Profile
I joined the BPMS in 2017, when nine projects were chosen to launch the research programme. Since then, I have been coordinating the management of the different projects. Specifically, my role is to provide the large science team with logistical support, coordination and effective communication. A crucial part of my role is to link our large body of marine scientists with the MPA management team. This ensures that conservation activity is supported by objective scientific information.
I highly value the time I spend working with our teams in the field. My first trip in the Chagos Archipelago was in 2006. I was active in the campaign to get the Marine Protected Area declared back in 2010. Given the intense threats marine biodiversity is under elsewhere in the world I have always vigorously promoted the Chagos Archipelago as the invaluable refuge for biodiversity it is.
We recently added a project to our growing portfolio. It studies and mitigates the effects of plastics on sea turtles within the Chagos Archipelago.
It’s an immense honor to work with such a talented group of people studying a place that I think is one of the world’s great natural wonders.
Biography
My Project
My Publications
Ctenella chagius (Green Status Assessment)
Wilson, B., Jones, R., Head, C., Obura, D.O., Pearce-Kelly, P., Hoffmann, M. (2025). Ctenella chagius (Green Status assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2025: e.T133701A13370120251.
Big Brands Impact Small Islands: Sources of Plastic Pollution in a Remote and Protected Archipelago
Savage, J., Chamberlain, A., Fellows, M., Jones, R., Letessier, T.B., Llewellyn, F., Morritt, D., Rowcliffe, M., Koldewey, H. (2024). Big brands impact small islands: Sources of plastic pollution in a remote and protected archipelago. Marine Pollution Bulletin.
Plastics Dominate Beach Debris in a Remote Archipelago; Spatial Variations in Island Debris Accumulation Inform Targeted Beach Management
Hoare, V., Atchison Balmond, N., Hays, G.C., Jones, R., Koldewey, H., Laloë, J-O., Levy, E., Llewellyn, F., Morrall, H., Esteban, N. (2022). Plastics dominate beach debris in a remote archipelago; spatial variations in island debris accumulation inform targeted beach management. Marine Pollution Bulletin.
A Review of a Decade of Lessons From One of the World’s Largest MPAs: Conservation Gains and Key Challenges
Hays, G.C., Koldewey, H.J., Andrzejaczek, S., Attrill, M.J., Barley, S., Bayley, D.T.I., Benkwitt, C.E., Block, B., Schallert, R.J., Carlisle, A., Carr, P., Chapple, T.K., Collins, C., Diaz, C., Dunn, N., Dunbar, R.B., Eager, D.S., Engel, J., Embling, C.B., Esteban, N., Ferretti, F., Foster, N.L., Freeman, R., Gollock, M., Graham, N.A.J., Harris, J.L., Head, C.E.I, Hosegood, P., Howell, K.L., Hussey, N.E., Jacoby, D.M.P., Jones, R., Pilly, J.S., Lange, I.D., Letessier, T.B., Levy, E., Lindhart, M., McDevitt-Irwin, J.M., Meekan, M., Meeuwig, J.J., Micheli, F., Mogg, A., Mortimer, J.A., Mucciarone, D.A., Nicoll, M.A., Nuno, A., Perry, C., Preston, S.G., Rattray, A.J., Robinson, E., Roche, R., Schiele, M., Sheehan, E.V., Sheppard, A., Sheppard, C., Smith, A.L., Soule, B., Spalding, M., Stevens, G.M.W., Steyaert, M., Stiffel, S., Taylor, B.M., Tickler, D., Trevail, A.M., Trueba, P., Turner, J., Votier, S., Wilson, B., Williams, G., Williamson, B., Williamson, M.J., Wood, H. and Curnick, D.J. (2020) A review of a decade of lessons from one of the world’s largest MPAs: conservation gains and key challenges. Marine Biology.