The Blue Economy depends not only on scientific research and innovation, but also on the people who help governments, industries, and communities work together to manage our oceans sustainably. As marine activities continue to grow, professionals who can bridge science, policy, and stakeholder engagement are becoming increasingly important.
In this edition of our interview series, we’re speaking with Chris McDougall, a marine scientist whose career has evolved from tropical fieldwork to leading some of Europe’s most important initiatives on Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and ocean governance. Through his work with the European Commission, EU Member States, and the wider Blue Economy community, Chris helps turn complex discussions into practical solutions for the sustainable management of our seas.
Meet Chris McDougall
Current Role: Marine Scientist & Maritime Spatial Planning Expert
Industry: Maritime Spatial Planning, Blue Economy, Ocean Governance
Focus Areas: Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), coastal management, environmental impact assessment, European cooperation, stakeholder engagement
Recent Initiatives: European MSP Assistance Mechanism, European Blue Forum
What inspired you to pursue this path?
Chris’s journey into the Blue Economy wasn’t shaped by one defining moment, but by a lifelong curiosity about the ocean.
«From an early age I was fascinated by how things work, and the ocean was always part of that. It’s vast and complex, and it’s difficult to spend time in or around it without wanting to understand it better.»
After studying marine science and specialising in tropical coastal management, he realised that many of the greatest challenges facing our oceans weren’t purely scientific.
«I started to realise that many of the biggest challenges facing the ocean aren’t just scientific—they’re about how we make decisions, manage competing demands, and balance environmental and economic priorities.»
This growing interest in the intersection between science, policy, and implementation eventually led him towards Maritime Spatial Planning and the wider Blue Economy.
A Day in the Life
There is no typical day in Chris’ role.
«There isn’t really a typical day anymore—although once upon a time it might have involved snorkelling surveys in the Caribbean, which was a slightly different pace—and a lot fewer emails!»
Today, his work revolves around supporting an international network of experts across Europe and beyond.
His days are filled with meetings, technical discussions, coordinating projects, responding to new requests, and preparing reports, guidance documents, and articles. Much of his role focuses on bringing people together, facilitating dialogue, and helping different stakeholders move towards shared solutions.
«A big part of the job is about coordination and facilitation—connecting different perspectives, helping discussions move forward, and making sure that ideas translate into something practical.»
Although every day is different, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication remain at the heart of his work.
The Exciting and Challenging Aspects of the Job
For Chris, the most rewarding aspect of his career has always been the people.
«I’ve had the opportunity to travel and work with individuals from across different countries, disciplines, and cultures, and I still find that genuinely exciting.»
One particularly memorable experience took him to Eritrea, where he had the opportunity to experience the country’s landscapes, cultures, and coastal environments firsthand.
«I remember being genuinely sad when it was time to leave.»
More broadly, he enjoys seeing how people from very different backgrounds come together to solve complex challenges.
Whether during fieldwork, European workshops, or policy discussions, Chris finds great satisfaction in the moments when different perspectives begin to align.
The biggest challenge, however, lies in building that consensus.
«You’re often working across countries, sectors, and disciplines, all with their own priorities, timelines, and ways of working, and balancing those different interests is not always straightforward.»
He explains that reaching agreement often requires patience, active listening, and careful facilitation—skills that have also been central to developing initiatives such as the European Blue Forum.
«When you do reach that point of alignment, it’s very rewarding.»
Key Skills for Success
Chris believes that success in the Blue Economy depends on balancing technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills.
Technical Skills:
- Marine science and coastal management
- Environmental assessment
- Ocean governance and Maritime Spatial Planning
- Understanding marine systems and environmental processes
Soft Skills:
- Communication
- Collaboration and facilitation
- Systems thinking
- Adaptability
- Stakeholder engagement
- Negotiation and consensus building
«Ultimately, it’s less about being a specialist in one thing, and more about being able to connect knowledge, people, and ideas in a way that leads to something practical.»
He also highlights the growing importance of communicating beyond professional audiences.
«Being able to engage with wider audiences—including children and young people—is critical if we want to see meaningful, long-term change in how we protect our oceans.»
Work-Life Balance & Career Satisfaction
Chris is very satisfied with both his career and work-life balance.
He feels his role reflects his experience and responsibilities while still allowing enough flexibility to maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
Future Outlook: Where is the Industry Heading?
Chris believes the future of the Blue Economy will require increasingly interdisciplinary professionals.
«The challenges we’re dealing with—climate, biodiversity, energy, food systems—are all connected, so there will be more demand for people who can work across sectors and scales.«
He also expects a stronger emphasis on implementation.
Rather than focusing solely on strategies and planning, future professionals will increasingly be responsible for delivering measurable results.
Communication and public engagement, he believes, will also become even more important as society seeks stronger connections between science, policy, and everyday life.
Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals
If Chris could give one piece of advice to his younger self, it would be simple:
«Take learning languages a bit more seriously.»
Working internationally has shown him how valuable languages are—not only professionally but also for understanding different cultures and building lasting relationships.
He also encourages young professionals not to worry about following a perfectly planned career path.
«Mine certainly wasn’t, and a lot of the most interesting opportunities came from saying yes to things that weren’t necessarily part of a clear plan.»
Follow Chris’s Work
LinkedIn: Chris McDougall
Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews with professionals shaping the future of the Blue Economy!
📢 Know someone with an exciting career in marine sciences or the Blue Economy? Let us know—we’d love to feature them!