The African Marine Litter Outlook

He started his international career as an environmental manager on large development projects for the dredging company Jan De Nul (JDN), e.g. the Palm Islands, Ras Laffan Gas Terminal, Sfax Taparura Remediation, Port Hedland Harbour.

Thomas moved on to the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) in the UK, becoming a Principal Scientist leading an extensive portfolio of projects and a team of marine experts. He coordinated several UK national and international marine monitoring programmes for EU Directives and other regional drivers. Thomas also provided advice to the UK Government and some of its most senior members on issues related to human pressures, such as contaminants, waste and other pollutants. He directly supported UK ministers and royals at internationalmeetings, audits and visits.

In 2020, Thomas joined GRID-Arendal, a collaborating centre of UNEP with highly qualified staff that specialises in complex environmental issues. To tackle the challenge of pollution and waste, Thomas supports global policy development through the UN frameworks, including UNEA and the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. Thomas also assists developing countries with capacity building and research on the impact of waste and marine litter, their sources and pathways. He works closely with the Regional Seas Conventions and other UN agencies to find regional and global solutions to tackle pollution issues.

Thomas operates between science and policy and develops products to inform policy-makers. He regularly gives keynote speeches and presentations about pollution at international fora.

Thomas has extensive knowledge of relevant environmental issues, institutes and organisations and maintains an impressive global network. He attends, chairs and facilitates several committees, political debates, working groups and national/international expert meetings.