ABOUT US
Ocean First. People First. Always.
About us? The Marine Science Recruitment Agency is the UK’s first dedicated headhunting firm for marine science, conservation, aquaculture, and coastal engineering.
Founded by a marine scientist with a background in technical recruitment, we’re here to do things differently.
Alongside full-service recruitment for organisations, we offer practical employability support for universities, including: CV guidance, career workshops, and industry insight sessions. With a deep understanding of both the science and the hiring process, we help develop talent pipelines that work for students and for the sector as a whole.
Our Mission
Modernise Marine Hiring
We’re helping the marine sector follow the lead of industries like tech, engineering, and healthcare, where using specialist recruiters isn’t a luxury, it’s standard.
Recruitment in marine science needs to catch up, and we’re here to make that shift happen.
People and Purpose First
Recruitment has a reputation problem, and for good reason. So we’re building something different
A values-led agency where people and long-term impact matter more than placements.
We only work with organisations and candidates who care about the ocean, just like we do.
Close the Blue Talent Gap
There’s no shortage of skilled, passionate professionals, but many are already in roles, waiting for the right opportunity to come to them.
We don’t wait for candidates to come to us, we go out and find the people who can truly make a difference.
Leading Specialists in Marine Science Careers
Meet the passionate experts driving our recruitment success.
Gia Tyrrell
CEO & Lead Marine Science Recruiter
Gia combines a tech-recruitment background with a first-class degree in Ocean Science & Marine Conservation.
After working in London’s tech scene, redundancy during the pandemic sparked a return to her lifelong passion for the ocean.
Now, she helps organisations in marine science, conservation, fisheries, and coastal engineering find mission-aligned talent.
Fun Fact: Gia is a certified divemaster, an avid surfer. Is also in love with grey seals.
Nikki Tyrrell
Chief Operating Officer
Nikki brings decades of experience scaling international sales businesses and specializes in operations, growth strategy, and leadership.
As COO, she ensures The Marine Science Recruitment Agency runs with excellence behind the scenes—so clients and candidates experience the best possible support.
Fun Fact: When she’s not managing business strategy, Nikki’s usually kayaking, hiking, or daydreaming about sea turtles.
Christian Caruso
Executive Recruiter
Experienced marine researcher with a background in shark science, outreach, and public engagement. He brings deep sector insight to every search.
Fun Fact: Christian is a certified technical diver, underwater photographer and published elasmobranchologist.
Full-time morale manager. She loves ocean kayak and coasteering team building sessions. Her favourite food is oysters and she always greets the staff with tail wags in exchange for ear scratches.
Fun Fact: She tried to chase a dolphin once.
Join The Mission
Whether you’re building a career or a team, we’re here to connect ocean-minded people and organisations driving real change and innovation.