CHARLES LUCAS MAKIO

CHARLES LUCAS MAKIO

Marine Resources Manager & Environmental Data Scientist

Letterkenny, IE.

About

Dynamic and results-driven Marine Resources Manager and Environmental Data Scientist with expertise in carbon and benthic research, coastal fisheries management, and advanced geospatial analysis. Leverages proficiency in R, Python, GIS, and PowerBI to translate complex environmental data into actionable insights for conservation, policy, and sustainable resource management. Eager to apply diverse skill sets to drive impactful outcomes in marine ecosystems.

Work

Coral Reef Care

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Marine Biology Technical Consultant

Amsterdam, Europe, Netherlands

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Remote contract

Summary

I support sharks and rays’ conservation initiatives in Kenya and Indonesia through research, education, stakeholder engagement, and ecological data interpretation, advancing evidence-based management and sustainable human–elasmobranch interactions.

Atlantic Technological University

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Postgraduate Research Student (PhD)

Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Ireland

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Summary

Leading a doctoral research project focused on assessing the flux of buried sedimentary carbon in marine coastal waters, providing critical insights for climate action and marine activity planning.

Highlights

Conducting advanced research on the flux of buried sedimentary carbon in Irish coastal waters, focusing on molecular-level characterization and quantification of carbon release.

Investigating the impact of extreme weather events and dredging activities on seafloor disturbance, carbon cycling, and persistent organic pollutant exposure.

Developing insights to inform future marine activities and climate action strategies, contributing to the protection of coastal ecosystems.

Bahari Hai Organization

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Fisheries Manager

Watamu, Kilifi, Kenya

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Remote contract

Summary

Provided strategic program expertise and coordinated fieldwork activities for the fisheries management team, enhancing data-driven decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

Highlights

Coordinated and provided strategic program expertise to the fisheries management team, optimizing fieldwork activities for efficiency and impact.

Devised and implemented advanced data collection techniques, managing data storage, analysis, and visualization processes for comprehensive insights.

Supported the evaluation of fish catch data, facilitating crucial feedback loops to fishermen, community members, and policy stakeholders.

Contributed to successful grant applications, securing resources for critical fisheries management projects.

Nine North, Inc

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Oceanographic Data Science Consultant

Paris, Île-de-France, France

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Summary

Provided expert oceanographic data interpretation to support the development of data visualization and communication software for the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

Highlights

Delivered expert oceanographic data interpretation, directly supporting the development of a data visualization and communication software project for the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

Utilized comprehensive oceanographic datasets, including bathymetry, CTD, sediment, and benthic species data, to inform software development.

Contributed to data processing and analysis related to exploration and mining activities across major ocean basins.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre

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GIS Support on Geospatial Technologies (Flanders Trainee Program Scholar)

Paris, Île-de-France, France

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Summary

Supported geospatial technology-based projects through advanced GIS skills, enhancing data integrity, developing strategic roadmaps, and creating educational materials for World Heritage site monitoring.

Highlights

Spearheaded the preparation and harmonization of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre GIS database, ensuring high data integrity and accuracy for over X heritage sites.

Developed a strategic roadmap for leveraging spatial technologies in monitoring and conserving World Heritage sites, improving operational efficiency.

Created educational materials, including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), to build capacity in geospatial technologies for diverse international audiences.

Provided technical support for the World Heritage Online Maps Platform (WHOMP) and contributed to communication outreach for global heritage conservation.

Conducted statistical analyses on GIS data related to natural heritage datasets, informing key strategic decisions.

Bahari Hai Organization

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Data Analysis & Visualization Consultant

Watamu, Kilifi, Kenya

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Summary

Implemented effective data collection tools and conducted comprehensive data clean-up, analysis, and visualization using R, Python, ArcGIS, and Microsoft PowerBI to provide real-time reporting.

Highlights

Engineered and deployed effective data collection tools, leading data clean-up, analysis, and visualization using R, Python, ArcGIS, and Microsoft PowerBI, improving data reliability by X%.

Supported comprehensive report writing, ensuring clarity and accuracy in presenting complex data insights to stakeholders.

Maintained real-time visualization reporting software, enhancing accessibility and timeliness of critical information.

Utilized Microsoft Excel for robust data management and analysis, contributing to informed decision-making.

Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent

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MSc Thesis Researcher

Ghent, Flemish Region, Belgium

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Summary

Conducted comprehensive research on long-term carbon burial potential in Greenlandic fjords, involving at-sea sample collection, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation using R and Python.

Highlights

Led at-sea sample collection in Godthåbsfjord and Ameralik fjord, assessing sediment characteristics, organic matter, and macrofaunal abundance.

Processed macrofauna and sediment samples in the laboratory, ensuring high-quality data for analysis.

Utilized R and Python software for advanced data analysis, contributing to scientific understanding of carbon burial dynamics.

Synthesized research findings into papers, highlighting differences in carbon burial between glacier-influenced fjords and emphasizing proximity to glacier heads.

University of Antwerp- ECOSPHERE research group

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Research Student Intern

Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

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Summary

Conducted fish physiology experiments on guppy fish, focusing on growth, immune response, and reproduction success, and performing comprehensive data analysis.

Highlights

Managed fish care, including feeding and water quality monitoring (survival and ammonia concentrations), ensuring optimal conditions for experiments.

Collected and analyzed growth (length & weight) data, applying AI image analysis for precise measurements.

Performed physiological fitness tests and reproduction success determination, contributing to understanding fish health and disease resistance.

Authored detailed data analyses and comprehensive reports on experimental findings.

Local Ocean Conservation

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Data Analyst and Marine Conservation Biologist

Watamu, Kilifi, Kenya

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Summary

Contributed to marine conservation research and decision-making by overseeing sea turtle data collection, developing comprehensive data frameworks, and implementing real-time visualization dashboards.

Highlights

Oversaw sea turtle data collection and analysis, providing critical insights for conservation research and decision-making.

Assisted in developing a comprehensive data collection framework using Microsoft PowerApps and AppSheet, enhancing data integrity and efficiency.

Implemented a relational database using Microsoft SQL and Azure tools, improving data management and accessibility.

Designed and deployed a real-time data visualization framework with Microsoft PowerBI and R, generating over 10 interactive reports and dashboards.

Engaged in education and awareness projects, supported mangrove seedling collection and replanting, and facilitated academic collaborations for scientific publications.

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)

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Industrial Intern (BSc Student)

Gazi, Kwale, Kenya

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Summary

Gained practical experience in at-sea sampling, data analysis, and macroinvertebrate species identification at a leading marine research institution.

Highlights

Conducted at-sea sampling and data analysis, contributing to ongoing marine research projects.

Developed proficiency in scientific report writing, documenting research methodologies and findings.

Acquired hands-on experience in macroinvertebrate species identification, enhancing taxonomic skills.

Education

Atlantic Technological University

Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Ireland
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Marine Coastal Waters

Courses

Assessing the Flux of Buried Sedimentary Carbon to Marine Coastal Waters After Extreme Weather and Dredging

Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universiteit Gent, Universiteit Antwerpen

Brussels, Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium
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Inter-university MSc. Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management Grade: Distinction (Cum laude)

Courses

Comparative assessment of carbon dynamics in contrasting fjords of southwest Greenland

Technical University of Mombasa

Mombasa, Mombasa County, Kenya
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BSc. Marine Resource Management Grade: 2nd Class Honours Upper Division

Courses

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of the blue-barred parrotfish (Scarus ghobban; Forsskal, 1775) from Kenyan coast inshore marine waters

Awards

PRTP TU Rise Scholarship

Atlantic Technological University

Awarded for doctoral studies in Marine Coastal Waters research.

Flanders Trainee Program Scholarship

Flanders Trainee Program

Awarded for GIS support and geospatial technologies role at UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

VLIR-UOS Scholarship

VLIR-UOS

Awarded for inter-university MSc. studies in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management.

Publications

Nest locations of a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) at Watamu beach, Kenya

Makio et al.

Authored a publication detailing the nest locations of green turtles at Watamu beach, Kenya.

Fibropapillomatosis infection in a population of green turtles at Watamu Bay, Kenya

Jones et al.

Co-authored a publication on fibropapillomatosis infection in green turtle populations at Watamu Bay, Kenya.

A Juvenile Green Turtle Long Distance Migration in the Western Indian Ocean

Sanchez et al.

Co-authored a publication on the long-distance migration of a juvenile green turtle in the Western Indian Ocean.

Languages

Kiswahili

English

French

Certificates

Open Water Diver

DIWA

Skills

Geospatial Technologies

QGIS, ArcGIS, GIS Database Management, Spatial Technologies, Ocean Dynamics Mapping, Remote Sensing, Satellite Data Processing, GIS Data Harmonization.

Data Analysis & Visualization

R, Python, SPSS, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerBI, Data Interpretation, Statistical Analysis, Real-time Reporting, Data Clean-up, Data Collection Tools.

Marine & Environmental Science

Carbon & Benthic Research, Fisheries Management, Migratory Species Biology, Conservation, Ecological Monitoring, Environmental Data Mining, Oceanography, Ecosystem Restoration, Marine Coastal Waters, Sediment Analysis, Macrofaunal Abundance, Pollutant Exposure.

Project & Program Management

Project Management, Program Coordination, Strategic Planning, Grant Applications, Proposal Writing, Stakeholder Engagement, Program Evaluation.

Field & Laboratory Skills

At-sea Sampling, Field Data Collection, Laboratory Data Collection, Sample Processing, Benthic Sampling Techniques, Underwater Camera Systems, CTD Deployment, SCUBA Diving (DIWA Certified).

Database Management

SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Azure, Relational Databases, DeepData Repository, Microsoft PowerApps, AppSheet.

Communication & Reporting

Scientific Report Writing, Science Communication, Technical Support, Educational Material Development, Communication Outreach, Stakeholder Feedback.

Ocean Governance

SDG14, UN Summit of the Future, Collaborative Governance, Holistic Approach to Ocean Challenges, Technological Advancements in Ocean Governance.

Interests

Research

Benthic ecological research, Migratory species biology and conservation, Long-term carbon storage studies, Ecological monitoring and modelling.

References

Prof. Dr Ann Vanreusel

MSc. Thesis Promotor, Professor at University of Gent-Belgium, Phone: +32-(0)9-264 85 21, Email: ann.vanreusel@ugent.be

Mr. Justin Beswick

Supervisor, Manager at Bahari Hai CBO- Kenya, Phone: +254742076690, Email: justin@baharihai.org

Prof. Dr Cosmas Munga

BSc Thesis Promotor, Senior Lecturer at Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya, Phone: +254 718150206, Email: ckamunga2014@tum.ac.ke

Projects

BAIT Knowledge Exchange Campaign

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Summary

Participated in a knowledge exchange campaign focused on mesophotic benthic habitat mapping and monitoring using advanced underwater camera systems.

Sampling at Sea Training Campaign

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Summary

Engaged in hands-on training for benthic sampling techniques in Cork Harbour, Ireland, aboard the RV Tom Crean.

One Ocean Expedition 2021-2023

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Summary

Participated in a leg of the One Ocean Expedition from Maputo to Cape Town, collecting diverse oceanographic data and assisting in ship operations.

Ecosystem/Monitoring/Geology Campaign

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Summary

Participated in a marine research campaign from Antwerp to Zeebrugge aboard the RV Belgica, focusing on benthic ecosystems and water quality.

Monsoon School Consultancy Work

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Summary

Conducted a consultancy project to assess the Peruvian shrimp fishery for sustainable export products, engaging with diverse stakeholders and analyzing current practices.