Room: 403 Westbury Mount       Phone: 01248 382881 (MOB 07726 348852 )

E-mail: [email protected]

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Biography

Career: I have been at Bangor University since 1985, following a BSc in Botany and Zoology at Bristol University and DPhil on the Ecology of Temperate Symbiotic Anthozoa at St John’s College, Oxford University.  Between 1985 and 1987 I was a NERC postdoctoral Researcher in the School of Animal Biology investigating the Twilight Hypothesis in shoaling fish, and I moved to the School of Ocean Sciences as Demonstrator in Marine Biology in 1987. I was appointed Lecturer in Marine Biology in 1993, Senior Lecturer in 2000 and Professor 2016.  I served as Dean of the Postgraduate Research and Head of the Doctoral School 2016-2019, and Head of the School of Ocean Sciences from 2019-2026.

Awards: I have received awards including University of Wales Bangor Teaching Fellowship in 2007 in recognition of outstanding contribution to teaching and pastoral care in the University; Bangor University Research Impact and Innovation Award 2015 - Best Impact on Public Policy and/or Public Services (British Indian Ocean Territory Marine Protected Areas Project). I was a Cultural & Societal Impact Award Finalist in 2013 -Cayman Islands Marine Protected Area project, and International Research Excellence Award Finalist in 2016. I received a Professional Association of Diving Instructors 25 years of Outstanding Service Award in 2018, and a Bangor University Centre for Engagement in Teaching and Learning (CELT) Award in 2019.

Teaching: I have taught extensively throughout my career at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels, and the teaching has been research led.   I was Programme Director for the MSc in Marine Environmental Protection for 23 years and established the programme as an international leader in marine conservation and management, with up to 6 NERC studentships per year to 2010.   I have also organised long-running modules in Coastal Ecology and Habitat Protection, Marine Environmental Impact Assessment, Marine Conservation, Sustainable Development and Integrated Coastal Zone Management with ‘authentic’ assignments such as team surveys, Environmental Impact Assessment reports and mock stakeholder meetings.   At undergraduate level, I have led a range of modules including Marine Ecology, Marine Biology Field Course, Marine Conservation and Exploitation and contributed to a wide range of modules covering marine ecology practical work and coral reef ecology and conservation.  I also ran an annual SCUBA diving field course in Lough Hyne Marine Reserve in Ireland, and a tropical marine ecosystems field course in Mauritius through the1990s.  I held a Visiting Lectureship at the University of Mauritius helping to establish a Marine Environmental Science degree programme including field courses with Mauritian and Bangor students.  I have supervised over 158 BSc practical research projects and 165 master’s research projects.

Teaching (external):  I have had 7 MSc programme External Examiner appointments across 4 Universities and been External Teaching Assessor for the University of Plymouth’s Marine Science Teaching Review.  I have presented a lecture course on Coral Reef Ecosystems for Cambridge University.  Following a chair appointment in the UNESCO UNITWIN Network in Marine Biology and Sustainable Development for East Africa, I assisted in the development of a postgraduate Marine Science programme at the University Dar es Salaam Institute of Marine Science in Zanzibar, Tanzania through a DfID/DelPHE British Council link. I was also Link Coordinator for a British Council Higher Education link in Marine Environmental Management, with the University of Mauritius, and British Council Higher Education link coordinator for Coastal Marine Science at CIAD Mazatlan, which included teaching on an MSc programme for students from the National University of Mexico.

Research: My research has addressed 3 themes: (1) Coral reef biology, ecology and conservation, including associated shallow tropical marine ecosystems and algal symbiosis, resilience to climate change: (2) Coastal zone management, including marine protected areas and environmental impact assessment, (3) Shark and cetacean ecology and conservation.   

Research has been developed in partnership with end-users such as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Government Section of Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Cayman Islands Government Department of the Environment; Seychelles Island Foundation; The Nature Conservancy USA).  I developed a Royal Geographic Society Programme to undertake research across the Mascarene Ridge between Seychelles, Mauritius and Rodrigues, collaborated on a Leverhulme project in Rodrigues, and worked with the Rodrigues Assembly Government and Shoals Rodrigues to survey the island’s reefs and lagoons to establish community based marine protected areas.  Most recently, my research has focussed on coral reefs of the UK Overseas Territories, and my research strategy is driven by the need to protect marine environments largely through the establishment and monitoring of Marine Protected Areas, or use of tools such as Environmental Impact Assessment and Coastal Zone Management, often to comply with the major conventions including the Convention on Biological Diversity CBD, Convention on Migratory Species CMS, Convention on Trade in Endangered Species CITES, Convention on wetlands (RAMSAR), and EU Habitats Directive.

I have been Principal Investigator on the Bertarelli Programme in Marine Science leading a large project on Coral Reef Condition in the Chagos Archipelago in collaboration with Oxford, Stanford, Exeter, UCL, and Zoological Society of London, and Lead Project Investigator on DEFRA Darwin Initiative to Strengthen the World’s largest Marine Protected Area - Chagos Archipelago leading a team of scientists engaged in diving operations from a large patrol vessel. I was also Lead Project Investigator for 2 further DEFRA Darwin Initiative projects to Enhance an Established Marine Protected Area System, Cayman Islands, and to Assure Engagement in Cayman’s Enhanced Marine Protected Area System with Department of Environment Government of Cayman islands; The Nature Conservancy, SCRIPPS Institution of Oceanography; and REEF, USA. I led an EU grant on Species & Ecosystem Conservation in relation to coastal aquaculture in the EU - Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Aquaculture for the Atlantic Region of Europe.

I have won total grant income of over £ 6.54 m since 1989 including large grants from DEFRA Darwin and the Bertarelli Foundation.  I have published 89 papers in subject specific journals, 54 subject specific reports, and made 116 national and international conference presentations including a TEDX talk on Why Coral Reefs are Threatened by a Changing Climate and presented 48 other media outputs.  I have supervised 25 PhDs and one M Res and been External Examiner for 14 PhDs and 3 MPhil in the UK and overseas. I am on the Management Group of the NERC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources (CDT SuMMeR) with partners University of Plymouth, University of Exeter, Heriot Watt University, The Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, University of Portsmouth, UK Centre of Ecology & Hydrology and Zoological Society of London.    

Internally, I have been a member of the Taith Research Mobility panel (Wales International Learning Exchange) and regularly provide feedback on grants and Early Career Fellowship applications. As a member of the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Peer Review College, I have reviewed Large, Standard, Small, Urgency, Knowledge Exchange, Fellowships, and Facilities proposals, and most recently served on the  National Capability grant review panel for National research organisations (such as British Geological Survey, British Antarctic Survey, National Oceanography Centre), and have been Deputy Chair of Pushing the Frontiers Ecology Panel.  In addition, I have completed 2 terms of 4 years on the DEFRA Darwin Plus Advisory Group sift and strategy panels and been a member of the Biodiversity Challenge Funds Strategy Group. I have undertaken international grant reviews for Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, National Science Foundation (USA),  National Research Foundation (South Africa), National Geographic, International Foundation for Science (Sweden), Leverhulme Trust Fellowships, British Ecological Society, Earth Watch Institute, PERSGA (The Regional Organisation for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden), and British Council DFiD DeLPHE (Development Partnerships in Higher Education). I am Marine Biology Chief Subject Editor for the journal Biology and currently Guest Editor of a Special Issue on The Future of Marine Megafauna.  I regularly undertake reviewing for over 25 academic journals.  I have also undertaken Readership and Professorial application assessments for Universities in the UK and internationally.

Research-based consultancy:  has included Environmental Impact Assessments for coastal developments in Oman (Liquid Natural Gas) and waste-water in Mauritius, Coastal Zone Management in Belize supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), a Coastal Zone Management project in Mindano and Cebu, Philippines supported by British Council.  I led the marine sub-project on Sustainable Use of Biodiversity on Yemeni Island of Socotra, Horn of Africa funded by UNDP/GEF, and which subsequently became a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve and Natural World Heritage Site based on the project’s findings.  A further UNDP/GEF project with the Zoological Survey of India surveyed the coral reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. I recently took part in research consultancy for the Paul Allan Foundation Shark and Ray /Illegal Wildlife Trade Conservation Projects for ECORYS including undertaking expert interviews. I have been consulted by Memorial University St John’s Newfoundland Canada on managing a Marine Science Department at a distance from main campus.

Leadership and Wider Contribution

University: roles held include Head of School of Ocean Science;  Bangor University Dean of Postgraduate Research and Head of Doctoral School; Senate; Bangor University Senior Management Team/Leadership Group; Research, Innovation & Impact Strategy Task Group; Research Degrees Committee (Chair); Doctoral School Board (Chair); Senior Doctorates Panel; Senate Appeals, Unfair Practice, Termination and Boards of Enquiry;  Strategic Concordat Group; Internationalisation Task Group; Athena Swan Task Group; Institutional Review Task Group; KESS Project Development and Review Group;  Admissions Forum; Academy of Teaching Fellows; University Diving Safety Officer; Examiner of Bangor and Swansea PGCertHE/THE teaching portfolios ran sessions for the PGCertHE on supervision.

Dean of Postgraduate Research:  I established new governance (including new stakeholder Doctoral School Board); new Regulations; new PGR Progress monitoring and review system; new electronic submission system; new structure of College Directors of PGR and School PGR Leads; PGR surgeries; supported development of 3 existing and 3 new DTP/CTD; worked closely with SU;   Collated and analysed key PGR KPI and identified growth potential in PGR recruitment; and presented PGR strategy to Senate.

Warden of Neuadd Reichel for 5 years:  then a traditional hall of residence for 200 students, and at a time when Wardens led Halls of Residence as an academic community, rather than just a residential service.   I was supported by Senior Common Room and Tutorial staff of 4 and domestic staff of over 20, and the role involved extensive pastoral care of students, including social welfare and entertainment, and hall administration.  I restarted the tradition of formal balls in the hall, student invitations to ‘High Table’ at formal meals (one per term attended by the VC), and year group suppers in the Senior Common Room. The role involved being a member of the Wardens Group and University Halls and Catering Committee. 

College: roles have included: College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (CoESE) Management Board; CoESE Marketing & Recruitment Committee, CoESE Safety Committee, College of Natural Sciences Postgraduate Committee; College Board; REF Impact Group – Environment; Appointment panels.

School level: roles include Head of School, Deputy Head of School; School Executive; School Management Board, Logistics Committee, School Board, School Exam Boards, Teaching & Learning Committee, Research Committee, Director Postgraduate Research, Director of Postgraduate Taught Courses, 15 PGR Supervisory Committees; School Board; Appointment shortlisting panels (7 new staff appointed last year). I undertake all academic staff PDRs and some additional (38 this year), and I attend all Open Days and host Applicant Days and attend follow up recruitment confirmation meetings.   I am a Director of PRIMOS, a joint University and OS Energy company managing the RV Prince Madog and committee member of the School of Ocean Sciences Alumni Association. 

Enhancing the University’s Profile:  I am a founding and Executive Member of Marine Science UK – a new organisation providing advocacy for UK Government, and also a member of the National Oceanographic Centre Association. I have been part of the UK Overseas Territories Partnership and Marine Climate Change Partnership, and the Joint Nature Conservation Council’s Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Coral Reefs Group and have provided evidence at an All -Party Parliamentary Group on the Chagos. I am currently Trustee and Chair of the Seawatch Foundation (with whom the School works closely), and a Trustee and Vice Chair of the Chagos Conservation Trust.  I have previously been on the NERC Scientific Diving Supervisory Committee as UCEA (University Colleges and Employers Association) and earlier Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals (CVCP) representative;  Chair of the NERC Steering Committee of the National Scientific Diving Facility and Chair of the Society of Underwater Technology (SUT) Underwater Science Committee;  member of the SUT Diving and Submersibles Committee and  member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of Foreign and Commonwealth Office British Indian Ocean Territory. I have given key-note presentations on Marine Protected Areas, and Integrated Coastal Zone Management to the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

https://www.bangor.ac.uk/oceansciences/research/groups/marine-conservation-and-resource-management

https://www.bangor.ac.uk/oceansciences/research/groups/marine-ecology

My teaching is research led; I generally teach areas linked to my research and use real world examples and case studies drawn from my own experience wherever possible to illustrate the subject.  I use underwater photography and use my own images rather than those mined from the internet. My philosophy is that subjects can be made more interesting if drawn from personal involvement.  I also believe that we must be aware of shifting baselines and we should also look at earlier studies because direct human impact and climate change have affected many of the ecosystems we study today. For example, many coral reefs close to human populations are very degraded and describing them in their current state would be like describing a forest after being slashed and burned – you often have to look at original descriptions and early studies to see them functionally intact!  I developed the MSc course in Marine Environmental Protection and ran this successfully for 23 years, enjoying the international perspective it provided and working with the many excellent students it attracted. I continue to offer overseas project placements with colleagues in the Department of the Environment in the Cayman Islands to provide research opportunities with a direct application in marine conservation.

Potential postgraduate research students should write to Prof Turner with a covering letter explaining their experience and motivation, and a CV. Supervision will be considered in the following areas: Tropical Marine Ecology; Subtidal Marine Biology, Coral Reefs and Associated Ecosystems, Marine Protected Areas, Coastal Zone Management; Marine Conservation in UK Overseas Territories, Marine Invertebrate Symbiosis with Zooxanthellae, Behavioural Ecology of Sentinel Marine Species' 

Postgraduate Teaching:

OSX4002  Coastal Habitat Ecology and Survey

OSX4004  Marine Environmental Impact Assessment (Module Organiser)

OSX4006  Conservation and Coastal Zone Management

OSX4008  Research Project Design and Planning

OSX4009  Research Project

Undergraduate Teaching

OSX4401 Literature Review and Project Plan

OSX4405 Research Project Investigation

OSX3001  Marine Conservation and Exploitation (Module Organiser)

OSX3011   Extreme Marine Habitats (Coral Reefs and Climate Change)

OSX3000   Dissertation

OSX2009   Marine Ecology

OSX2003   Marine Biology Practical II: Echinoderms (currently being covered)

OSX2003  Marine Biology Practical II: Cnidaria Photo-respiration(currently being covered)

OSX1000   Tutorial (currently being covered)

OSX1002   Marine Biology Practical (Taxonomy) (currently being covered)

Most of my current research is developed in partnership with end users (e.g. British Indian Ocean Territory Government Section of Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Cayman Islands Government; Seychelles Island Foundation; The Nature Conservancy, USA).  Recently, my research has focussed on coral reefs of the UK Overseas Territories, and research strategy is driven by the need to protect marine environments largely through the establishment and monitoring of Marine Protected Areas, or use of tools such as Environmental Impact Assessment and Coastal Zone Management, often to comply with the major conventions (e.g. Convention on Biological Diversity CBD, Convention on Migratory Species CMS, Convention on Trade in Endangered Species CITES, RAMSAR Convention on wetlands, and EU Habitats Directive.  Projects are generally established through links with leading scientists with complementary interests, and through liaison with stakeholder organisations (e.g. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, BIOT Scientific Advisory Panel, Chagos Conservation Trust, UNESCO) and implemented through practical research overseas involving scientific diving operations, training, stakeholder consultations and outreach initiatives, often including placement of Project Support Officers to build capacity within organisations. I am a member of the DEFRA Darwin Initiative panel of the  Darwin Plus Advisory Group for the British Overseas Territories.

Current Projects:

Bertarelli Programme in Marine Science 2018-2021: Coral Reef condition in the Chagos Archipelago: Monitoring for (1) BIOT’s management needs, and (2) reef change and resilience research.  £2,101,326, with £999,258 to Bangor.  PI Turner.

ESRC IAA Impact Project Award Biodiversity Action Plans for the Chagos Archipelago, British Indian Ocean Territory.  Turner, J.R. (Principal Investigator & Project Lead); Roche, R. (Co-investigator).  £13,692.  1^st July 2018, - 31^st December 2018.

Recent Projects include:

DEFRA Darwin Plus: Sustainable Management of Threatened Keystone Predators (2015 -2017) to Enhance Reef Resilience. Marine Conservation International (Gore & Ormond), with Department of Environment Cayman Islands (Austin & McCoy),

Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (Harvey) and Bangor University (Turner). £300, 000 TO MCI.

Satellite drifter tagging – Mixed Fish spawning aggregations on coral reefs in Grand Cayman in collaboration with Cayman Islands Government Department of Environment: Guy Harvey Foundation. $25,000 to CIG DoE.

Aldabra atoll World Heritage Site, Seychelles, Indian Ocean coral reef benthic habitat monitoring. Collaborator (+ Rebecca Klaus) on GEF grant ($69,545) to Seychelles Island Foundation Global Environmental Facility Project ID 3925: Strengthening Seychelles’ protected area system through NGO management modalities.

Darwin Initiative Assuring Engagement in Cayman's Enhanced Marine Protected Area System 2013-2014 DEFRA £190,000

Darwin Initiative to strengthen Worlds largest MPA, Chagos Archipelago 2012-2015 DEFRA £287,778

Darwin Initiative to enhance an established marine protected area system, Cayman Islands 2010-2013 DEFRA £273,914

Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Aquaculture for the Atlantic Region of Europe 2007-2013, EU RDF (total €2.67m: Species and Ecosystem Conservation in relation to coastal aquaculture (activity lead) €801,765)

Marine Biology and Sustainable Development for East Africa, UNESCO / DfID-DelPHE 2009-14: £53k