Introducing the Team
The Devon Maritime Forum is run by a small, dedicated team that answers to over 750 members representing over 250 organisations across all maritime sectors in Devon, the South West and beyond.
Forum Chair: Professor Ed Maltby
Professor Edward Maltby is Emeritus Professor of Wetland Science, Water and Ecosystem Management, University of Liverpool. He has over 40 years’ experience in scientific research with skills in multidisciplinary/international working and the linkage of natural science to social sciences and policy innovation with particular reference to the functioning of water and wetland ecosystems. He has provided technical advice and advocacy at the Conferences of Parties and technical working groups of The Convention on Biological Diversity, The Ramsar Convention and other policy and legislative fora at international, supranational and national levels. Ed played a key role in the development and implementation of the Ecosystem Approach (CBD/IUCN), the Wise Use concept (Ramsar) and horizontal guidance for wetlands under the EU Water Framework Directive.
Coastal Support Officer: Eleanor Ward
Eleanor joined the DMF team in April 2024 on secondment as part of the University of Exeter’s ‘Graduate Business Partnership’ scheme. Prior to starting her role, she graduated from Cardiff University in 2023 with a first class BSc honours degree in Marine Geography.
Having always lived a short distance from Devon’s beautiful landscapes, Eleanor developed a genuine fascination for local wildlife and coastal areas from an early age. Her studies have fostered a particular interest in coastal formations, marine wildlife and ecosystems. In her spare time, Eleanor enjoys bodyboarding in North Devon, kayaking down the River Exe and snorkelling in the south-west and abroad.
In her role, Eleanor will be helping to co-ordinate the marine element of Devon’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy as well as projects for the Exe Estuary Management Partnership.
The Steering Group
The Steering Group oversees the business and management of the Forum, agreeing work programmes, funding schemes and budgets. Together with the Chairman, the high-level professionals involved in the Forum through the Steering Group also provide invaluable input in to the development of the Forum, guiding the design, content delivery of projects and core services.