PhD in Fisheries Ecology

Ecology research within the School has a broad focus on understanding the impact of natural and anthropogenic processes on the abundance, dynamics and distribution of individuals, populations and species.

Our research extends from genes to landscapes with an emphasis on long-term, large-scale field studies of birds and mammals to provide a real-world understanding of how ecological and evolutionary processes affect natural populations, and time-series data to identify population responses to environmental change. This approach is supported by strong theoretical research and novel statistical, modelling and laboratory-based tools.

We ensure recursive interaction and collaboration with a broad range of end-user, stake-holder and policy-making groups such that our research excellence translates into management and conservation policy and has real impact and influence.

Fisheries Ecology

Effective management of sustainable fish resources requires a broad understanding of the biological, environmental, economic and social aspects of fisheries. To that end, our fisheries ecologists conduct multi-disciplinary research programmes that includes

•  understanding better the factors that affect the abundance and distribution of commercially exploited fish;
•  top-down and bottom-up trophic interactions involving fishery species;
•  advanced modelling tools to identify factors affecting individual and population growth rates;
•  the potential impacts of climate change on fish population dynamics.
•  developing novel technologies to selective fish and understand discards.

Integrating this process-based understanding into management is done in collaboration with European marine institutes, industrial partners and national organisations.

• Dr Tara Marshall
• Professor Paul Fernandes
• Professor Beth Scott