Oceans and coasts are shared resources that cross federal, state, and local boundaries—and their management is shaped largely by federal laws, policies, and leadership. From permitting and regulations to research funding and disaster response, the federal government plays a pivotal role in how these resources are managed, used, and understood.
At first glance, Washington, DC can look like gridlock. But like the ocean, beneath the surface is a steady flow of activity that shapes national priorities every day.
Engaging in federal policy doesn’t mean getting stuck in partisan deadlock. The high-profile bills that dominate headlines don’t tell the full story. In fact, most ocean and coastal legislation passes with broad bipartisan support—but only after sustained, strategic effort behind the scenes.
If you’re leading an important initiative—whether it’s securing funding, shaping policy, or amplifying your industry’s voice in Washington—you bring the passion, expertise, and vision. But the federal process can be daunting: shifting priorities, evolving power dynamics, complex bureaucracies, and key decision-makers who are hard to reach. You take meetings, but momentum stalls. You put in time, but progress feels elusive.
That’s where ESP Advisors comes in.
We take the weight off your shoulders, transforming your advocacy from a frustrating guessing game into a highly effective, targeted strategy. With us, you don’t have to navigate the chaos alone—we become your trusted guide, your advocate, and your partner in success.
When we’re on your team, you’ll experience a fundamental shift in how you engage with the federal government. Here’s what it feels like to work with us:
Contact us to get started.
Get the inside scoop on all things U.S. ocean policy, including conversations in Congress, what’s up in the White House, and ocean updates from coast to coast.
Thai Boba Tea
Orca
Greater DC area
Marianne helps mission-driven organizations scale their impact through streamlined operations, project leadership, and strategic communications. She leads ESP’s day-to-day operations and ensures firm-wide success. Marianne previously served as Policy and Operations Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Hot latte with oatmilk
Nudibranch
Based in Oregon
Monaliza has over three years of experience supporting small businesses professionals and managing fast-paced administrative operations. She brings strong skills in client relations, scheduling, and marketing support, ensuring efficient workflows and exceptional service across all facets of the firm.
Ginger Tea
Sea turtles
Davao City, Philippines
Sarah brings a decade of media relations and science communication expertise to her role at ESP Advisors. Before joining ESP, she reported on marine and coastal science for outlets including National Geographic News, PBS Digital Studios, and Hakai Magazine.
Iced tea
Scalloped hammerhead
Based in Oregon
With over a decade of experience bringing clients’ visions to reality, Cat specializes in marketing and brand development. As both a designer and artist, she excels in visual storytelling and graphic strategy.
Iced coffee with milk
Frog fish
Based on the West Coast
Caroline brings sharp policy instincts and a passion for coastal resilience to ESP Advisors. At the White House Council on Environmental Quality, she supported both the freshwater and ocean policy teams. Most recently, she worked on communications and government affairs for Restore America’s Estuaries, deepening her expertise in habitat protection and federal engagement. Caroline holds a dual degree in Political Science and Fine Art from George Washington University.
Unsweetened Iced Green Tea
Beluga Whale
Based in Washington, DC
Austen Stovall’s background is in coral reef ecology, nature-based solutions, and coastal management. She most recently worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) on his oceans and fisheries portfolio. Austen holds a master’s degree in coastal science and policy from UC Santa Cruz.
Iced oat milk latte with coconut syrup
Corals
Based in DC
Kat draws upon her ocean policy expertise and years of experience managing projects, programs, and teams to catalyze success for ESP Advisors and our clients. Most recently, Kat served as staff for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), former Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Cappuccino with sugar
Seahorse
Based in Virginia
Emily Patrolia founded ESP Advisors to address the need for sophisticated government and public affairs services in the community she holds dear. Emily uses her advocacy and congressional experience and deep understanding of environmental science to lead the firm in all its endeavors.
Cappuccino
Yeti crab
Based in DC
We are a small but mighty team working to build a culture that leans into vulnerability, clarity, integrity, and transparency. Open communication, collaboration, and relationship building are of the utmost importance to our team. While our work is hard-charging and relies on exceptional attention to detail and deadline management, we remain dedicated to the wellbeing of our staff. Our goal is to ensure our team members are fulfilled both personally and professionally.
Pamela Day has over 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill. As Chief of Staff for the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK), father of many initiatives and laws that govern ocean resources today, Pamela managed the annual appropriations process and oversaw 16 original bills that were signed into law.
Coffee
Otter
Maryland