Melanie Austen

Melanie Austen is Professor of Ocean and Society and Director of the Centre for Systems Thinking: Ocean, Land and Society at the University of Plymouth. With over 20 years of experience in interdisciplinary marine research, she focuses on integrating natural, economic, and social sciences to advance sustainable ocean management. Key affiliations include the UK Government's Natural England and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), where she contributes to national and international policy development.

• PhD in Marine Biology and Ecology

Her research spans blue economy sectors (renewable energy, fisheries, aquaculture) and marine natural capital frameworks, emphasizing ecosystem service valuation and policy implications. Current projects include UKRI GCRF Blue Communities and NERC-funded SWEEP, both addressing sustainable coastal development. She leads the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of Marine Resources.

Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to marine plastic pollution, mangrove conservation, and energy-fisheries trade-offs. Her work connects ecological data with socio-economic analysis, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals. Melanie advocates for systems thinking in marine management and promotes 'blue social prescriptions' linking ocean health to human wellbeing.

• Key policy roles with Natural England and JNCC
• Director of Centre for Systems Thinking
• Former Chief Scientific Advisor to Marine Management Organisation

Melanie's research bridges marine science with public policy, focusing on UK and Southeast Asian coastal environments. She emphasizes stakeholder collaboration and evidence-based decision-making for sustainable marine resource use.