David L. Mearns

David L. Mearns is a seasoned marine operations expert with extensive experience in deep-sea exploration and marine geology. As the Director of Blue Water Recoveries Limited since 1995, Mearns has led efforts in locating and filming historic shipwrecks, achieving significant breakthroughs in the field. Mearns has also served as an Advisory Board Member for the Schmidt Ocean Institute since 2020, contributing expertise in oceanographic research and information sharing. Previously, Mearns was a judge for the Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE from 2016 to 2019, overseeing advancements in deep-sea technology. Earlier career roles include Business Area Manager at Oceaneering Advanced Technologies and Manager of the Geophysical Survey Group at Eastport International. Mearns holds an MSc in Marine Geology from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and dual BSc degrees in Marine Biology from both the West Indies Laboratory and Fairleigh Dickinson University.