 Melissa Pritchard is ClientEarth’s first marine scientist. Her main focus is on the 2012 reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy, as part of which project she has jointly developed the Fishing Credits System proposal. This as a revolutionary ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Within the marine biodiversity team, her work also comprises a wide range of other fisheries and marine related matters including; marine protected areas, reducing fisheries discards, and working directly with the seafood industry to develop and promote sustainable fisheries. She has firsthand experience of working onboard large commercial fishing vessels in the South Atlantic Ocean, through her previous role as a fisheries observer for the Falkland Islands government. This inspired her to focus her career on improving the way our fisheries are managed. Melissa conducted her Master’s thesis at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), modelling the effectiveness of real time fisheries closures for North Sea cod. She then spent several years working for the UK Charity the Marine Conservation Society as their fisheries policy officer, before joining ClientEarth. Melissa is passionate about the marine environment, often volunteering for marine conservation projects and spending her spare time in or by the sea, diving, surfing, sailing, and photographing coastal wildlife. She has a degree in marine biology and a Master’s in marine science, policy and law from the National Oceanography Centre. e This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it t +44 (0)20 7749 5970 |
