Offshore operations in the North Sea demand two things in equal measure: engineering and science. Securing and maintaining that infrastructure out in the water is the work of our operations crew. But every environmental claim we make must be backed by verifiable data.
As our Science Officer, Ana brings a precision and depth to our hatchery and offshore monitoring programmes that this moment demands. Over the last seven months, she has become an integral part of how we measure our environmental impact. As we advance Project SeaSwell and support our region's capability through the Carbon Negative Challenge Fund, we sat down with her to discuss deep-sea corals, coastal water quality, and how clear science must partner with local action to protect our oceans.
The Origin Story: What is your academic background?
Ana: "I am an environmental scientist, and I originally specialised in environmental education. After discovering the marine world, I pursued a PhD and became a coral geochemist. My research investigated how climatic events, changes in water quality, and marine heatwaves impacted reef-building corals and the ecosystem services they provide."
How would you describe your role as Science Officer to someone outside the lab?
Ana: "As Scientists, we sit directly between the data and the operational reality offshore. My role focuses on monitoring water quality and assessing how our Kelpedo™ systems can contribute to coastal nutrients and carbon uptake. Seaweed systems, whether natural or cultivated, actively draw down dissolved nutrients and incorporate carbon into biomass, contributing to healthier and more balanced coastal ecosystems. Alongside associated species such as filter feeders, these processes help support resilient marine habitats and improve overall ecosystem function."
What specifically attracted you to SeaGrown?
Ana: "Achieving a healthy ocean requires a combined effort. We must align clear science with engaged local communities and sustainable economic activities. SeaGrown is actively doing this. I care deeply about using data-driven actions to support both the marine environment and the people whose livelihoods depend on the sea."
Apart from Kelp, what is your favourite marine species and why?
Ana: "Stony deep-sea corals, hands down. They were my gateway into marine sciences. They are key ecosystem engineers that support a vast array of marine life, including vital fisheries species. Because they live anchored to the seabed, they cannot migrate when conditions change, making them vulnerable to environmental stress, much like kelp. Yet despite their microscopic size, they are resilient and structurally fascinating to observe."
Vital question: Tea or Coffee?
Ana: "Always coffee."
Ana is actively shaping how we measure and understand our offshore impact. Supported by the Carbon Negative Challenge Fund, Project SeaSwell relies on the precise measurement of our offshore operations. By tracking nutrient uptake and habitat creation, Ana ensures our North Sea harvest delivers results the data can stand behind.
