Hello! Justin Judge here.
It is with great pleasure that I extend my greetings to you as the new DiveNI Coordinator, taking over from Sally Stewart-Moore. As Sally has moved over to other ventures, I have taken up the role as Marine Biodiversity Officer at the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR), National Museums NI.
My background is structured from several aspects of working in the marine realm. I have worked for several years as a marine consultant, specifically as a Marine Mammal Observer. I have also been involved in numerous conservation projects, e.g., elasmobranch population assessments and marine research, where I have recently completed my PhD in marine food web ecology. I am also a BSAC Sports Diver and Snorkel Instructor.
To refresh your memory or for those that are unaware of my role at CEDaR, I am responsible for collating marine data in Northern Ireland from a range of stakeholders, e.g., from governmental bodies to citizen scientists, supporting the collection, management and dissemination of marine data via a central hub. The formation of this database is helping to inform and steer policy- and decision-making.
As I am sure you are aware, Sally has achieved an incredible amount through the creation and maintenance of DiveNI. I am very excited to pick up where she left off. Definitely big shoes to fill!
I look forward to meeting you all at some point in the future, hopefully above and below the water!
In the meantime, if you have any questions, ideas or feedback, please email info@dive-ni.com
Justin Judge
DiveNI Coordinator
Marine Biodiversity Officer (CEDaR)
