PhD title: Understanding the spatial distribution of mobile oceanic predators to improve Marine Protected Areas.

Start date: October 2020

I studied in the UK where I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation from the University of Bristol. I completed the research component of my Masters at the Marine Futures Lab as part of a research exchange, in which I mined stereo-BRUVS footage to investigate the global distribution, abundance and environmental preferences of silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis).

After studying the highly migratory silky shark, I decided to continue my research on mobile oceanic predators. Pelagic sharks are one of the most threatened yet least understood taxonomic groups, with a paucity of comprehensive knowledge prohibiting their conservation. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as tools for spatially protecting ecosystems are rapidly gaining popularity, yet it is still not understood whether MPAs confer protection to mobile predators.

I will use stereo-BRUVS, eDNA and remote sensed data to investigate the distribution, abundance and key habitats of mobile oceanic predators, to assess how the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas can be improved. I will collaborate with the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme which aims to give over 4 million squared kilometres of the oceans surrounding Overseas Territories protected status for sustainable management.