Our Team

DIRECTOR

Marc Nykolyszyn is proud to lead Conservative Friends of the Ocean as Director at a time when we need our oceans more than ever. Marc is a passionate advocate for rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by securing policies that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species. Marc is also “Oceans Ambassador” for the Conservative Environment Network and is an active member of the Conservative Party having stood as a Parliamentary Candidate in the 2019 General Election.

CO-FOUNDER

Robert New is the co-founder of Conservative Friends of the Ocean and is an elected councillor in Portsmouth. A keen surfer and ocean enthusiast, he's sat on the Southern IFCA and has campaigned for better post-Brexit opportunities for Coastal Communities and fisheries. Robert is also passionate about thriving oceans, and the restoration of marine coastal habitats with low-tech solutions. Robert is also an advocate of better mental well-being through the ocean and improving Ocean Literacy across the UK.

CO-FOUNDER

Daniel grew up in Portsmouth and has always had one eye on the ocean and the other on government policy.

Daniel currently works as a researcher and comms officer for a prominent Minister after completing his Masters in International Relations and Economics.

Daniel is also a local Councillor and an avid surfer.

Ocean Council Chair

Zoe is the Conservative Friends of the Ocean ‘Ocean Council’ chair. A role that came naturally to Zoe, who is a proven leader in Local Government.

Zoe has served as the Mayor of Gosport and was first elected to public office in 2016.

Zoe has a 24-year career in education and leadership. With two degrees in teaching and leadership as well as a background in sports therapy, she helps to empower individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. Zoe's commitment to youth and education is demonstrated through her community roles and previous experience as Head of Learning for a Premier League Football Club and an environmental Charity.

WaveMaker

Harry has been fascinated by marine life ever since trips to the London Aquarium as a small child, and regular family holidays by the sea in Anglesey. Working as a barrister in public and EU law, he is a keen supporter of the protection of the oceans and providing proper education about the issues facing them.

Outside of his work in the law, Harry previously worked as a Parliamentary researcher and has served as an Army Reservist.

WaveMaker

Imogen was born on the south coast of the UK and has served as a local councillor at Havant Borough Council as well as having worked in Parliament for a number of MPs. Additionally, she has worked for Members of Parliament in Sydney, Australia too and bring a wealth of political policy design an process experience as well as a background in delivering ‘on the ground campaigns’ and utilising soft-power to bring focus to policy areas that need attention.

Imogen is also a found of Consevative Friends of Ukraine who continue to help and support with aid and provision to those worst affected by the War in Ukraine.

WaveMaker - International Development

Ryan Henson is the CEO at the Coalition for Global Prosperity and has a background in international development, social mobility, and human rights.

He’s worked for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, the Ministry of Justice, and is a Social Mobility Commissioner at the Cabinet Office. He’s also been a Conservative Parliamentary Candidate and an RAF Reservist.

WaveMaker

Cllr Craig Smith is a Councillor for the Coalville North Division and was the 2024 North West Leicestershire Conservative Parlimentary Candidate. He is a former RAF Aircraft Engineer, serving for 10 years in operational roles around the world.

Craig is the founder of Stealth Black Belt Academies, one of the UK’s largest martial arts and fitness centers. He champions the important role of fitness and is currently training to row across the Atlantic to raise funds for the Macmillan cancer charity.

WaveMaker - Economic and Coastal Development

With a background in energy policy and investment banking, Will Farrell currently works at an asset manager focused on responsible investing, where he co-leads on climate change research, strategy, and portfolio engagement.

Will has previously worked as a parliamentary researcher for Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP, former energy minister. He was also a member of the President’s Advisory Group for Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP during UN COP26.