The State of the Coast website is developed and managed by a team of people in the East Grampian Coastal Partnership (EGCP).
Ian Hay is the Marine Planning Project Manager with EGCP Ltd. helping to increase awareness of coastal issues and seek solutions, aiding the delivery of Integrated Coastal Zone Management, and promoting a thriving environment for both people and wildlife.
He is a keen wildlife photographer, and conducts whale watching events and cetacean surveys for EGCP, alongside our workshop events.
David R. Green is the Director of the Aberdeen Institute for Coastal Science and Management (AICSM) and the MSc in GIS Degree Programme at the University of Aberdeen. His background is in Coastal Management, Coastal Ecology, Marine Spatial Planning, GIS, Remote Sensing, Cartography and UAVs.
He is the author of a number of books on Coastal Management, GIS and UAVs and the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Coastal Conservation, Planning & Management. David is a keen sailor.
Originally from South Yorkshire, I grew up as an active individual thriving in the outdoors. At 18, I began working as an apprentice outdoor activity instructor in the heart of the Peak District National Park. This role led me to coach and instruct activities such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, canoeing, and camping. My work took me across the globe to places like China and Hong Kong, where I engaged with diverse clientele from various cultures, faiths, and organizations. Through these activities, I developed a deep sense of environmental stewardship, particularly regarding the oceans. The COVID-19 pandemic brought my work in mainland China to a halt, necessitating my return to the UK. With no degree or higher education to rely on, I decided to take control of my career by becoming a freelance outdoor instructor. Simultaneously, I enrolled at the University of Aberdeen.
Ten years after starting as an apprentice, I now have a solid clientele of businesses seeking my instructor services and I am about to begin my fourth year of a BSc in Marine Biology. In 2023, I added a Divemaster internship to my repertoire of skills, further developing myself professionally. This, alongside my degree, has helped me better understand the dynamics of our natural environments and how humans interact with them. My aim is to leverage my past and present experiences and skills to highlight information regarding the coastal environment within the North East Scotland Marine Region. I plan to achieve this through surveying, data collection, and analysis, enabling policymakers and the general public to make informed decisions when visiting and developing the region.
Currently a University of St Andrews student, I am studying Environmental Science and Geography. As of September 2024, I will have started 3rd year, and by 2026 I will graduate with a BSc. Physical Geography has always been my favourite subject, and thus the rugged, geologically fascinating coastline of St Andrews seemed like the perfect place to further that passion.
I grew up in the leafy suburbs of Aberdeen, so have always been near both forests and coast. With the beautiful Cairngorms nearby, it would have been difficult not to develop a love for all things natural. I have spent time volunteering with the EGCP and the Aberdeen City Council Rangers, experiences that have solidified my pursuit of a career working with nature.
I worked with the EGCP last summer on the 2023 Beach Litter Survey and report, assessing the condition of East Grampian beaches. It was a very enjoyable and valuable experience of independent, practical research. As such, I am delighted to be back working with the organisation again!
Studying Mathematics and Physics at the University of Aberdeen. Was on Monitoring, Mapping and Modelling Coastal Erosion of Golf Courses: Ground Control for Drone Image Acquisition QUADRAT research placement under the supervision of David R. Green.
Keen on hiking and bouldering.
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