Room: 108B Nuffield Laboratory     Phone: 01248 383754

E-mail: [email protected]

I am a Researcher at the School of Ocean Sciences with a background in molluscan biology, sclerochronology, conservation, and sustainable aquaculture.  In 1999 I completed a BSc in Marine Biology followed by an M.Sc in Shellfish Biology, Fisheries and Culture in 2000 from Bangor University. I was awarded a PhD from Bangor for my work on aspects of cephalopod biology in 2010.

I have over 20 years’ experience in molluscan biology, sclerochronology, animal husbandry, conservation and sustainable aquaculture production, as well as hatchery design and construction. During this time, I have worked both alongside and within the commercial aquaculture industry as well as with Welsh Government agencies. During my time at the School of Ocean Sciences I have taken a leading role on various EU-funded aquaculture projects (SEAFARE, SNAP, ISPP & NOAR).  Recent work has included the development of novel culture techniques for several coral reef fish species in collaboration with leading UK public aquariums, as well as the optimisation of culture techniques for the Native oyster, Ostrea edulis for the table/restoration initiatives.

I have also worked as a Senior Aquarist at a public aquarium, a self-employed Aquatic Consultant, and as a Larval Room Superintendent at a commercial finfish hatchery.  Particular areas of interest include; sustainable aquaculture practices, animal welfare, aquaculture-based fisheries stock enhancement and conservation, sustainable resource management, aquaculture technologies, and in particular, the development of novel culture techniques for coral reef fish and invertebrate species.

Research Areas

Marine Conservation and Resource Management

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (WG grant) Wild Coast - Blue Carbon Project award of £42,000 for a 17-month project (November 2023 through March 2025).  Enhancing biodiversity and carbon capture through supplementation of Native Oyster reefs (Feasibility Study).

Shared Prosperity Fund: North Wales award of £470,589 for a 15-month project (October 2023 through December 2024). Sustainable Shellfish and Aquaculture North Wales.

European Maritime and Fisheries Fund award of £360,904 for a 27-month project (June 2021 through October 2023).  Project:  Native Oyster Aquaculture Research (NOAR) (Project Ref: 82363).  Awarded in 2021. 

Darwin Initiative Biodiversity Grant - scoping award.  Awarded £5,750 for scoping visit to Vanuatu.  Project: Developing community capacity for sustainable marine aquaculture in Vanuatu. Awarded in 2018.

Welsh Government SMARTExpertise programme award of £384,735 for a 3-year project (July 2018 to June 2021). Project: SustaiNable Aquariums Project (SNAP) (Project Ref: 2017/COL/009).  Total original project budget £771,423 with collaborative partner match-funding.  Submitted 2017, awarded 2018.  Extended a further 16 months through October 2022.  Awarded additional funding from HEFCW HEIR Covid Grant Extension Allocation (£73,154), the North Wales Economic Stimulus Fund (~£30,000) and SmartExpertise (~£30,000).

Welsh Government Academic Expertise for Business (A4B) grant of £128,053 for a 12-month project (January to December 2014).   Project: Development of culture techniques for pelagic spawning reef fish (Project Ref: HE 06 15 1007).