Jasmine Ramshaw, postgraduate researcher, CDT SuMMeR: Cohort 2

Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources (CDT SuMMeR)

Postgraduate researcher: Jasmine Ramshaw

Project: CDTS208: Quantifying ecological impacts and changes to ecosystem services as a result of seaweed aquaculture

Hosting Institute: The Marine Biological Association
Awarding University: University of Plymouth
Associate Partner/s: Cornish Seaweed Company, University of Exeter, The Crown Estate, Marine Management Organisation, Biome Algae
Contact:
Jasmine Ramshaw

Background

  • BSc Biological Sciences with study abroad, specialising in animal biology, from the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland: First class with a Dean’s Commendation.
  • MSc Conservation and Biodiversity from the University of Exeter: Distinction with Dean’s Commendation.
  • Research intern at Red Sea Project, Egypt.
  • Statistical consultant on crown of thorns research at Global Reef, Thailand.

Research interests

PhD relevant:
  • Kelp/ Macroalgae
  • Aquaculture
  • Marine microbiology
  • Biodiversity monitoring
  • Remote sensing
  • Carbon capture and sequestration
  • Photorespirometry
  • Ecosystem services modelling
  • Statistics (using R)
Previous work:
  • Conservation
  • Dive and snorkel surveying
  • Coral watch
  • Turtle monitoring

PhD research: Quantifying ecological impacts and changes to ecosystem services as a result of seaweed aquaculture

Seaweed aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry, currently accounting for 20% of global aquaculture biomass. It holds vast potential for innovation and sustainability within various sectors, including: pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and food production. In the UK, the industry is in its infancy. The primary challenge facing the expansion of UK seaweed aquaculture is a lack of understanding of its potential ecological and socioeconomic benefits and impacts. This project aims to address this lack of understanding by collecting data from multiple UK-based seaweed farms, employing diverse methodologies such as:
  1. Deployment of remote sampling gear (e.g. underwater video) and undertaking of stakeholder surveys to assess the farms’ impacts on local biodiversity, focusing on key fisheries species.
  2. eDNA sequencing to assess how farm presence affects local microbial assemblages, with a focus on human health and fishery contamination.
  3. Photorespirometry chamber experiments and sediment core collection to assess seaweed aquaculture’s potential contribution to carbon capture and sequestration.
Additionally, project data, existing literature, and stakeholder insights will be collated and synthesised to create an ecosystem services model. The project’s overall aim is to generate information needed to inform policy and development decisions, facilitating the sustainable expansion of the seaweed industry in the UK.

Why I applied for the CDT SuMMeR

I applied for a CDT SuMMeR PhD because of the transdisciplinary nature of the projects. My background is primarily in ecology but I wanted to expand my outlook and skillset to encompass more of the socioeconomic work and policy development that bridge the gap between blue-sky science and real-world implementation. I am also excited by the opportunity to work with leading experts at both the MBA and the University of Plymouth, and to connect with industry partners to guide my project towards research gaps that have been identified as important by those actually working within the seaweed aquaculture industry.