‘I grew up partly on Terschelling, we spent holidays on Texel, my husband comes from Ameland, and we met each other on Schiermonnikoog. For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a connection to the sea. As an ecologist, I gradually became specialised in cartilaginous fish, rays, and sharks. What I find so cool about cartilaginous fish is that they’re perfectly evolved! Millions of years ago, they discovered a recipe for living efficiently in the sea, aided by their ability to perceive both magnetic and electric fields. That’s a unique combination. But this advantage is now working against them, with so much activity on and in the sea for transporting energy. Our changing energy needs are the main cause of this, and habitats, foraging strategies and migration routes are in danger of being disrupted.’

‘Our group’s credo is nature-inclusive design. We want to show that not every measure that promotes ecology also costs time and money. A smaller working area, for example, prevents unnecessary churning up of the seabed, but it’s also more efficient. Our challenge is to always look for win-win options. If you adapt a work schedule in advance to the foraging season of seabirds, then you reduce the chance of delays. Nature-inclusive measures, such as optimising erosion protection to provide fish with areas to shelter and grow, are the ultimate. As well as contributing as an ecologist on our marine projects, I also conduct research. Witteveen+Bos has given me the opportunity to do a PhD, which they’re also making an in-kind contribution to. It allows me to combine my drive to make a genuine impact with my passion for science. A fun challenge!’