Research Interests

I am an aquatic ecologist with a specific interest in the ecology and conservation of wide ranging and migratory fish species, including both elasmobranchs and diadromous species. 

Background 

I began my scientific career as an undergraduate student in Marine Biology at Queen’s University Belfast, graduating in 2016, before completing an MSc in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology in 2017. My MSc research stemmed from a collaborative project with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and focussed on the population structure and distribution patterns of porbeagle sharks captured in Irish waters as part of a large mark-recapture programme. Key findings from this research included reporting what is currently the only known example of transatlantic movement for this species. 

My PhD research commenced in 2018 at Bournemouth University as part of a collaborative programme between the university and IFI. The key aim of this project was to develop novel conservation methods for Atlantic salmon which could address population declines in this species while simultaneously generating greater engagement from stakeholders within the angling community. Additional outcomes of this research included the highlighting of issues with current population monitoring and conservation techniques for both salmonids and the critically endangered European eel. 

Current Projects

I am currently working on ‘Shark Island’, a collaborative project between researchers at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), including Dr. Nicholas Payne and Dr. Andrew Jackson, and partners at the Marine Institute and IFI. This project is aimed at enhancing sustainable shark ecotourism in Ireland, with key aspects including the establishment of a new formal partnership, Sharks le chéile (sharks together), that links shark and ray biologists, state agencies, and the Irish angling community to implement sustainable angling techniques, generate new shark/ray conservation monitoring tools, and encourage broader participation in shark and ray ecotourism in Ireland.