Dr James Waggitt

T&R Lecturer in Marine Biology/Ecology

Contact info

Address

Room 412

Westbury Mount

School of Ocean Sciences

Bangor University

Isle of Anglesey

LL59 5AB

 

Email: j.waggitt@bangor.ac.uk

Phone: 01248 388767

Background 

I completed a degree in BSc Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology at the University Of Plymouth in 2009, and then an MRes in Marine Biology at the same institute in 2010. My MRes research focussed on northern gannet Morus bassanus foraging ecology, investigating individual differences in foraging distributions and strategies, and was supervised by Dr Steve Votier. I then completed a PhD in Marine Ecology at the University of Aberdeen in 2015. My PhD research investigated deep-diving seabirds’ use of tidal-stream environments with the aim of understanding potential interactions with tidal stream turbines, and was primarily supervised by Dr Beth Scott. During my PhD I was involved in the NERC funded CORPORATES, FLOWBEC and RESPONSE projects which aim to understand environmental impacts from marine renewable energy installations, and also aid marine spatial planning. I joined the School of Ocean Sciences as a research officer within the NERC funded Marine Ecosystems Research Program (MERP) in June 2015. During this project, I worked alongside Dr Peter Evans and Prof Jan Hiddink to map the distributions of numerous cetacean and seabird species across the North-East Atlantic. I became a lecturer in August 2017.  In addition to my research at the School, I am a scientific advisor to the Sea Watch Foundation. This NGO is dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans. 

Research 

My research focusses on understanding how behavioural and environmental factors influence the distributions of cetaceans and seabirds in space and time. This research is truly multi-disciplinary and involves close collaborations with statisticians, oceanographers and engineers to understand which and how physical processes influence behaviour and movement. This increased understanding can predict spatial and temporal overlap with offshore developments, and responses to climate change - both facilitating effective marine spatial planning. 

External Responsibilities

British Ecological Society (BES) Grant Reviewer.

ICES Biodiversity Working Group.

ICES Marine Mammal Ecology Working Group. 
ICES Joint Cetacean Data Protocol (JDCP) Working Group.

ICES Seabird Working Group.

Sea Watch Foundation Trustee.

Sea Watch Foundation Consultant.

Websites

MERP

FLOWBEC

Research Gate

Google Scholar

Sea Watch Foundation

  1. Article › Research › Peer-reviewed
  2. Published

    A Self-Contained Subsea Platform for Acoustic Monitoring of the Environment Around Marine Renewable Energy Devices-Field Deployments at Wave and Tidal Energy Sites in Orkney, Scotland

    Williamson, B. J., Blondel, P., Armstrong, E., Bell, P. S., Hall, C., Waggitt, J. J. & Scott, B. E., Jan 2016, In: IEEE JOURNAL OF OCEANIC ENGINEERING. 41, 1, p. 67-81

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  3. Published

    An evaluation of the use of shore-based surveys for estimating spatial overlap between deep-diving seabirds and tidal stream turbines

    Waggitt, J., Scott, B. E. & Bell, P. S., Dec 2014, In: International Journal of Marine Energy. 8, p. 36-49 13 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  4. Published

    Bayesian network modelling provides spatial and temporal understanding of ecosystem dynamics within shallow shelf seas

    Trifonova, N., Scott, B., De Dominicis, M., Waggitt, J. & Wolf, J., 1 Oct 2021, In: Ecological Indicators. 129, 107997, 107997.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  5. Published

    Combined measurements of prey availability explain habitat-selection in foraging seabirds

    Waggitt, J., Cazenave, P. W., Evans, P., Howarth, L., Van der Kooij, J. & Hiddink, J., 1 Aug 2018, In: Biology Letters. 14, 8, 20180348.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  6. Published

    Comparative studies reveal variability in the use of tidal stream environments by seabirds

    Waggitt, J. J., Robbins, A. M. C., Wade, H. M., Masden, E. A., Furness, R. W., Jackson, A. C. & Scott, B. E., Jul 2017, In: Marine Policy. 81, p. 143-152

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  7. Published

    Consistent concentrations of critically endangered Balearic shearwaters in UK waters revealed by at-sea surveys

    Phillips, J., Banks, A., Bolton, M., Brereton, T., Cazenave, P., Gillies, N., Padget, O., van der Kooij, J., Waggitt, J. & Guilford, T., Feb 2021, In: Ecology and Evolution. 11, 4, p. 1544-1557 14 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  8. Published

    Distribution maps of cetacean and seabird populations in the North-East Atlantic

    Waggitt, J., Evans, P., Hiddink, J. G., Andrade, J., Banks, A., Boisseau, O., Bolton, M., Bradbury, G., Brereton, T., Camphuysen, K., Durinck, J., Felce, T., Fijn, R., Garcia-Baron, I., Garthe, S., Geelhoed, S., Gilles, A., Goodall, M., Haelters, J., Hamilton, S., Hartny-Mills, L., Hodgins, N., James, K., Jessopp, M., Kavanagh, A., Leopold, M., Lohrengel, K., Louzao, M., Markones, N., Martinez-Cediera, J., O’Cadhla, O., Perry, S., Pierce, G., Ridoux, V., Robinson, K., Santos, B., Saavedra, C., Skov, H., Steinen, E., Sveegaard, S., Thompson, P., Vanermen, N., Wall, D., Webb, A., Wilson, J. & Wanless, S., Feb 2020, In: Journal of Applied Ecology. 57, 2, p. 253-269 17 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  9. Published

    Distribution modelling of the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) on the Isle of Anglesey, Wales

    Riley, T., Waggitt, J. & Davies, A., 28 May 2020, In: OTTER, the Journal of the International Otter Survival Fund. 6, p. 30-39

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  10. Published

    Fine-scale hydrodynamic metrics underlying predator occupancy patterns in tidal stream environments

    Lieber, L., Nimmo-Smith, A., Waggitt, J. & Kregting, L., 1 Nov 2018, In: Ecological Indicators. 94, part 1, p. 397-408

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  11. Published

    Foraging Seabirds Respond To An Intermittent Meteorological Event In A Coastal Environment

    Waggitt, J., Torres, R. & Fraser, S., 15 Apr 2020, In: Marine Ornithology. 48, 1, p. 123-131

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  12. Published

    Foraging distribution of breeding northern fulmars is predicted by commercial fisheries

    Darby, J., de Grissac, S., Arneill, G., Pirotta, E., Waggitt, J., Borger, L., Shepard, E., Cabot, D., Owen, E., Bolton, M., Edwards, E., Thompson, P., Quinn, J. & Jessopp, M., Dec 2021, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 679, p. 181-194

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  13. Published

    Localised anthropogenic wake generates a predictable foraging hotspot for top predators

    Lieber, L., Nimmo-Smith, W. A. M., Waggitt, J. J. & Kregting, L., 4 Apr 2019, In: Communications Biology. 2, p. 123 123.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  14. Published

    Matches and Mismatches Between Seabird Distributions Estimated From At-Sea Surveys and Concurrent Individual-Level Tracking

    Carroll, M., Wakefield, E., Scragg, E., Owen, E., Pinder, S., Bolton, M., Waggitt, J. & Evans, P., 24 Sept 2019, In: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 7, 333

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  15. Published

    Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Behavior at Sea and Interactions with Boat Traffic: Implications for the Conservation of the Species in Greece

    Mpougas, E., Waggitt, J. J., Dendrinos, P., Adamantopoulou, S. & Karamanlidis, A. A., Aug 2019, In: Aquatic Mammals. 45, 4, p. 419-424

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  16. Published

    Modeling Small Scale Impacts of Multi-Purpose Platforms: An Ecosystem Approach

    Serpetti, N., Benjamins, S., Brain, S., Collu, M., Harvey, B., Hughes, A., Risch, D., Heymens, J., Rosinski, S., Waggitt, J. & Wilson, B., 8 Jul 2021, In: Frontiers in Marine Science. 8, 694013.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  17. Published

    Modelling fine-scale distribution and relative abundance of harbour porpoises in the Southern Bight of the North Sea using platform-of-opportunity data

    Bouveroux, T., Waggitt, J., Belhadjer, A., Cazenave, P. W., Evans, P. & Kiszka, J., May 2020, In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. 100, 3, p. 481-489

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  18. Published

    Multi-scale assessment of distribution and density of procellariiform seabirds within the Northern Antarctic Peninsula marine ecosystem

    Warwick-Evans, V., Santora, J., Waggitt, J. & Trathan, P., 1 Aug 2021, In: ICES Journal of Marine Science. 78, 4, p. 1324-1339

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  19. Published

    Multisensor Acoustic Tracking of Fish and Seabird Behavior Around Tidal Turbine Structures in Scotland

    Williamson, B. J., Fraser, S., Blondel, P., Bell, P. S., Waggitt, J. J. & Scott, B. E., 17 Jan 2017, In: IEEE JOURNAL OF OCEANIC ENGINEERING. 42, 4, p. 948-965

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  20. Published

    Opposing effects of spatiotemporal variation in resources and temporal variation in climate on density dependent population growth in seabirds

    Searle, K., Butler, A., Waggitt, J., Evans, P., Bogdanova, M., Hobbs, T., Daunt, F. & Wanless, S., 1 Dec 2022, In: Journal of Animal Ecology. 91, 12, p. 2384-2399

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  21. Published

    Potential climate-driven changes to seabird demography: implications for assessments of marine renewable energy development

    Searle, K., Butler, A., Waggitt, J., Evans, P., Quinn, L., Bogdanova, M., Evans, T., Braithwaite, J. & Daunt, F., Jun 2022, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 690, p. 185-200

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  22. Published

    Practical Approaches for Providing Empirical Data on Seabird Behavior and Prey Assemblages in Tidal Channels

    Fraser, S. & Waggitt, J., 15 Jul 2022, In: Frontiers in Marine Science. 9, 851476.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  23. Published

    Predictable hydrodynamic conditions explain temporal variations in the density of benthic foraging seabirds in a tidal stream environment

    Waggitt, J. J., Cazenave, P. W., Torres, R., Williamson, B. J. & Scott, B. E., Nov 2016, In: ICES Journal of Marine Science. 73, 10, p. 2677-2686

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  24. Published

    Quantifying pursuit-diving seabirds’ associations with fine-scale physical features in tidal stream environments

    Waggitt, J., Cazenave, P. W., Torres, R., Williamson, B. J. & Scott, B. E., Dec 2016, In: Journal of Applied Ecology. 53, 6, p. 1653-1666

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  25. Published

    Regional-scale patterns in harbour porpoise occupancy of tidal stream environments

    Waggitt, J., Dunn, H., Evans, P. G. H., Hiddink, J., Holmes, L. J., Keen, E., Murcott, B. D., Piano, M., Robins, P., Scott, B. E., Bond, J. & Veneruso, G., 1 Mar 2018, In: ICES Journal of Marine Science. p. 701-710

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  26. Published

    Research priorities for assessing potential impacts of emerging marine renewable energy technologies: Insights from developments in Wales (UK)

    Roche, R., Walker-Springett, K., Robins, P., Jones, J., Veneruso, G., Whitton, T., Piano, M., Ward, S., Duce, C., Waggitt, J., Walker-Springett, G., Neill, S., Lewis, M. & King, J., 1 Dec 2016, In: Renewable Energy. 99, December, p. 1327-1341 15 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  27. Published

    Sex-specific foraging behaviour in northern gannets Morus bassanus: incidence and implications

    Stauss, C., Bearhop, S., Bodey, T. W., Garthe, S., Gunn, C., Grecian, W. J., Inger, R., Knight, M. E., Newton, J., Patrick, S. C., Phillips, R. A., Waggitt, J. J. & Votier, S. C., 2012, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 457, p. 151-162

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  28. Published

    Shipping in the north-east Atlantic: Identifying spatial and temporal patterns of change

    Robbins, J., Waggitt, J., Miller, D., Evans, P., Bouchet, P., Ford, A. & Marley, S., 1 Jun 2023, In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 179, 113681.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  29. Published

    Sustainable fishing can lead to improvements in marine ecosystem status: an ensemble-model forecast of the North Sea ecosystem

    Spence, M., Griffiths, C., Waggitt, J., Bannister, H., Thorpe, R., Rossberg, A. & Lynam, C., 9 Dec 2021, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 680, p. 207-221

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  30. Published

    Testing for sub-colony variation in seabird foraging behaviour: ecological and methodological consequences for understanding colonial living

    Waggitt, J. J., Briffa, M., Grecian, W. J., Newton, J., Patrick, S. C., Stauss, C. & Votier, S. C., 2014, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 498, p. 275-285

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  31. Published

    The Ornithodolite as a tool to quantify animal space use and habitat selection; a case study with birds diving in tidal waters

    Cole, E.-L., Waggitt, J., Hedenstrom, A., Piano, M., Holton, M., Borger, L. & Shepard, E., Jan 2019, In: Integrative Zoology. 14, 1, p. 4-16

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  32. Published

    The Role of Climate, Oceanography, and Prey in Driving Decadal Spatio-Temporal Patterns of a Highly Mobile Top Predator

    Astarloa, A., Louzao, M., Andrade, J., Babey, L., Berrow, S., Boisseau, O., Brereton, T., Doremus, G., Evans, P., Hodgins, N., Lewis, M., Martinez-Cediera, J., Pinsky, M., Ridoux, V., Saavedra, C., Santos, B., Thorson, J., Waggitt, J., Wall, D. & Chust, G., 18 Nov 2021, In: Frontiers in Marine Science. 8, 665474.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  33. Published

    The effect of environmental factors on shell growth and repair in Buccinum undatum

    Colvin, C., Hollyman, P., Richardson, C., Chenery, S., Waggitt, J. & McCarthy, I., 1 Jun 2022, In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 551, 19 p., 151720.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  34. Published

    The effects of bottom trawling and primary production on the biological traits composition of benthic assemblages

    Howarth, L. M., Waggitt, J. J., Bolam, S. G., Eggleton, J., Hiddink, J. & Somerfield, P. J., 23 Aug 2018, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 602, p. 31-48

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  35. Published

    The effects of trawling and primary production on size‐structured food webs in seabed ecosystems

    Howarth, L., Somerfield, P. J., Blanchard, J., Waggitt, J., Allender, S. & Hiddink, J. G., Oct 2020, In: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 77, 10, p. 1659-1665

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  36. Published

    Trade-offs in marine protection: multispecies interactions within a community-led temperate marine reserve

    Howarth, L. M., Dubois, P., Gratton, P., Judge, M., Christie, B., Waggitt, J. J., Hawkins, J. P., Roberts, C. M. & Stewart, B. D., 28 Sept 2016, In: ICES Journal of Marine Science. 74, 1, p. 263-276

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  37. Published

    Using a spatial overlap approach to estimate the risk of collisions between deep diving seabirds and tidal stream turbines: A review of potential methods and approaches

    Waggitt, J. J. & Scott, B. E., Feb 2014, In: Marine Policy. 44, p. 90-97

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  38. Published

    Using rangefinder binoculars to measure the behaviour and movement of European Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis in coastal environments

    Heal, M., Hoover, B. & Waggitt, J., 2021, In: Bird Study. 68, 1, p. 135-140 6 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  39. Chapter › Research › Peer-reviewed
  40. Published

    Confusion reigns? A review of marine megafauna interactions with tidal stream environments

    Benjamins, S., Dale, A. C., Hastie, G., Waggitt, J. J., Lea, M.-A., Scott, B. & Wilson, B., 2015, Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review. Vol. 53. p. 1-54

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

  41. Published

    Seabirds and Marine Renewables: Are we Asking the Right Questions?

    Scott, B. E., Langton, R., Philpott, E. & Waggitt, J., Feb 2014, Marine Renewable Energy Technology and Environmental Interactions. Springer, p. 81-92 11 p.

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

  42. Abstract › Research › Not peer-reviewed
  43. Published
  44. Book › Research › Not peer-reviewed
  45. Published

    Atlas of the Mammals of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

    Crawley, D., Coomber, F., Kubasiewicz, L., Harrower, C., Evans, P., Waggitt, J., Smith, B. & Matthews, F., 28 Mar 2020, Pelagic Publishing.

    Research output: Book/ReportBook

  46. Commissioned report › Research › Not peer-reviewed
  47. Published

    Risk Assessment of Bycatch of Protected Species in Fishing Activities

    Evans, P., Carrington, C. (Contributor) & Waggitt, J. (Contributor), 2021, European Commission. 212 p.

    Research output: Book/ReportCommissioned report

  48. Other report › Research › Not peer-reviewed
  49. Published

    Impacts of climate change on marine mammals, relevant to the coastal and marine environment around the UK

    Evans, P. & Waggitt, J., 15 Jan 2020, Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership. (MCCIP Science Review 2020)

    Research output: Book/ReportOther report