MDE Profiles: Harry Richardson

As a proud marine biologist turned data enthusiast, I've always been drawn to the mysteries of the ocean. My passion for marine life and data analysis converge in my role at The Crown Estate, where I strive to support sustainable offshore development.

Career Profile

I joined The Crown Estate in 2023 as a Marine Data & Research Intern and quickly found my niche in the exciting world of offshore renewables and marine data management. Now, as a Marine Data Advisor, I play a crucial role in managing data submissions from The Crown Estate’s marine customers and optimising the use of the Marine Data Exchange (MDE).

LinkedIn Profile

Connect with Harry Richardson

My day-to-day responsibilities include

• Supporting customers in submitting accurate and compliant data to the MDE
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders to enhance data discovery and utilisation
• Collaborating across teams to facilitate efficient access to survey data
• Contributing to data management, analysis, and reporting to drive informed decision-making

As a Marine Data Advisor, I work with the MDE, a world-leading database of marine industry survey data. The MDE plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable offshore development by providing open access to over 260 terabytes of valuable marine data. This resource enables developers, researchers, and policymakers to make informed decisions, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impacts as we work towards the UK's net zero and energy security goals. By facilitating data sharing and reuse, the MDE not only accelerates innovation in the marine sector but also contributes to the protection and understanding of our precious marine environments.

What I love about my job

The opportunity to combine my passion for marine biology with data analytics is truly exciting. Every day, I get to work on projects that directly contribute to the sustainable development of offshore renewable energy. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the insights we derive from our data can help shape the future of our oceans.

Skills and Expertise

• Experience in R, GIS, and MATLAB for data analysis and visualisation
• Experienced in environmental management systems and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
• Strong background in marine biology and oceanography
• Adept at stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Carbon Accounting
• Meta-analysis of 'Big Data'
• Adept at managing and engaging with numerous stakeholder
• Well versed in requirements and outputs of seafloor surveying

Career Path

• MSci Marine Biology with Oceanography, University of Southampton (First Class Honours)
• Environmental Consultant and Project Manager
• Data & Policy / Climate ESG Scorer
• Private Equity Intern
• Marine Research Intern
• Current role: Marine Data Advisor at The Crown Estate