Robert Farrell has over 30 years of experience in the maritime environment. In 1986, he started his career as a NOAA federal fisheries observer aboard a Korean trawler in the Bering Sea. He worked his way on to the deck of an American “super trawler” and eventually earned his USCG license. He ended his Alaskan career in the wheelhouse of vessels as large as 375’.

In 1993, he took a job operating a research vessel for the California Department of Fish and Game. He designed capture techniques and gear for a variety of aquatic species. He hold an M.S. in Emergency Services Administration.

In 1997, Farrell transferred to the Law Enforcement Division of CDFG. He spent the next 18 years working in a variety of assignments specializing in maritime enforcement. He ran several of the Department’s fleet of large patrol vessels. He also managed the Department’s Special Operations Unit, which included the covert team, and the high-risk unit. In 2015 he ended his career with CDFG, retiring as an Assistant Chief.

That same year he joined the State of Hawaii’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Division. He worked as a field officer until January of 2017, when he was appointed to the Division’s Enforcement Chief. He retired from Hawaii in December 2018.

Beginning in January of 2019, he joined the Exulans team as a senior enforcement consultant working on strengthening conservation law enforcement around the world.

He has taught both general law enforcement and conservation academies. He is a California POST certified instructor in Arrest and Control, Firearms, and Use of Force.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Robert is married and has two daughters. He enjoys fishing and traveling.