My research
interests in marine systems are broad, but I am particularly interested
in interactions between animals and their environment, and between
predators and prey. I am also interested in the ecological impacts of aquaculture. My research approach
is to test hypotheses using field sampling, field-manipulations
and controlled laboratory experiments.
Current research
My present research focuses on three themes:
1. Impact of human-activities on coastal ecosystems
2. Impact of fish that escape from aquaculture on wild stocks
3. Scaling of microhabitat complexity on rocky shores
Impact of aquaculture escapees (2006-2010)
The number of hatchery produced fish entering marine and aquatic environments is increasing worldwide, driven by escapes from aquaculture and releases intended to restock or augment natural populations. Despite this, very little is known of impacts of these fish on wild stocks in the marine environment. My research has used cod as a model species to test for the potential of hybridisation and impacts on wild stocks across different life-history stages. These experiments also tested general theories on the effect of hatchery-rearing on behavioural and physiological mechanisms, such as coping styles, reproductive behaviour, antipredator behaviour, territoriality and sperm competition. Follow this link for further information, and this link for publications.
Postdoctoral research (2003-2005)
My research focused on the effects of turbidity on the foraging, predator-avoidance
behaviour, habitat choice and spontaneous activity of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Further details of
these experiments are available here. I also
collaborated on other research, particularly with respect to hypoxia and habitat choice. This was part of an EU project (Ethofish) that aimed to determine the effects of turbidity and hypoxia
on the physiology and behaviour of coastal marine fishesDetails for publications are available here.
Doctoral research (1997-2003)
My Ph.D (1997-2003) examined the processes affecting the distribution and abundance of juvenile
banana prawns (Penaeus merguiensis). Banana prawns are an
important commercial species that use mangrove-lined estuaries as
nursery habitats. However, the reasons for the association between
juvenile banana prawns and mangroves were unclear and this information
was required for coastal management. To assess how banana prawns will be affected
by mangrove loss and degradation, it was also important to determine
which microhabitats are used and why. The main findings of my research
were that both habitat structure and predation risk affect the distribution
of juvenile banana prawns, and that their preferred microhabitats
were structurally heterogeneous. I developed a conceptual model for the
tidal migratory behaviour of juvenile banana prawns, based on my
research and other studies. Further details of my Ph.D research
are available here, and
details of publications from this research are in my curriculum
vitae. |
