Mark Dickey-Collas has been appointed as the new Chair of the IUCN-CEM-Fisheries Expert Group (FEG) at the most recent meeting of the expert group.
Mark is an independent researcher and consultant working in fisheries, ecosystem-based management and marine conservation. He is known as the former Chair of the ICES Advisory Committee, from 2018 to 2023, and has much experience in the fields of science for management, and advising governments and intergovernmental organisations. His focus was on the fisheries and ecosystems of the greater North Atlantic and Arctic.
On accepting the role, Mark said “I am honoured and delighted to be taking the role of chair of FEG. FEG has a deserved reputation of linking fisheries and biodiversity experts in IUCN. It is a great team to join. I hope that under my chairship, this reputation will strengthen with further production and synthesis of knowledge for sustainable fisheries and conservation of marine ecosystems.”
Mark is now based in London, after 30 years’ experience in Northern Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark. He is an adjunct professor at the Danish Technical University (DTU-AQUA) and on the Defra (UK) Biodiversity Expert Committee. Mark has enjoyed chairing many groups and reviews. Notably, he is on the Board of the Marine Biological Association the UK and has been on the IMBeR Science Steering Committee.
Mark takes the reigns from Ernesto Penas. Ernesto remarked, “It has been a real privilege to chair FEG during the last two years, and I wish the incoming chair all the success that he, and the whole group deserves. FEG has become a fundamental instrument in providing the scientific basis for the implementation of marine conservation enabling responsible and sustainable fishing. Its composition, with renowned specialists from around the world, makes it a unique body, capable of providing evidence-based advice on very diverse matters related to marine conservation. I will continue collaborating with FEG.”
EBCD would like to congratulate Mark on taking the role. As Chair, he is supported by Vice-Chairs Eskild Kirkegaard (Denmark) and Anthony Charles (Canada). The IUCN community looks forward to the continued success of the IUCN CEM Fisheries Expert Group, and to working with its leadership and all its members.
