Overview
My role is to ensure the smooth running of the programme, to build collaborations and partnerships within and beyond the programme, and to maximise impact. This includes finding opportunities for our science to support management, policy, and conservation, and to communicate our work widely. I am particularly focused on the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the role of our programme in delivering ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’.
I have worked in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions for over 25 years. My research has focused on understanding the role of MPAs in protecting and restoring biodiversity and building resilience for communities and wildlife. Much of the research I engage in directly through the programme is led by the PhD students I co-supervise.
I love so much about our programme, especially the new insights from scientists collaborating across disciplines, seeing our science used in management and policy, and particularly the brilliant young scientists - from the Indian Ocean and beyond - leading the way.
Biography
Other interests
I am interested in finding solutions to marine conservation challenges. This includes research into seahorses that was an early pioneer of community-based approaches, including marine protected areas. Based on research from one of my PhD students, I helped establish set up Net-Works, which developed a novel community-based supply chain for discarded fishing nets that are recycled into carpets. This recently spun out as social enterprise COAST-4C with expanded markets into seaweed products. This initiated a wider interest in solving ocean plastic pollution, including as science co-lead for National Geographic’s 2019 Sea to Source: Ganges expedition.
My Project
My Publications
Variable Effects of Protection on Large-Bodied Reef Fishes in the Western Indian Ocean
Samoilys, M., Osuka, K.E., Roche, R., Koldewey, H., Chabanet, P. (2025). Variable effects of protection on large-bodied reef fishes in the western Indian Ocean. Conservation Biology
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.
The Ecological Impact of Plastic Pollution in a Warming Environment
Chowdhury, G.W., Koldewey, H.J., Niloy, N.H., Sarker, S. (2022). The ecological impact of plastic pollution in a warming environment. Emerging Topics in Life Sciences.
Priorities to Inform Research on Marine Plastic Pollution in Southeast Asia
Omeyer L.C.M., Duncan, E.M., Aiemsomboon K., Beaumont, N., Bureekul, S., Cao, B., Carrasco, L.R., Chavanich, S., Clark, J.R., Cordova, M.R., Couceiro, F., Cragg, S.M., Dickson, N., Failler, P., Ferraro, G., Fletcher, S., Fong, J., Ford, A.T., Gutierrez, T., Shahul Hamid, F., Hiddink, J.G., Hoa, P.T., Holland, S.I., Jones, L., Jones, N.H., Koldewey, H., Lauro, F.M., Lee, C., Lewis, M., Marks, D., Matallana-Surget, S., Mayorga-Adame, C.G., McGeehan, J., Messer, L.F., Michie, L., Miller, M.A., Mohamad, Z.F., Nor, N.H.M., Müller, M., Neill, S.P., Nelms, S.E., Onda, D.F.L., Ong, J.J.L., Pariatamby, A., Phang, S.C., Quilliam, R., Robins, P.E., Salta, M., Sartimbul, A., Shakuto, S., Skov, M.W., Taboada, E.B., Todd, P.A., Toh, T.C., Valiyaveettil, S., Viyakarn, V., Wonnapinij, P., Wood, L.E., Yong, C.L.X., Godley, B.J. (2022). Priorities to inform research on marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia. Science of the Total Environment.
Marine Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas in the Chagos Archipelago
Carr, P., Trevail, A.M., Koldewey, H.J., Sherley, R.B., Wilkinson, T., Votier, S.C. (2022). Marine important bird and biodiversity areas in the Chagos Archipelago. Bird Conservation International.
