Jessica Bridgland

Jessica specialising in marine policy, natural capital, sustainable finance, and the blue economy. Her research focuses on developing and communicating robust economic analysis to navigate and advise on the complex trade-offs inherent in sustainable ocean development.

Prior to joining CSDR, Jessica worked for the UK public sector as an economist advising Ministerial decision making. This included serving as Head of Domestic Marine Economics where she led the economic analysis for high-priority initiatives, including the designation of the UK’s first Highly Protected Marine Areas, the Offshore Wind Enabling Actions Programme, and Marine Spatial Planning. Jessica has experience in ocean accounting work, notably through the development of a UK Ocean Economy Satellite Account to define and assess the blue economy and through advising on projects under the marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme.

Her government experience extends to leading economic analysis for international fisheries negotiations with the European Union and advising the Natural Capital Committee Secretariat and the Office for Environmental Protection. She also brings a background in sustainable finance cultivated across both public and private sector experience.

She holds an MSc in Economics from Queen Mary University of London, a course that was tailor made by Government Chief Economists for applying economics to decision making.

Publications