foods within the market auction hall. M&G Seafoods Wholesalers is a family business that was established in 1969. George was appointed to the Sydney Fish Market Board of Directors in 2016.