national NODE -
United Kingdom
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Introducing ECOP UK
To serve as the focal point for the ECOP programme in the UK, cooperating with the wider ECOP Programme and distributing applicable materials, opportunities, news, etc. to UK ECOPs.
Vision
Established in March 2024, ECOP UK is the National Node of the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme, for ECOPs based in or originating from the UK.
We are here to connect you with ocean advocates and empower you to make a difference in protecting our ONE ocean. From networking events to conservation initiatives.
Mission
To develop and support a multi-disciplinary community of ECOPs based in or originating from the UK. We aim to foster the personal and professional development of UK ECOPs through avenues such as capacity development and networking. A key focus is boosting cross-sectoral cooperation, particularly between academia and industry, in line with the Ocean Decade’s vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want.”
Photo credit: Mike Smith & Rory McKeever/Unsplash
Objectives
To achieve our mission, we have set out the following objectives:
- Capacity Building: Providing and promoting development opportunities for our Members (i.e., online webinars, in-person training opportunities, etc.).
- Needs Assessment: Identifying the specific needs, priorities and challenges of UK ECOPs and actively seeking solutions.
- Networking and Knowledge Sharing: Providing opportunities for networking and the sharing of knowledge through a variety of platforms and events.
- Membership Growth: Building a diverse group of UK ECOPs and developing relationships with key strategic partners across the UK (i.e., research institutions, industry groups, governmental bodies, NGOs, etc.).
Why should you join ECOP UK?
- Be part of our communication network to connect with other UK ECOPs.
- Access to development opportunities and networking events.
- Keep up to date with the latest news on relevant conferences, events, job opportunities, etc.
Join the ECOP UK socials
Watch the first webinar from ECOP UK
Hear from ECOP Programme Global Coordinator Evgeniia Kostianaia, as well as Conor Savage (ECOP UK coordinator) for an introduction to the UN Ocean Decade, the ECOP Programme and the new ECOP Programme UK node.
Watch the second webinar from ECOP UK
Join ECOP UK for an engaging webinar exploring the diverse world of ocean-related volunteering.
Hear from inspiring speakers who are actively involved in marine conservation and learn how you can contribute your skills and expertise.
This webinar is perfect for anyone interested in helping our oceans, professional development, and making meaningful connections within the ocean community.
ECOP UK Steering Committee
UK Node Coordinator
Conor Savage – Edinburgh
Conor is an ESG Programme Manager with Sainsbury’s, where he is responsible for leading the development and maintenance of Sainsbury’s Bank’s ESG strategy. Before this he was a Climate Reporting Manager with NatWest Group, where he provided advice and technical expertise on climate, nature, and other sustainability-related policy. He joined the Group in 2019, as a Change & Business Solutions Graduate with Ulster Bank. Prior to this he studied Marine Biology at Bangor University, completing both a BSc and MSc. Whilst there, he specialised in the effects of Arctic sea ice retreat on sea ice-reliant/associated species, in particular walruses!
Michelle Frost – Edinburgh
Dr Michelle Frost is a Marine Ecologist at Edinburgh Napier University where she is coordinating the ‘West of Scotland Herring Hunt’ (WOSHH) project working alongside coastal communities, NGOs, industry and government to identify essential fish habitat on the west coast of Scotland. She also studies the spatial ecology endangered elasmobranchs and works with a team of UK and Indonesian universities to evaluate the success of community-based mangrove restoration projects in Southeast Asia. Michelle is also a member of the UK’s National Decade Committee for the UN Ocean Decade.
Joe Graham – London
Joe’s motivation comes from a vision of a future where oceans sustain both people and the planet. He specializes in aquaculture innovation, designing RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems) and aquaponics solutions for low-impact, responsible food production. His expertise in triple-bottom-line business models helps companies thrive while protecting our waters. His aim is to empower the UK to lead in sustainable ocean practices, creating a thriving, resilient economy built on responsible stewardship.
Jen Spacagna – Southampton
With a dual background in marine science and education, Jen is an accomplished educator with 15+ years of experience teaching in a range of diverse settings. Currently, Jen serves as the Education Manager for the Manta Trust, leading education initiatives to promote ocean literacy and marine conservation worldwide. Jen sits on the advisory group and legal board for the European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA), helping to promote collaboration amongst marine educators.
Coretta Granberry - London
Coretta Granberry is a marine science programme administrator at the Zoological Society of London. She supports the Bertarelli Programme in Marine Science through logistical, financial, communications, and other administrative work. Her previous research experience focused on coral reef restoration and the principles of environmental sustainability.
Victoria Mentor - London
Victoria is a marine scientist, educated with a Bachelor of Biological Sciences with a Master of Biosciences (Marine Biology). She is passionate about science communication, ocean literacy, indigenous heritage in relation to science research, and an advocate for students and early career ocean professionals to have their voice heard. She has worked as both a field scientist and in the policy space, which has allowed her to engage with a variety of stakeholders and work in a multi-disciplinary fashion.
Claire Szostek - Plymouth
Dr Claire Szostek is an Ecosystem Services Scientist at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML). Claire has a background in marine ecology and her research interests include evaluating anthropogenic impacts in the marine environment such as commercial fishing and offshore energy, as well as socio-economic outcomes for developments. In addition to being on the UK ECOP steering committee, Claire coordinates the ‘Restoring Biodiversity’ Science to Impact Challenge group and sits on the EDI committee at PML.
Alix Rommel – St Andrew’s
Alix is currently pursuing a PhD focussing on the acoustic signatures of siphonophores and their effects on mesopelagic fish biomass estimates. She has previously studied marine biology and oceanography in Germany and Canada and has participated in four scientific expeditions including to the Arctic and tropical regions. Throughout her studies she has worked with a variety of phytoplankton and zooplankton species and has learned to appreciate the gelatinous organism, that too seldomly get recognized. In her free time you can find her crocheting, hiking, diving, or at the beach.
Maura Smyth - Norwich
Maura is a Project Manager at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) where she currently works on the decade endorsed Nutrient Pollution – Global Action Network Programme, as well as managing an R&D programme supporting evidence needs for Fisheries Management. Prior to this she worked as a project delivery professional in numerous industry roles, primarily focused on underwater noise and marine mammal monitoring.
Photo credit: Holly Hoare & Darren Tolley/Unsplash