The Story and Faces Behind Eyesea

Eyesea was founded on the idea that the maritime industry, mariners, recreational sailors, and the public all want the best for the ocean. We all understand maritime pollution is a problem – a problem that, at times, is pictured as being too large to solve. What can one person do? For a start, one person can take a picture. That picture tells us what is going on. A lot of pictures can make a map. And – in true maritime fashion – a map will tell us where we need to go and what we need to do.

I have worked in the maritime sector for just over ten years, and the good news is that you are not alone if you are looking to do something about maritime pollution. There are millions of us. Those with access to the coast and vastness of the seas have a unique role to play. You can be the eyes of the ocean. You can document and record what is going on. No one else is in a position to do this, and together we can drive change.

I don't come from a maritime background – professionally I'm in marketing, and I have an MA in Archaeology. Tech breaks quickly whenever I go near it. But none of that really matters because no one has solved this problem before, and everyone has a role to play and ideas to bring to the table.

When Graeme first pitched the idea of EyeSea I was asked to give him 30 minutes, it took him 11 minutes to get me on board and agree that ChartWorld will develop and donate the App for this initiative.

Although never a professional seafarer, I have worked and lived in the maritime industry my entire life and spent a lot of time on the water. I feel strangely attached to the sea and it has become obvious that the oceans need our help.

I have to give credit to my wonderful daughters, whom are far more engaged and sensitised addressing environmental issues, I must admit that I have learned a lot from them over the last few years. For me Eyesea is a wonderful opportunity to get actively involved and do something, rather than just hoping for salvation.

As a former teacher, I have always enjoyed new challenges. To be involved in a project aiming to vastly improve the current state of the oceans, that gives me an opportunity to make a real tangible difference, was a challenge I could not pass by.

I was born in Wales (yes, I love rugby!), I grew up in South Africa (where my passion for the ocean and beaches began) and after returning to the UK for studies, (university and teacher training), I moved to Asia – working, teaching, and raising my boys in Shanghai and Singapore. I've spent a lot of time on the sea in boats, kayaks, water skiing and swimming enjoying the waters of the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.

I'm now based on the Isle of Man, a small island surrounded by beaches and the Irish Sea. Over the summer I began hiking around our island, following the 'Raad Ny Foillan', which translates from Manx into 'The Flight of the Seagull', and saw first hand the importance of the UNESCO heritage biosphere status the Island has and the fragile balance between man and nature, the Isle of Man proves you can maintain that important balance with respect and constancy.

Marius stands at the forefront of maritime innovation. With over 15 years in maritime engineering and software solutions, he embodies the fusion of technical expertise and environmental passion. His journey, marked by leading international tech projects from China to Rotterdam, now sees him pioneering solutions at Safetytech Accelerator. As Managing Director, he orchestrates the rapid adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies that enhance safety and risk management in maritime operations.

For Eyesea, Marius serves as Chief Technology Officer, driven by the profound belief that technology can be a powerful force for good. He is instrumental in forging strategic partnerships and deploying innovative tools and technology that enable communities globally to map and combat marine pollution, showcasing a dedication to environmental impact that defines his inspiring career.

Andy Foy is a New Zealander who loves being near, in, or on the ocean. In his lifetime he has seen the quality of the water and marine life in an environment that many would consider pristine, be dramatically affected. Fish stocks are declining, shellfish are becoming harder to find and many of our rivers and waterways are polluted. He believes that Eyesea provides an opportunity to use data-driven insights to drive effective solutions.

Professionally Andy has worked in HR and people management for 25 years. He currently runs a consulting company in Auckland using behavioural data and insights to help companies optimise their people management and organisational effectiveness.

Cristina serves as Eyesea's Head of Programs, utilizing over 14 years of experience managing change and large-scale programs in technology companies, particularly in Marketing and Sales areas.

Her personal and social life has been closely linked to the maritime sector for 15 years, giving her a foundational industry insight. This professional awareness is matched by a personal commitment to the ocean. Her dedication to the sea is deeply personal; having lived and worked in coastal hubs like the US East Coast, Rotterdam, Barcelona, and Alicante, she maintains a profound connection to the ocean. Cristina applies her extensive operational expertise towards building the scalable programs required to preserve and protect marine environments.