Event Information

IFM Early Careers Group Webinar

13th July 2026 | Online via Zoom

Meeting 13:00 - 14:00

About the Webinar

This is the second instalment in the IFM Early Career Group's webinar series — and this time we're turning the spotlight on careers in fisheries. Whether you're a student trying to find your way in, or an early career professional looking to broaden your horizons, this session is for you.

We've brought together four fisheries professionals with diverse backgrounds and career paths to give you a realistic, relatable and practical window into the sector. Each speaker will share around 10 minutes of personal insight, followed by an open Q&A where you can ask the questions that really matter to you.

Topics we'll be covering

• Their career path to date (including any key turning points)
• What their current role involves day-to-day
• The key skills that have been important in their careers
• Some of the challenges or realities of working in the sector
• Advice they would give to those starting out

The aim is to help early career professionals better understand the different routes into and through the fisheries sector.

Webinar Format

Webinar Format

• 4 speakers — approximately 10 minutes each
• Live Q&A — open questions at the end of the session
• Free to attend — open to all, members and non-members welcome

Meet the Speakers

Our speakers come from a range of backgrounds — regulatory science, ecology, consultancy and conservation — giving you a broad picture of what a career in this sector can look like.

Neil Lewin

National Monitoring Field Team Manager (North) · Environment Agency

Neil’s childhood passion for freshwater ecology eventually led to a BSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, from Sparsholt College. Neil built an 18-year career with the Environment Agency, spanning work in the National Fisheries Laboratory, focusing on fish health, fisheries management and specialising in European eel conservation. Over the past 8 years he has worked in National Monitoring, leading teams who collect critical environmental data, including our core fisheries and statutory bathing water programmes. Neil currently works as the EA’s North hub Manager within the National Monitoring Field Team.

Dr Natalie Angelopoulos

Fisheries Technical Specialist · Environment Agency

Natalie specializes in the conservation and restoration of migratory and freshwater fish and fisheries. She has over 20 years’ experience in fisheries working in academia, freshwater consultancy and in the Environment Agency. Natalie graduated from Hull University with a PhD in freshwater fisheries and river restoration, an MSc in invasive species in aquaculture and is also a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) member of the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM). She is currently a Fisheries Technical Specialist for the Environment Agency, covering the Yorkshire Area and has recently finished a National Assignment as a Senior Advisor for Fisheries and Beaver Reintroductions. Her current roles work towards conserving, improving and developing fish and fisheries. Natalie continues to be an active member of the IFM, acting as an IFM CEnv Assessor and Sponsor, she is also a member of the IFM Diploma Training Team, currently course Tutor for the module Fisheries Conservation and Management.

Hannah Gibbs

Fisheries Officer · Sussex IFCA

Hannah Gibbs is a Fisheries Officer at Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Sussex IFCA), where she works on the front line of coastal fisheries management and conservation. She holds a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Southampton, where she specialised in orca foraging ecology and gained hands-on research experience as an Aquarium Lab Assistant at the National Oceanography Centre. Prior to joining Sussex IFCA, Hannah worked as a Trainee Tutor with the Field Studies Council, combining her passion for marine environments with environmental education. She also holds Powerboat Level 2 and STCW maritime qualifications and is a qualified paddle board instructor and open water lifeguard.

Alongside her professional career, Hannah is the founder of Marine Biology Posters (marinebiologyposters.com), a creative venture born out of her own experience as a student. Frustrated by dense textbooks and inaccessible marine science resources, she began creating her own illustrated, visual study guides, and turned them into a resource used by students and ocean enthusiasts worldwide.

Hannah's journey from marine biology student to fisheries officer, and entrepreneur, makes her an inspiring voice for anyone looking to turn a passion for the aquatic environment into a career.

Hannah Rudd

Head of Marine · Angling Trust

Hannah Rudd is a marine scientist, specialising in sharks and recreational fisheries, with a passion for science communication and effecting change through marine policy. She currently works for the Angling Trust leading on marine policy and research. Through her work at the Angling Trust, Hannah is also a member of the European Anglers Alliance - representing recreational anglers across Europe.

Rudd's scientific research interests are focused on recreational fisheries. She is currently a steering group member of Shark Hub UK working with anglers and scientists in England to better understand UK shark populations and a trustee of the Pat Smith Database - one of the largest blue shark databases in the world. Hannah is also a member of ICES, focusing on recreational fisheries.

Hannah has been featured across major media outlets as an independent expert, including BBC networks, and is a published author (Britain's Living Seas, Bloomsbury 2023), TedxManchester speaker and television presenter (Discovery Channel, 2022).

Book Your Place

Register using the link above.

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Contact

Questions? Phoebe Worley at [email protected]