Joop Coolen

Joop Coolen is a highly experienced marine biologist and senior scientist in benthic ecology at Wageningen Marine Research, specializing in the study of benthic species associated with hard substrates in the North Sea. Joop has a robust background that includes a PhD focused on the biodiversity of man-made structures and co-chairing the ICES Working Group on Marine Benthal and Renewable Energy Developments. Additional roles include guest scientist at NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, commercial diving and marine biology at JWPmarine, and project management in marine ecology at Stichting De Noordzee. Joop’s extensive educational background includes a PhD in Marine Biology from Wageningen University & Research and a Master’s degree from the University of Groningen. Joop is also actively involved in conservation efforts through the 'Duik de Noordzee schoon' foundation.