MDE Profiles: Lucy Ward

Personal Profile

Hello, I’m Lucy. I’ve always enjoyed being by the sea and making the most of it growing up on the South coast. There’s nothing better than having an ice cream on the beach! I’ve always loved learning about the ocean, its various habitats, creatures and how it sustains us all, so it’s been an ambition of mine to work to protect it. I’ve recently moved back to Southampton from Falmouth, where in both places I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy the sea, rockpooling, observing marine mammals, and swimming with and without my dog.

Favourite hobbies: Sea swimming, paddle boarding, surfing, dog walking, and travelling

Favourite marine creature: I love seals and sea turtles, and if you look closely in one of my pictures from previous volunteering in Greece, there are many baby loggerheads.

Party trick: I used to be an archery instructor so I can hit a bullseye.

2 truths & a lie:

• I can juggle
• I’ve met David Attenborough
• I’m learning to speak German

Careers Profile

I’ve only been working for ABPmer for a few months, but I’ve already been involved in many exciting projects.

Responsibilities: I’m involved in figure creation, teaching new skills, data analysis, and quality assurance for offshore wind farms. I also do a lot of writing for things here on the MDE.

Why did you choose this career? In both my undergraduate and masters degrees, I chose to study the environment. I previously studied Environmental Geography, and I just completed my masters in Conservation and Biodiversity. Targeting both my dissertations on reducing fisheries bycatch, and studying topics such as human-wildlife conflict, surveying techniques, and conservation approaches, I wanted to use this knowledge for something practical.

What do you love about your job? In my job I get to work on interesting projects involving protected areas, renewable energies and fisheries where I can use and develop my skills in GIS and data management. I love the variety and whilst the work can be complex, I love collaborating within my team and with TCE to get it done.

Career Pathway: I’ve not always had jobs directly linked to the marine sector. When I graduated, the covid pandemic was imminent and I worked in pharmacy supporting the NHS for 2 years.

Advise to someone looking to move into the marine sector: Whilst not directly linked to the job I have now, my advice is you shouldn’t underestimate the skills you can get in all areas of life. This also applies to hobbies and societies, as well as volunteering opportunities and even free resources online.