People

CHARLES CLOVER

Co-founder and Executive Director

Charles made his name as an author and environmental journalist writing principally for The Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph for which he was Environment Editor for 22 years. His book The End of The Line and the award-winning documentary film that it inspired raised overfishing as a global problem.

CLARE BROOK

Chief Executive Officer

Clare Brook joined Blue Marine as CFO in 2014 and then became CEO in March 2015.  Prior to that she was a pioneer of environmental investing, managing sustainable investment funds at Jupiter, NPI and Henderson. She established the sustainable investment division of Aviva in 2000 and co-founded WHEB Asset Management in 2008.

DR DAVID TUDOR

Projects Director

David has worked in marine management for over 20 years. His experience includes running environmental campaigns on the beaches of Australia, researching marine plastic pollution in the Pacific, leading on policy advice at a pivotal time for the UK’s marine legislation, and working on the world’s largest offshore renewable energy programme.

LYNNE SMITH

Finance Director

Lynne is an ACCA qualified accountant with a passion for being underwater.  Witnessing first-hand the effects of overfishing and pollution on marine life drew her from the corporate environment to the marine environment and as the Finance Director of Blue Marine, she helps protect our oceans through her love of spreadsheets.

DAN CROCKETT

Oceans and Climate Director

Dan started working for Blue Marine after freediving in the Orkney Islands and realising the extraordinary marine biodiversity (and absence of it) in our waters. With fifteen years of business experience, he supports Blue Marine project development and overall organisational growth, while also directing projects focused on the high seas and national marine parks.

JO COUMBE

Communications Director

Jo spent 12 years as a journalist and editor at the Guardian and Trinity Mirror, leading digital innovation and global storytelling. Working from her coastal home in Cornwall she has delivered some of Blue Marine’s most successful campaigns including #BackTheBlueBelt, #LocalFishForDinner and #FishForTomorrow.

DR TOM APPLEBY

Chief Legal Affairs Adviser

Tom is Blue Marine’s Chief Legal Affairs Adviser and is a former commercial property lawyer, working in the marine charity sector. He is a former trustee of a commercial port and has helped to establish various NGOs. Tom is also an Associate Professor at the University of the West of England.

SARA-JANE SKINNER

Head of Partnerships

Sara-Jane used her experience in events management, design and marketing to set up a company in Indonesia helping to support domestic and international brands across the Asia Pacific region. Back in the UK, where she was brought up close to the Channel, she has brought her expertise and affinity with the sea to Blue Marine.

JESS RATTLE

Head of Investigations

As Head of Blue Marine’s Investigations Unit, Jess works to research, expose and combat harmful and unsustainable fishing practices. Jess’s current focus is on the mismanagement of tuna stocks by RFMOs, as well as on the UK Government’s role in supporting potentially catastrophic deep-sea mining. She has a master’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Cape Town and is a dual British-South African national.

RORY MOORE

Head of International Projects

Halfway across the Pacific in an old sailboat, Rory came across an unregistered fishing vessel hauling tonnes of illegally caught bluefin tuna from the ocean. He sailed right home to help Blue Marine to reverse the crisis of overfishing. He is a Plymouth graduate with a love for underwater photography and surfing. 

MORVEN ROBERTSON

Head of Projects (UK)

Morven is an experienced marine conservationist who has worked in a range of marine research, conservation and fisheries posts, such as management for recreational fisheries, addressing gear conflict and monitoring Marine Protected Areas. She has an MSc (Marine Environmental Management) from the University of York and has focused her interests around UK inshore fisheries.

EMILY NORRIS

Head of Development

Emily was previously Head of Business Development at cleantech start-up bio-bean, the first UK company to industrialise the recycling of waste coffee grounds into biofuels, having joined the company at its inception. Emily studied Biological Sciences at Oxford University, specialising in species conservation and marine ecology.

JUDITH BROWN

Head of Projects (International)

After starting diving at 14, Jude has always had a passion for the life in our oceans. Working for 20 years in the UK overseas territories and globally on commercial fisheries, sustainable aquaculture and marine protected area management she is now working on Blue Marine’s international projects.

Jonny Hughes

Senior UK Marine Policy Manager

Primarily focused on domestic fisheries and marine conservation policy, Jonny leads Blue Marine’s work on improving fisheries management and marine policy. Prior to this Jonny led on the Pew Trusts UK fisheries work and brings significant experience of domestic, European and international fisheries management and conservation policy.

VIVIENNE EVANS

Campaigns Producer

Viv is a marine biologist who fell in love with ocean when she dived on a coral reef at the age of 18. She joined Blue Marine in 2016 and managed international projects for six years. After working on several successful campaigns in the Maldives, Viv felt she could have a bigger impact in a shorter time working in media and communication and she switched departments. She is an experienced diver who loves the tropics and strives to get more people better connected with our ocean.

SAMANTHA FANSHAWE

UK Marine Projects Manager

Sam has led marine conservation initiatives in the UK for over 20 years. Her experience includes strategic leadership of the Marine Conservation Society’s programmes on sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas and plastic pollution, encompassing policy, citizen science and high-profile public campaigns. She has an MSc in Marine Science from the University of California.

Andrew Woods

Operations and Risk Adviser

Andrew joined Blue Marine in 2017 after 30 years working in business. A Biology graduate from the University of Birmingham, he was a trustee of the Hertfordshire Wildlife Trust for nine years. As an experienced Seasearch observer, he loves to dive, film and understand marine life around the UK and beyond.

Priyal Bunwaree

Senior Legal Counsel

Priyal is a lawyer qualified in English, French and Mauritian law. She is an alumna of the Sorbonne law school and the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford. She previously worked as legal consultant for the UN. Having grown up on the island of Mauritius, she is passionate about the ocean.

Jenny Murray

Senior Restoration Projects Manager UK

Jenny manages various marine restoration projects across the UK. She was inspired by the ocean during her early childhood years in the Caribbean. Graduating with an MRes in Marine Biology, she went on to work in Government. Jenny’s experience ranges from fisheries policy, marine protected areas advice, and marine management.

Gabriella Gilkes

Convex Programme Manager

Gabriella is a marine scientist having studied in Hawaii, Plymouth and Cadiz. Specialising in shark ecology and marine microbiological ecosystems, she also served as scientist onboard the Tara Oceans Expedition. With over twenty years’ experience in environmental conservation and public engagement in science, she joined Blue Marine to manage the Convex Seascape Survey, having followed the blue carbon transition for over a decade.

Shaha Hashim

Maldives Project Manager

Shaha is the field project Manager for Blue Marine’s Maldives project, based in Laamu Atoll. Prior to joining BLUE in 2016, she worked with UN Agencies for eight years in various project management roles. She is a keen scuba diver who is driven by her passion to conserve the beautiful marine life of her country.

Dr Giulia Bernardi

Senior Italy Projects Manager

Giulia Bernardi is a marine biologist coordinating Blue Marine’s Italian projects. She works on the improvement of Italian marine protection plans and on the encouragement of responsible small-scale fishing practices. She is an SSI scuba instructor and she has a PhD from the University Parthenope of Naples.

Joe Richards

Scotland Project Manager

Joe was a Marine Ranger for the Berwickshire Marine Reserve before joining Blue Marine at the beginning of 2019 as the Berwickshire Project Officer. Prior to this Joe worked on coral reef projects in the Gulf of Thailand. He has an MSc from Heriot Watt University in Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment.

Matt Uttley

ENORI Project Manager

Matt is a marine biologist and conservationist specialising in shellfish. Matt holds an MSCi from Southampton University, where he studied the spread of Pacific Oysters in the Solent. Having previously worked on a large offshore mussel farm, Matt joined Blue Marine in 2018 to coordinate the Essex Native Oyster Restoration Initiative.

Sophie Locke

Research and Projects Manager

Sophie joined Blue Marine in 2018, previously working for the Environmental Protection Authority and as a graduate consultant and ecologist. Sophie is passionate about establishing effective conservation models and inspiring the public about Blue Marine’s mission. She holds an MSc in Climate Change from King’s College London.

Louise MacCallum

Solent Restoration Project Manager

Louise spent her childhood beachcombing along the Pembrokeshire coast.  Since studying Marine Biology at the University of Liverpool she has worked on conservation projects in the UK and overseas.  Louise has lived on the shores of the Solent for more than a decade and is passionate about restoring its intricate marine habitats.

Sofia Regalado

Events and Operations Manager

Sofia joined Blue Marine in 2021 after finishing her MSc in Environmental Sustainability at UCL. Previously, Sofia worked at eXXpedition, an organization researching oceanic microplastic pollution. Having grown up in El Salvador and next to the Pacific, Sofia had a fascination with marine biodiversity and from a young age aspired to dedicate her career to its preservation. 

ANGELA LAZOU DEAN

Greece Projects Manager

Prior to joining Blue Marine, Angela spent 16 years campaigning for the oceans and other environmental issues with Greenpeace in Greece and Europe. Angela is a Biology graduate and has a long experience in fighting for the establishment of marine protected areas and the adoption of progressive policies for sustainable fisheries.

Jake Edmiston

Maldives Fisheries Project Manager

Jake is a marine scientist who works in the Maldives project team focusing on various sustainable fisheries initiatives. Before joining Blue Marine in 2021, he studied the impacts of climate change upon coral reef fish populations in Australia. Jake holds an MSc in Marine Systems and Policies from the University of Edinburgh.

Dr Luke Helmer

Restoration Scientific Officer

Luke studied marine biology at the University of Portsmouth for seven years, specialising in marine habitat restoration. With a passion for oyster reefs he has been involved with the Solent Oyster Restoration Project since its inception in 2015. Luke is now involved with restoration at project, UK and European levels.

EMMA STANLEY

Media and Communications Officer

Emma joined Blue Marine in 2021 after spending two months diving on a reef in Madagascar, gathering data to help conserve the local marine protected area. Prior to this Emma has worked as a sailing instructor in the UK and in Greece and studied Physical Geography at Durham University.

FREDDIE WATSON

Jersey Project Manager

Freddie joined Blue Marine in May 2021 as an intern working on our Jersey Project. After a succesful six months Freddie now works full-time as the Jersey Project Officer. Before joining Blue Marine, Freddie graduated from the University of Liverpool, where he studied Ocean Sciences. Freddie now aims to continue building his career in marine conservation.

HANNAH LE BROCQ

Development Manager

Hannah’s interest in ocean conservation was inspired by a year living in Copenhagen a city renowned for its commitment to the SDGs. Hannah holds an MA in Psychology from the University of Edinburgh and wants to use her psychological expertise to encourage partnerships that prioritise and are fully committed to ocean health.

KAIJA BARISA

Senior Blue Economist

Kaija joined Blue Marine in 2021 after completing her MSc in Environmental Economics and Policy at Imperial College London. Passionate about the marine environment, she wrote her thesis on the impacts of socioeconomics on coastal ecosystem valuation. Kaija is passionate about exploring innovative financing mechanisms to help protect the ocean.

Dave Hutton

Management Accountant

Dave, an ACCA qualified accountant, started his career in the commercial sector, working across various different roles within finance and leading a CSR team. Attentions first turned towards the ocean during a diving and surfing trip to Central America. Now a full convert, Dave works to preserve and protect our blue world.

ANNA HUGHES

Education and Outreach Officer

Anna joined Blue Marine in 2022 after working as an environmental educator in Scotland and Ireland. She lives by the sea in Edinburgh, where she moved to study for an MSc in Marine Systems and Policies. Anna hopes to inspire all ages to protect the ocean by bringing exciting and accessible marine education to as many people as possible. 

ELYSSA QUINTON

Media and Education Coordinator | Convex Seascape Survey

Elyssa is a marine biologist, surfer, and scientific diver with a passion for media production. She has recently completed a MSc in Environmental Consultancy, where she streamlined her expertise to Blue Carbon Ecosystems, climate science and policy. She is delighted to be now communicating the scientific discoveries found on the Convex Seascape Survey to the wider audience. 

AMBRA MESSINA

Assistant of Italian Blue Marine Projects

Ambra is working as communications lead for Blue Marine’s  Italian projects. She is also collaborating with the Sicily Environment Fund as communications manager and she has been Director of the Aeolian Islands Preservation Foundation. She has recently collaborated with the Italian National Research Council’s Institute of Atmospheric Pollution (CNR-IIA). 

MADDIE MILLINGTON

Blue Carbon Researcher

Maddie joined Blue Marine in May 2022 after working in sustainable land use development in Gabon focusing on conservation and terrestrial carbon markets. Maddie holds an MSc in Environmental Change and Management from the University of Oxford. She is passionate about innovative ocean-based climate solutions that will help us tackle climate change.   

EMILY BULLED

UK Research Officer

Emily began working with Blue Marine as part of her MSc in Conservation at University College London, to conduct research on the effectiveness of Jersey’s Marine Protected Areas. After graduating, she now works full-time as a Research Officer to undertake fisheries and ecological research across Blue Marine’s UK sites such as Sussex, Berwickshire, and Jersey. 

JORDAN SUTHERLAND

Development Manager

Jordan is a SCUBA diving instructor and marine scientist dedicated to the sustainable development of the blue economy. She is interested in promoting the value of the ocean as a climate solution and engaging with multi-level stakeholders. Jordan has worked on reef restoration projects in Seychelles and on communications for sustainable aquaculture development in Sweden.  

EMMA NICOL

Marketing and Communications Officer

Emma is an environmental science communicator and diver with a background in the creative arts where she explored communicating environmental and marine issues through tactile and immersive artworks. She has a master’s in Science Communication and is passionate about amplifying local voices and conservation successes through digital media and campaigns.

OLIVIA EADIE

Office Administrator

Olivia joined Blue Marine after completing a marine conservation internship in Thailand, where her passion for the oceans really took off. Before this, she worked at a safari park for over three years, and have been involved in many various conservation projects, including working at an orangutan rehabilitation centre in Borneo.  

Elina Douma

Graduate Intern

Elina joined Blue Marine in the summer of 2022 as a graduate intern after completing her BSc in Marine Biology at Exeter University. Before this, Elina worked as a windsurfing and sailing instructor worldwide. Seeing the impacts of human activity on the marine ecosystem while diving and sailing sparked her dedication to protecting the ocean.

Kathryn Smith

Jersey Project Intern

Growing up in Jersey, Kathryn has always had a deep connection to the sea, and working in Mauritius as a conservation biologist further fortified her passion for marine and island conservation. Prior to this, she spent five years as a bird keeper at Jersey Zoo, after graduating from the University of Exeter with a BSc in Biological Sciences. 

GEORGE DUFFIELD

Co-founder & Trustee

George produced the documentary film The End of The Line which alerted the world to the crisis in our oceans and which won the 2011 Puma Creative Impact Award. Determined to keep the momentum for change going, he co-founded Blue Marine. He is a Founding Partner of Ocean 14 Capital, an Impact investment fund for the Oceans.

CHRIS GORELL BARNES

Co-founder & Trustee

Chris is a new media entrepreneur and marine conservationist, who founded leading brand communications agency Adjust Your Set. He is happiest by the sea, and co-founded Blue Marine after the success of the award-winning documentary film The End of the Line, for which he was Executive Producer, and he is now a Founding Partner of Ocean 14 Capital.

Dr Arlo Brady

Chairman & Trustee

Arlo Brady is CEO of freuds, Chief Executive of The Brewery, founder of Juracan Rum Co and Special Advisor to the Chairman of the Board at Mars, Incorporated. With more than 20 years’ global consultancy experience, he specialises in corporate positioning, messaging and issues management.

CRAIG DAVIES

Trustee

Craig joined the Board of Trustees in 2012 and serves as our treasurer. He is a partner at accountants and tax advisors, Rawlinson & Hunter, advising clients primarily in the creative industries across a broad range of matters. Outside of work he contends with the joys and challenges of an over-sized family.

LORD DEBEN

Trustee

The Rt. Hon John Gummer, Lord Deben, served for sixteen years as a British minister, and was the longest serving Secretary of State for the Environment the UK has ever had. Lord Deben is Chairman of Sancroft, the Committee on Climate Change, Valpak Limited, and the Personal Investment Management & Financial Advisers Association.

Sofia Blount

Trustee

Sofia co-founded Omnia Strategy LLP, a law firm, where her projects included human rights consultancy and the implementation of UN protocol for the protection of biodiversity. She joined BLUE in 2017. In September 2019 Sofia began her Masters in Sustainability Leadership at the University of Cambridge. She is married to the musician James Blunt and has two sons.

Celine Herweijer

Trustee

Celine is a Partner at PwC UK and PwC’s Global Innovation and Sustainability Leader. She is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and Member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Councils. She is a NASA Fellow, a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at Grantham Research Institute, and has a PhD in Computer Modelling and Earth Sciences.

Lucy Lake

Trustee

Lucy Lake is CEO of CAMFED International, an organisation dedicated to supporting girls’ education and young women’s enterprise in Africa. Lucy is a founding member and former Co-Chair of the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative, and is on the High-Level Steering Committee of the Global Education Commission’s Workforce Initiative.