Personnel
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.
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
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
Ophélie Humphrey, Marine Ecologist
Ophélie graduated from the University of Southampton with an MSci Marine Biology in 2016. Her studies have given her a broad background in varied topics, from physical oceanography to fisheries science, and also allowed her to develop her passion for marine mammals. Before joining MarineSpace, Ophélie worked at Gardline Ltd, where she was responsible for data collection, QC and reporting in accordance with regulatory requirements for mitigation, both onshore and offshore. Outside of work, Ophélie enjoys cooking and any activity that involves being in the great outdoors, most often running and touch rugby..
If you would like a copy of Ophélie’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
Bev Forrow, Office Administrator
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.