Personnel

MarineSpace staff pride themselves on working hard to achieve your project goals.

First and foremost, we seek to understand our clients’ needs and provide expertise and services so that their goals are realised. Our staff members are highly experienced marine scientists and development consultants with a wealth of experience of marine development, from planning, assessment, operations and regulatory perspectives.

Meet the MarineSpace Personnel:

Stuart Lowe

Director

Following his early academic training and post-graduate research, for the past 18 years Stuart has worked offshore for geophysical survey companies, and onshore for marine developers and environmental consultancies. His wide range of experience and specific technical skills provide him with a detailed understanding of the numerous factors that can have a bearing on development planning and management of marine projects. Stuart provides input to EIA studies, manages large-scale marine monitoring programmes and has a general project director remit. After finally accepting that he is now too old to go climbing, Stuart has recently re-discovered cycling. If you would like a copy of Stuart's full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Jonny Lewis

Director

Jonny has a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology and an MSc in Applied Hydrobiology, both from the University of Wales. He has over 17 years' professional experience as a Marine Environmental Consultant, specialising in EIA and consenting for offshore sectors including marine aggregates, ports and harbours, oil and gas and offshore renewables. Jonny has particular expertise and experience of the offshore renewables sector and previously held the position of Offshore Renewable Manager at RPS Energy. Jonny has provided support to numerous Round 1, 2 and 3 offshore wind farm projects in UK waters, as well as advising a number of clients in the wave and tidal sector. Jonny also currently undertakes the joint Secretariat role of the Offshore Renewables Joint Industry Partnership Ocean Energy (ORJIP OE), which MarineSpace jointly performs with Aquatera Ltd. Away from work, Jonny is a big sports fan, electronic music afficionado, licensed net fishermen, keen runner and one-man Pembrokeshire Tourist Board adviser. If you would like a copy of Jonny's full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Dafydd Lloyd Jones

Director

Daf attained his PhD on Temporal Controls on Estuarine Sediment Transport from Nottingham Trent University, in 2002. Daf’s academic qualifications, combined with his extensive professional experience working in industry, academic institutions and market leading marine environmental consultancies, allow him to provide clients with technically robust, detailed and pragmatic guidance. Specialising in interpretation and reporting of sedimentological and geological data; environmental impact assessment; and cumulative/in-combination impacts, much of Daf’s work provides the foundation to the multifaceted studies the company undertakes. Daf is a keen cyclist and is currently contemplating buying bicycle n+1. If you would like a copy of Daf's full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Rob Langman

Director

Rob graduated from the University of Southampton with an MSc in Environmental Coastal Engineering and BSc in Geology. Following graduation he spent 7 years working at Hanson Aggregates Marine Ltd, allowing him to develop his knowledge of marine resource management, licence development and marine permitting. At MarineSpace Rob performs a wide range of functions whilst offering clients technical assistance in respect of geophysical survey design, data processing and interpretation, completion of EIA, licence management and compliance reporting. Recently, Rob has completed projects including complex Environmental Statements, Management of large-scale survey arrays and reporting of multi-disciplinary survey data. Away from work, Rob enjoys spending time with family and friends, and maintaining and making improvements to the family home in Hampshire. If you would like a copy of Rob’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Phil Durrant

Managing Director

Phil has over 25 years’ experience in the marine sector and, having initially graduated from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne with an Honours degree in Geology, he then attended UCL to complete a Master’s degree in Marine Geology and Geophysics. His studies naturally took him in to the world of offshore hydrographic surveying and for the early part of his career Phil spent much of his time offshore in the North Sea surveying sites, routes and pipelines for a range of Oil and Gas operators. Phil worked his way up through the business, eventually becoming deputy managing Director of Svitzer Ltd before their sale to Fugro. After a year with Fugro, Phil then joined Gardline where he headed up their Environmental Division and oversaw a prolific period of growth which saw the business increase substantially and expand operations internationally. Now at MarineSpace, Phil offers a broad range of experience from the marine environment across a range of sectors, combined with good business development and overall management skills. When Phil isn’t at work he spends most of his trying to keep on top of the weeds at his allotment as well as watching as much sport as he can fit in. If you would like a copy of Phil’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Ian Reach

Principal Marine Ecologist

Ian is one of the UK’s leading authorities on marine development in the context of nature conservation. He has worked for more than 21 years in the field of marine nature conservation advice including wardening, surveying, monitoring, management and impact assessment. This has included stints in exile on Lundy Island, extensive periods spent in the inter-tidal zone on his hands and knees, designating parts of the UK’s Marine Protected Areas network, and advising marine industry on sustainable development within the marine environment. Ian brings a wealth of experience of the legislative drivers that influence planning and development in the marine environment, along with a pragmatic approach to balancing the sensitivities of the marine environment with socio-economic need. When he isn’t working he can be found immersed in sci-fi literature and fund-raising for charities as a stormtrooper from Star Wars. If you would like a copy of Ian’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk If you would like a copy of Daf's full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Katie Cross

Marine Environmental Consultant

Katie has a BSc (Hons) in Oceanography with Marine Biology from the University of Southampton and an MSc in Marine Environmental Protection from the University of Wales, Bangor. She has over 15 years’ experience as a marine professional, primarily in the consulting and survey contracting sectors. Building on her experience working offshore as a marine environmental scientist, Katie is a skilled project manager having successfully managed renewables and O&G marine environmental and multidisciplinary surveys worldwide. Prior to joining MarineSpace Katie worked at Gardline Ltd where, most recently, she was the Marine Wildlife and Environmental Commercial Manager. Katie is an IMarEST Chartered Marine Scientist and an IMarEST Chartered Scientist. When not at work Katie has her hands full with two young children, but also fits in playing hockey, and reluctantly, a bit of running during the hockey off season! If you would like a copy of Katie’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Damien Kirby

Principal Marine Scientist

Damien is a specialist in environmental regulation and ecological monitoring. He received an MSc in Marine Environmental Protection from the University of Wales, Bangor and subsequently spent 7 years employed at Cefas. Damien provided technical advice to UK regulatory bodies on EIA, HRA and WFD assessments and worked closely with a wide variety of marine developers and public sector consultees. More recently Damien was involved in Cefas’ corporate portfolio developing marine habitat surveys and delivering ecological reports required for consent of UK new nuclear developments. Away from work, when he is not enjoying the beach with his family, Damien is usually to be found digging his allotment or tinkering with his ‘soon to be’ campervan. If you would like a copy of Damien’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Iain Warner

Senior Marine Consultant

Since graduating from Bournemouth University with an MSc in Coastal Zone Management, Iain has worked with one of the UK’s leading marine aggregate producers and also in the coastal team of Hampshire County Council. At MarineSpace Iain is the senior GIS specialist, responsible for data management, spatial analysis and chart provision. With experience in project management and an enthusiasm for the integration of all aspects of marine science, Iain provides input to EIA, feasibility studies / site selection and constraints analysis. Iain has a very broad understanding of a range of marine industries which provides him with the ability to produce properly informed and well balanced reports. Away from the office, Iain can be found spending time with his wife and incredibly energetic children, and when time allows, hitting the road on his bike, or running shoes. If you would like a copy of Iain’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Claire Griffiths

Senior Marine Consultant

Claire graduated from the University of Plymouth with an MSc in Applied Marine Science in 2009 which allowed her to focus skills gained in her undergraduate degree in Physical Geography to the marine environment. Following graduation Claire worked as an Oceanographic Surveyor for Titan Environmental Surveys where she developed a background in fieldwork, data processing and technical reporting. At MarineSpace Claire assists with the completion of EIA and monitoring programmes as well as offering technical knowledge of physical processes and water quality. Outside of work Claire tries to get to the beach as often as possible and enjoys sailing when the sun shines.
If you would like a copy of Claire’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Sam Strutton

Senior Marine Consultant

Sam has over 10 years’ experience working as a marine professional, from hydrographic and geophysical surveys to project managing multidisciplinary projects for a wide range of industries, including aggregates, renewables and oil and gas. After graduating from the University of Southampton with a BSc (Hons) in Oceanography with Physical Geography in 2008, Sam worked for Fugro EMU Limited (Fugro BG Marine Ltd) and Wessex Archaeology, gaining experience in project and survey planning, consents, acquisition, processing, analysis, reporting and close-out. Sam applies this experience to the range of projects undertaken at MarineSpace, undertaking project management, data analysis and reporting, and providing technical knowledge on data acquisition, processing and analysis. Outside of the office Sam enjoys spending time outdoors, with a high propensity for swimming in local bodies of water, marine or fresh. If you would like a copy of Sam’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Rachel Crabtree

Senior Marine Consultant

Rachel is a marine ecologist who graduated from Plymouth University in 2013 with a Master’s degree in Marine Biology. Prior to studying for her master’s degree, Rachel spent time working as an education officer in marine environmental education programmes in both the UK and the USA. Rachel joined MarineSpace in 2013 and has worked on a variety of large environmental impact assessment projects for a number of sectors including: aggregates, tidal lagoons, and offshore wind farms. More recently Rachel has been working closely with offshore transmission owners and has produced a number of documents for marine licence condition compliance as well as for applications for operation and maintenance licences which has given her good experience of the marine licensing process as well as in depth knowledge of the OFTO sector. During 2018 Rachel spent a year living in Vancouver, Canada. During this time she worked for an Indigenous community consulting on Environmental Assessment projects within the traditional territory of the community. She is interested in renewable emerging technologies and potential impacts on marine systems and enjoys communicating science to wide audiences. During her spare time Rachel enjoys open water swimming, running, walking with her dog, and playing her guitar. If you would like a copy of Rachel’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Rhianna Roberts

Marine Consultant

Rhianna graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a BSc (Hons) in Zoology. Rhianna’s previous experience comes from her work at Marine Scotland where she was a Marine Renewables Casework Officer. Her key responsibility was to ensure marine renewable projects adhered to consent conditions, followed legislation and assist with the applications of future projects. From this work Rhianna enjoyed learning about the new advances in marine energy technology, especially in the wave and tidal sector. Outside of work Rhianna enjoys baking, Formula One and spending time with her family. If you would like a copy of Rhianna’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Bethan Owens

GIS Consultant

Beth graduated from the University of Southampton with a MSci in Marine Biology. Before joining Marine Space, Beth worked with Maritime Zone Solutions Ltd (MZSL) as a Research and Programme Assistant, providing GIS services and contributing to Law of the Sea projects. At MZSL she managed the cartography and geospatial data management systems, whilst specialising in the scientific and technical aspects of the delimitation of maritime boundaries, and the delineation of the continental shelf. Outside of the office Beth is most likely found on her bike, or climbing by the sea, and enjoys volunteering at a local bike hub. If you would like a copy of Beth’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Lara Lawrie

Consultant

Lara holds a BSc (Hons) in Marine Geography and an MSc in Spatial Planning. She has over 10 years’ experience as an Environmental Planner, primarily within the regulatory and planning sector for the marine and terrestrial environment. Most recently, Lara worked as the Planning Ecologist for Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, where she provided specialist ecological advice on large infrastructure projects, including Developments of National Significance (DNS) and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP). At MarineSpace, Lara applies her experience to a range of projects; providing input to project management, EIA and HRA, and providing technical advice on terrestrial and regulatory aspects of marine developments. Outside of work, Lara is a keen runner, loves road trips in the van with her dog and husband, and finds any excuse to get to the beach. If you would like a copy of Lara’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Liam Porter

Marine Consultant

Liam studied for a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Conservation at Sheffield Hallam University, after which he undertook an MSc in Marine Environmental Protection at Bangor University. His research projects at university included comparing the footprint of fishing effort around the United Kingdom when calculated using AIS and VMS data; and mapping and investigating the nesting success of the ringed plover and little tern populations on Holme-next-the-Sea beach. Since completing his undergraduate work placement with Norfolk Wildlife Trust in 2015, Liam continued to volunteer with them, where his responsibilities included practical reserve management, ecological surveys, engaging with visitors and assisting the education team. Liam spends much of his spare time kayaking, mountain biking, and airsofting, whilst trying to keep his classic Ford Capri on the road! If you would like a copy of Liam’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Kat Route-Stephens

Senior Consultant

Kat graduated from Cardiff University with a BSc (Hons) in Marine Geography, giving her a good grounding in marine environmental legislation, policy and conservation. Following graduation, Kat worked at Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for 7 years, starting in the Marine Licensing Team where she determined marine licence applications across all marine sectors, developing a practical understanding of EIA and HRA. Kat then progressed to a strategic marine industries and energy policy role at NRW focused on marine renewable energy and aggregates, providing expert advice to UK and Welsh Government and regulatory bodies. Kat now provides consultancy support to all sectors at MarineSpace, specialising in offshore renewable energy projects. Outside of work, Kat enjoys getting out exploring on her bike as well as cooking and knitting. If you would like a copy of Kat’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Oscar Ward

Marine Consultant

Oscar graduated from Bangor University in 2018 with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Marine Biology. During his degree he spent one year at The Australian Institute of Marine Science, where he spent time working in both field and laboratory environments. Following a brief period of work in commercial data management he began work as an Environmental Scientist for Gardline Ltd, with a focus on offshore oil and gas. During this time he focused primarily on benthic habitat assessment and environmental baseline assessment. This work developed skills in both taxonomy and habitat classification, as well as report writing and the statistical analysis of hydrocarbons, metals and contaminants. Oscar spends as much of his spare time outdoors as possible, and enjoys climbing, walking, and getting into the ocean no matter the weather. If you would like a copy of Oscar’s CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk.

Khatija Alliji

Marine Consultant

Khatija holds a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology from Portsmouth University and an MSc in Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems from St Andrews University. She has strong skills in scientific writing and advice, data management and statistical analysis, and prior to joining MarineSpace, was working as a specialist marine advisor and marine fisheries ecologist at Cefas. Here she provided scientific advice for offshore windfarm projects, port developments and dredge and disposal projects. Khatija also worked on the monitoring reports for nuclear builds within the UK. She has also assisted with overseas development and monitoring projects, mainly within coral reef ecosystems. Outside of work, Khatija is often found cycling, trying to catch some waves whilst surfing, or planning her next dive holiday. If you would like a copy of Khatija’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk.

Marja Aberson

Senior Consultant

Marja attained her PhD on coastal benthic ecology from Queen Mary University of London in 2011 and prior to her research, worked for the Environment Agency. She also graduated from Bournemouth University with an MSc in Coastal Zone Management, and from Bangor with a BSc (Joint Hons) in Marine Biology and Zoology. Since then, Marja has gained over 10 years of professional consultancy experience as a marine ecologist working on a wide range of projects; notably for the energy sector. Prior to joining MarineSpace, Marja worked at Jacobs UK Ltd where she was responsible for the laboratory analysis of benthic samples, marine surveying and preparing technical monitoring reports and environmental chapters. As part of the Ecology Team, Marja applies her technical knowledge to support a wide range of projects at MarineSpace. Outside of work Marja’s enjoys being outside as much as possible, cycling, swimming and walking, and is often found walking other people’s dogs for them. If you would like a copy of Marja’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk.

Emily Goodman

Marine Consultant

Emily is a recent MSc Environmental Consultancy graduate, and before this undertook a BSc in Ocean Science and Marine Conservation at the University of Plymouth. During university her research projects focused on marine ornithology, including an analysis of the source-exposure-receptor pathways of metal contaminants to wading birds through dietary exposure in estuaries in southwest England, and investigating the occupancy patterns of sea birds in relation to oceanographic processes at sites on the Llŷn Peninsula. Prior to joining MarineSpace Emily worked at a hyperbaric medical centre where she was part of the on-call team providing treatment to divers with decompression illness. Emily has also been an active volunteer for several marine mammal conservation charities, and in her spare time enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and anything that gets her out in nature. If you would like a copy of Emily’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Matt Owen

Principal Consultant

Matt has more than 15 years’ experience in marine consultancy and research. He has worked globally with offshore renewables, submarine cables, marine habitats and geohazard projects. Following an eight-year period combining academic research with a career as a freelance marine geoscientist, Matt was awarded his PhD on submarine slope stability by UCL in 2013. Highly experienced in offshore survey, he joined MarineSpace from the department of Marine Geology at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, where he was based for four years. Prior to this he worked primarily with offshore windfarms at Cathie Associates. Though he has worked on varied projects, including training Vietnamese practitioners in seabed zonation for offshore wind development and acting as co-chair for Working Group 5 of the UNDOS Arctic Action Plan, Matt has a particular interest in developing new methods to quantify marine geological constraints for offshore development. Outside of work, in no particular order, Matt’s passions are food, family, climbing and righting the world’s wrongs. If you would like a copy of Matt's full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Bev Forrow

Accounts Manager

Bev joined MarineSpace in 2015, having previously been employed as Project Delivery Manager to Fugro EMU’s Consultancy Department. Her role involved working with Project Managers in the delivery of outputs, developing systems to support their work, and scheduling and completing editorial review of all deliverables to ensure consistently high standards were maintained. Bev is a BSi trained ISO 9001 internal auditor and has an MSc from Southampton University. At MarineSpace Bev manages the accounts, and oversees the quality management system and all QC activities. Away from work Bev enjoys cycling, the cinema and travel. If you would like a copy of Bev’s full CV please email info@marinespace.co.uk

Mick Cook

Non-executive Director

Since completing an MSc in Marine Geophysics, Geotechnics and Oceanography at the School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Mick has spent much of the past 37 years working in or associated with the marine geoscience/environmental sectors. In his early career, as Director and Partner in Hydrosearch, Mick was central to growing the business to the largest geoscience consultancy of its kind before the company was acquired by RPS Group in 2003. As Managing Director – Operations for the newly formed Energy Division of RPS, he oversaw significant growth over the next five years through a combination of acquisition and organic development. Since, 2008 Mick has run his own consultancy (MCL) providing business advice, angel investment and engagement in M&A activities. Mick currently holds non-executive Director positions with five companies (including MarineSpace) and is Treasurer and Council Member of the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT). Mick has enjoyed a very fulfilling time working in the marine sector and has gained great satisfaction from observing the great strides that MarineSpace has made over these past few years. Working part-time allows Mick to pursue his many other interests which include: staving off old age (running, cycling, walking, tennis); photography; music; managing his extensive garden; keeping up with his grown-up kids and very fit wife; and watching far too much rugby.

Supporting the environment

MarineSpace is proud to be a member of, or registered with, the following organisations: