Ben Drakeford

Ben Drakeford is an Associate Professor in Marine Resource Economics at the University of Portsmouth, affiliated with the Faculty of Business & Law and School of Accounting, Economics and Finance. He leads the Centre for Blue Governance and focuses on the economic dimensions of sustainable marine resource use.

• Education: Ph.D. in Fisheries Economics and Management from the University of Portsmouth (2010).

Research Interests: His work bridges the blue economy with fisheries and aquaculture economics, emphasizing natural capital valuation, marine governance, and innovative fishing gear to combat marine litter. Recent projects include developing biodegradable fishing gear and contributing to the EU’s Atlantic Action Plan.

Grants & Collaborations: Dr. Drakeford has secured funding from the EU (Interreg, Pandora, Farfish), NERC, and FAO. He collaborates internationally, including with the European Commission and institutions in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Teaching: He coordinates postgraduate dissertations and teaches Coastal and Marine Resource Management and Blue Economy courses.