Creating a more sustainable world through work
Eve works at Waterhaul, a Cornish company turning end-of-life fishing gear into recycled, traceable marine plastic products.
Meet Eve – Human Geography graduate and Recycling and Impact Co-ordinator. Eve works at Waterhaul, a Cornish company turning end-of-life fishing gear into recycled, traceable marine plastic products.
Passionate about protecting the ocean she grew up beside, Eve has built a career focused on reducing waste, supporting circular economy initiatives, and helping the fishing industry find sustainable solutions.
Eve’s work focuses on tackling the problem of discarded and lost fishing gear, known as “ghost gear”, by finding innovative recycling routes for materials that are traditionally difficult to process.
She collaborates with the fishing industry, waste management companies and community groups to transform waste into something valuable.
Her role involves sourcing materials, building relationships, and hands-on work, from sorting nets and ropes to joining beach cleans and meeting government officials to discuss policy change. Eve explains: “Our work directly stops things being sent to landfill or ending up in the environment. By working with waste companies and fishers, we’re creating a more circular system here in Cornwall.”
Eve has always wanted to work in sustainability. Growing up by the sea gave her a personal connection to the issue of ocean plastics, and she’s built her career around tackling that challenge.
Her first role after graduating from Cardiff was as a Research Assistant at the University of Plymouth on an EU-funded project exploring recycling and biodegradable alternatives for fishing gear. She also volunteered in Norway with a charity that combined sailing with beach cleaning, which strengthened her resolve to help solve the marine plastics problem.
“Networking helped me get started - going to conferences, talking to people in the field, and showing genuine interest really opens doors.”
She discovered her current role on Instagram, having followed Waterhaul for a while because she admired their mission.
Eve’s role relies on relationship-building and adaptability, as she works with a wide range of people, from fishers and waste managers to community volunteers and government representatives.
“I’m not from a fishing background, so I’m always asking questions and learning from those who know the industry best.”
The biggest challenge for Eve is knowing where to focus her energy in a field that can feel like an uphill battle, especially with limited funding and resources.
“These sectors rely on passionate people who sometimes sacrifice a more comfortable wage. We need to value sustainability roles more in society.”
Despite the challenges, Eve loves travelling around Cornwall’s fishing villages, working with people who see the state of the oceans firsthand, and collaborating with colleagues who share her passion for change.
Eve stays informed about the latest sustainability news through LinkedIn and by listening to BBC Radio 4. She’s completed workshops in Communicating Climate Change and B Corp Scoping, and says she would take every training opportunity available.
“My advice to students would be: don’t give up! I’ve poured my heart into so many cover letters. If you don’t get the job, it’s their loss, and it probably wasn’t the right one for you.
"I would suggest getting involved in sports or societies to build connections, and choosing modules with field trips. My trip to Tanzania was a highlight. I would also suggest using long university breaks to volunteer or gain practical experience, whether it’s social media for a charity or a local conservation project. All of it helps your CV and shows your genuine interest.”
Looking ahead, Eve believes the green jobs sector is full of opportunity but changing quickly: “There are lots of short-term conservation roles because of funding, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Moving between projects helps you build experience and find what you enjoy most.”