Ryan's role at Cairns Marine is to implement strategic development initiatives for the business. Prior to joining the team, he was executive officer of regional economic development networks for the seafood and marine industry; and for the engineering industry in Far North Queensland. Ryan's background is in tropical fisheries research and management; and in marine conservation, practiced mainly in the Indo-Pacific region. Ryan compiled the aquarium supply industry Stewardship Action Plan, including a response plan to events linked to climate change; and he is a regular contributor to various industry magazines promoting Cairns Marine's approach to business, including research collaboration and establishing the global benchmark for operational best practice. Ryan is also actively involved with industry development as a director with the Australian Marine Training Network and a member of the Cairns Local Marine Advisory Committee. He is also maintains active roles in the Queensland aquarium industry association, Pro-vision Reef; and the non profit organisation linked to Cairns Marine called Project Sawfish.