Axel Hein studied marine biology at the University of Salzburg focusing on marine mammals. After several seaside stays abroad, where he worked as a scientific diver responsible for the replenishment and quarantine periods of a public aquarium, he returned back to his home turf. Since 2009, he has been working for the marine programme of WWF Austria and focusing on the sustainable procurement of fish and sea food. This role entails him providing consultation on responsible procurement policies to players involved in Austrian and international commerce. Moreover, he supports a project on the Philippines focusing on the sustainable fishing of yellowfin tuna and the improvement of the supply chain, aiming to also improve the living conditions of the local community of fishers.