I undertook an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology and Oceanography (University of Plymouth) during which I completed placements at the MBA (UK) and UNSW (Sydney). Throughout my BSc, I volunteered for the Shark Trust which sparked my interest in elasmobranchs and encouraged me to complete a research master’s focussing on elasmobranch conservation. I then worked as a research assistant in the applied Marine Ecosystems Research unit (University of Plymouth), conducting underwater video surveys on MPAs.

My primary interests are elasmobranch ecology and conservation, and during my master’s degree I investigated the dynamics between elasmobranchs and marine protected areas (MPAs), using the Lyme Bay MPA as a key case study. Researching this topic made me aware of the challenges associated with studying rare, elusive species with traditional ecological methods (e.g. fishery-dependent data, BRUVS). Therefore, I’m excited by opportunities to integrate social science with conventional ecological methods to fill in data gaps. I’m particularly interested in locating reproductive habitats since for many species their whereabouts remain a mystery and their discovery has major implications for marine policy.

Most elasmobranch (shark and ray) conservation strategies require prior knowledge of elasmobranch habitat-use and preferably at crucial developmental stages (e.g. neonates, juveniles, pregnant females). However, this knowledge is generally limited and difficult to obtain. This PhD project aims to bridge the gap between traditional ecological survey methods (e.g. BRUVs, telemetry, fisheries data) and social science methods, using local ecological knowledge in fishing communities to refine ecological survey design and better understand elasmobranch habitat-use in the Southwest UK.

By engaging with fishing communities through semi-structured interviews, this research will tap into local knowledge passed down through generations to gain insights into elasmobranch habitats (past and present) and seasonal movements, at different life stages. Interview data will be coupled with additional data sources (e.g. catch-release data) to create a broad overview of elasmobranch habitats in Devon and Cornwall. This overview will underpin the use of conventional ecological survey techniques, such as telemetry and video methods. Ecological surveys, delivered in collaboration with local anglers, will then be used to characterise higher resolution elasmobranch movement in key areas, relative to habitat features and threats to inform future conservation management.

One area of interest is the offshore mussel farm in Sidmouth which is thought to be an important habitat for thornback rays (Raja clavata) and will be examined with acoustic telemetry to determine fine-scale movement behaviour. In-situ ultrasonography methods will also be developed and validated to complement these surveys and to determine the presence and behaviours of pregnant female elasmobranchs in Devon and Cornwall.

After completing my master’s degree, I was eager to continue researching UK elasmobranch ecology with links to conservation policy, so I was delighted to find a project that aligned so closely with my interests. My past research has predominantly focussed on biology and ecology, so I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to dip into the social sciences and understand more about the human dimensions of elasmobranch conservation. I also was keen to remain part of the thriving marine research community in Plymouth after completing my undergraduate and master’s degrees here.