Anthony is an interdisciplinary marine and coastal scientist focussing on the nexus between science and policy.  He has largely worked on the management of anthropogenic impacts in the marine environment, quantifying and characterising risk associated with, for example marine plastics, as well as identifying and developing interventions and mitigation strategies.  He has led a range of international collaborative projects including a World Bank funded project on marine conservation in the Philippines; and been Principal Investigator for both the EU funded projects, Port Energy and Carbon Savings (PECS) project, and Coastal Zone Intensive Programme (COZIP) amongst others.  He has also carried out project and programme evaluation on behalf of a range of stakeholders including the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, International Association of Maritime Universities, Local Authorities and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Southampton and Director of Evolved Research and Consulting Ltd. and was previously Chair of the Hamble Estuary Partnership (2010-2018).

Prior to joining the Clyde Marine Planning Partnership, Chris was the manager of the Forth Estuary Forum, the Local Coastal Partnership for the Forth. Prior to that post, Chris was introduced to coastal zone management as the project officer for the Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative (SSMEI) on the Berwickshire Coast, a similar project to the SSMEI Clyde 15 years ago. Chris’ background was in zoological research, with a degree in Animal Ecology from Aberdeen University and post-graduate and post-doctoral work in salmonid behavioural ecology and physiology at Glasgow University. Following that work, he researched halibut, cod and haddock aquaculture with the Seafish Industrial Authority and the Scottish Association for Marine Science at Ardtoe Marine Lab on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Chris also spent two years with the Falkirk Community Trust developing master- and management plans for public parks in the Falkirk area.

Jill graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2019 with a degree in Scots Law. She then went on to do a Master’s in International Environmental and Climate Change Law at the University of Edinburgh the following year, developing a strong interest in law of the marine environment. After graduating in September 2020, Jill joined the family welding and engineering business, working across all areas of the business. In August 2021, she started as a graduate intern at Midlothian Voluntary Action, moving into a permanent position as a Development Officer in November. Her work involved supporting third sector organisations with funding and governance, coordinating and running the training programme, and representing third sector at various Community Planning meetings, including the Midlothian Climate Emergency Group. Jill joined the CMPP as the new Planning Partnership Officer in May. In her spare time, Jill volunteers for 2050 Climate Group and is passionate about educating and empowering young people to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.

The CMPP staff are hosted by NatureScot and this relationship is overseen by Chris Leakey, NatureScot Marine Planning and Natural Capital Manager. Chris provides line management and practical support in terms of HR and logistics and monitors the progress of the project. Chris is not involved in the job planning, task management or strategic direction of the CMPP staff, which is handled by the partnership chair and its governance structures.