top of page

Senior Advisory

When safety, regulation, and reputation matter, you need experienced outside judgment.

I advise marine tourism, sanctuary, and marine wildlife operations—helping projects reduce operational risk, align with regulators and insurers, and move from concept to safe execution. Based in Bangkok; engaged worldwide on a retainer or fixed-scope basis.

Request a confidential call   See advisory options

​

About Jim

A career built on difficult environments and high consequence work.

Senior Marine Operations, Safety & Risk Advisor

My background spans marine mammal care, emergency response, and international projects—built around one theme: making complex operations safe, workable, and defensible.

  • Curator of Marine Mammals, City of Seattle Aquarium

  • Director of Wildlife Response, Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (largest wildlife rehab center ever built)

  • Chief Consultant, Free Willy / Keiko Foundation (sea-pen design, build, and deployment in Iceland)

  • Author of marine wildlife contingency plans for major oil companies and the U.S. Navy

  • Research and operations work across Southeast Asia and the Pacific

  • FULL Bio on Bio menu.

Advisory Services

Clear scope. Fast decisions.

Monthly Retainer Advisory

Ongoing senior oversight: SOPs, training frameworks, risk flags, regulator/insurer questions, and operational decisions—without hiring a full-time executive.

Safety, Risk & Compliance Review

Fixed-scope audit for marine attractions or marine wildlife operations. You receive a written findings report and a prioritized action plan.

Investor / Developer Due Diligence

Independent evaluation before capital is committed: operational realism, shutdown risk, staffing feasibility, and go/no-go recommendations.

​

Who I Work With

Operators & Project Owners

Resorts, marine attractions, dive/helmet operations, and marine wildlife organizations that need safe, repeatable, regulator-ready operations.

Decision-Makers

Developers, tourism authorities, boards, insurers, and investors who need an experienced outside assessment before taking risk.

​​​

What clients get

Practical judgment, not theory based on real life experiences. Clear priorities, measurable risk reduction, and language that regulators and insurers understand.

  • Fewer surprises during inspections

  • Operational plans staff can actually execute

  • Clear documentation and accountability

  • Decision support when timelines and reputations are on the line

Contact

Confidential. Fast response.

Request an advisory call

Email a short description of your project, location, timeline, and what you’re trying to decide. I’ll reply with next steps and availability.

Email: jsty23@aol.com

Based in: Bangkok, Thailand (work worldwide)

​

What to include

  • Project type (resort attraction, sanctuary, rehab, investor review, etc.)

  • Location and operating status

  • Primary concern (regulators, insurance, SOPs, training, feasibility)

  • Timeline (days/weeks/months)


© 2025 Jim Styers. All rights reserved.

Tail V1 White.png

© 2022 Whale & Dolphin Advocates Group

WDAG:  SE Asia * North America * Europe * Mediterranean

bottom of page