Who we are

Caitlin brings over a decade of experience from various sectors within the blue economy. With a Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, Caitlin started her career on tall ships as professional crew and education programme manager. She then moved to land and focused on ocean science engagement. After obtaining a Master’s degree in public administration, Caitlin became one of the first employees of the Maritime Blue cluster organisation in Seattle, USA. Tasked with implementing Washington State’s blue economy strategy and marine conservation initiatives, Caitlin supported programme development at the intersection of the maritime industry and marine biodiversity conservation. She also provided governance expertise in managing Maritime Blue’s board of directors.

With significant experience facilitating multi-party processes and strategic initiatives across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Caitlin specialises in creating inclusive and collaborative spaces where technical, innovator, policy, and industry voices can move from dialogue to decisions. Using her programme and operational management experience, as well as stakeholder engagement skills, Caitlin will support the development of Mereweg as the director of operations and engagement.

Tatiana Der Avedissian is a leader in development, communications, and sustainability based in London. She has worked for major news organisations in the UK and currently leads The Economist Group’s ocean work. She is a founder, board member, and advisor of several for-profit and non-profit organisations focused on system changes for the planet’s benefit. Inspired by other blue clusters worldwide, Tatiana launched Mereweg in England to support its blue economy stakeholders.

Tatiana is also a co-founder of Temis Fractal, an organisation focused on increasing investment in female-led startups, and Intersect Global, an advisory firm addressing the lack of ‘narrative infrastructure’ in modern business. Intersect connects leading thinkers and major capital providers.

She has advised the G7 Women7 and G20 Women20 on climate and gender policy and continues to advocate gender equality and environmental action globally.

Tatiana serves on several non-profit boards in the UK and abroad, including as co-founder of The Armenia Project, co-president of the Harvard Kennedy School Women’s Alumni Network, co-president of Alkionides UK, chair of trustees of the Armenian Institute, and a board member of the UK-Cyprus Enterprise Council and Cyprus Environment Foundation. She has also lectured on ethics and politics as a visiting professor.

Nancy began her scientific career with a first-class degree in Biochemistry from the University of Manchester, which included a year in the Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection (now the CBRB) at Imperial College London. After several years working in the Life Sciences industry, she undertook an Erasmus Mundus MSc in Marine Environment and Resources. This programme addresses the need for integrated research and informed policies to conserve the economic, social and environmental importance of the ocean. She graduated with honours, receiving the Calypso Prize for Best MSc Thesis in Marine Environmental Conservation, awarded by the Cousteau Foundation.

Her most recent research, hosted by the HELCOM Secretariat and published in npj Ocean Sustainability, explored climate-smart marine spatial planning to advance biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

She combines this diverse academic background with 5 years of consulting experience, managing and delivering a wide range of projects to industry clients.

As an early-career ocean professional, Nancy aims to bridge science, policy and community to support inclusive, bottom-up approaches to evidence-based decision-making. Her work advances the understanding that conservation and economic development are complementary necessities for sustainable and equitable benefits from marine resources. Her professional ethos is grounded in collaborative and adaptive approaches towards a common goal for humanity and the planet.

Nancy is a surfer, rescue scuba diver and a qualified AIDA 2 freediver to 20m.