Charlie Plybon received his B.S. in Marine Biology from Eckerd College in Florida and worked for the Florida Marine Research Institute researching aquatic health for local fisheries in the late 90s. He continued his marine studies at University of South Florida and in 2001 moved to Oregon where he worked for the Oregon Coast Aquarium for 6 years developing conservation education programs and communications. He began volunteering with the Surfrider Foundation in 2003 and in February 2007, Charlie began working full time for Surfrider as the Oregon Field Coordinator. Now serving as Surfrider's statewide Policy Manager, Plybon is active in many ocean issues at the local, state and federal level. At the local level, Plybon serves on the Advisory Committee for Lincoln County OSU Extension, and at the state level he serves on the Governor's Ocean Policy Advisory Council and on the statewide Advisory Committee for Oregon Sea Grant. A strong advocate on plastic pollution issues, Plybon led the state’s process to develop a Marine Debris Action Plan and has been a key strategist and leader in local and state legislation to curb plastic pollution. Plybon resides south of Newport in South Beach, loves the beach, surfing, fishing, his dog Playa, and cheese biscuits.
