A deep dive into marine planning with Duncan Vaughan

Where did you travel?

I split my Fellowship into two parts: the first in Europe, with time spent in Paris, Brussels (the European Commission), the Netherlands (Hague and Amsterdam), and Norway (Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø). The second half took me to the USA, starting in Washington DC, where I ended up in the Executive Office of the President of the United States – Council of Environmental Quality, next to the White House, speaking with the Director of the National Ocean Council. From there, I visited Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

What did you study?

Marine planning in England was in its early stages when I embarked on my Fellowship, and there was a lot of potential. I wanted to better understand how marine planning could evolve to recognise the importance of the marine environment beyond marine protected areas.

What did you gain from the experience personally and professionally?

It reignited my curiosity. Everyone has an interesting story to tell, you just have to ask the right questions to get to it. Hopefully, I gained credibility in the fields of marine planning and marine protection, as well as a wider network of peers and friends that I continue to exchange ideas and experiences with.

What impact do you think the Fellowship had? On you, your employer, UK marine management?

It was definitely positive. I returned from the Fellowship and immediately applied what I had learned, shaping Natural England’s understanding and approach to marine protection outside of Marine Protected Areas.

In what way does the UK differ from the countries you visited?

We have the Fellowship—almost everyone I spoke to during my travels was blown away by the opportunity to take six to eight weeks off to focus deeply on a subject and engage with experts. The chance to take that much time away from work... it’s incredible.

What was the highlight of your trip?

Spending a day lobster fishing on an inshore commercial Massachusetts fishing boat, operated by a relative of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association CEO. This came about after a discussion on the challenges fishers face when trying to operate in an area where the endangered Right Whale feeds. I heard first-hand about the measures they're putting in place to reduce whale entanglements.

Can you tell us a story about your trip?

One of my first stops was meeting Charles Ehler—considered one of the godfathers of marine planning. We spent several hours chatting on a beautiful white couch overlooking the River Seine, with me petrified of spilling the lovely burgundy he opened for us. To have access to someone like him at the start of my trip was both exciting and inspiring. His quote has stuck with me: “Marine spatial planning is a contact sport, it’s not ping pong, it’s rugby.”

Did the Fellowship open unforeseen opportunities or take you on a certain path on your return?

The Fellowship gave me the opportunity to collaborate on a book chapter with Tundi Agardy, an expert on Marine Planning and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), several months after my Fellowship ended.

Are there any tips you’d give prospective Fellows?

Apply! Find a Fellow who has completed a Fellowship in your area of interest and reach out to them. We love talking about our experiences and are excited to hear about yours.

Would you recommend a Churchill Fellowship and why?

Yes! Who wouldn’t want the chance to meet amazing, inspiring people to talk about your shared passions?

Ocean and Coastal Futures brings together expertise in the ocean, coastal and water sectors. Read the full blog on their website to gain further insights into Duncan’s Fellowship experience.