Our team
Nicola Hodgins
Executive Director
Nicola has over 30 years experience working in the world of marine science and conservation, and is currently a Visiting Researcher at University of Exeter.
Originally from Glasgow, Nicola's work took her around the world, campaigning & lobbying on behalf of the world’s whales, dolphins and porpoises, a substantial part of the last 20 of these years has seen Nicola out on the water off the Western Isles taking photos of her beloved Risso’s dolphins, and any other marine mammal she comes across!
Sarah Dolman
Trustee
Sarah has worked to protect whales and dolphins and other marine wildlife since the early 1990s, spending almost 20 years studying whales and dolphins off the west coast of Scotland and the Western Isles.
Sarah has published on various policy issues including, noise pollution, fisheries bycatch and cetacean welfare and was recently awarded the European Cetacean Society Mandy McMath Conservation Award.
Dr Lindsay Jane Porter OBE
Trustee
Lindsay originally hails from Scotland's west coast, but she has lived in the far east for many years (and I don't mean Edinburgh!) Much of Lindsay's work has focused on better understanding the status of Asia's most vulnerable whales, dolphins and porpoise. Lindsay still contributes to Scottish marine mammal research through her participation in various research projects located in Scotland's western waters.
In 2023, Lindsay was awarded an OBE, in recognition of her work on marine conservation.
Ian Robins
Treasurer
Ian Robins is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ experience in both practice and industry. He is currently Group CFO of handl Group (www.handlgroup.co.uk).
Ian has also historically held board positions within several not-for-profit organisations.
Claire Burgess
Trustee
With a background as a senior HR professional across a range of sectors, and over a decade of experience as a charity trustee, Claire brings expertise in governance, people development, and strategic leadership to the team.
A long-time supporter of marine life, she is delighted to contribute to Mara’s vision and play a role in shaping a future where Scotland’s cetaceans flourish in clean, protected waters.