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Professor James Gow Wilson
Fellow Emeritus, Zoology
Fellow Emeritus, Trinity Centre for the Environment

Biography

Prof. James G. Wilson is Professor in Zoology and Environmental Science.

Prof. Wilson graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1976 with a PhD in Zoology (Marine Biology). The subjects of his thesis were the Tellinidae and his interest in littoral bivalves and in the sediments they inhabit is still one of his major research interests. This was also the start of his interest in SCUBA diving as a research tool, and in the value of field work and field experimentation.

Starting at TCD on the Irish Estuarine Research Programme, he devised two quality indices, the BQI and the PLI, which have now been applied in Ireland, France and the US as well as Black Sea. Again this has formed a major branch of his research which is increasingly being trialed in other countries.

Prof. Wilson has always been interested in the fitness (in the Darwinian sense) of organisms and this is a key concept to understanding natural systems. From this arises his work in bioenergetics and in the network analysis of ecosystems.

Prof. Wilson has written or edited 6 books and over 100 scientific papers covering the whole range of his research interests. These have been supported by national and international funding and have included collaborations with colleagues throughout the EC as well as Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, US and Australia.

In 1979, Prof. Wilson was appointed to start the first Env. Sci. MSc course. This was very popular and was followed some 10 years later by the equally-sought after undergraduate Env. Sci. Mod. Graduates of both courses are now established all over the world. Now based back in the Zoology Department, he has expanded his teaching to take in some of the more traditional courses such as the Marine Field Trip.

Outside TCD, Prof. Wilson has been active in a number of organisations, including the Royal Irish Academy (Secretary to the LSC) and the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association, for which he was the Editor of the ECSA Bulletin and then Secretary for many years. He is a qualified cricket coach and umpire, and still plays for a local club and for the TCD Taverners side (for fixtures please contact).

Publications and Further Research Outputs

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Giltrap, M., J. Ronan, J. P. Bignell, B. P. Lyons, E. Collins, H. Rochford, B. McHugh, E. McGovern, L. Bull and J. Wilson , Integration of biological effects, fish histopathology and contaminant measurements for the assessment of fish health: A pilot application in Irish marine waters, Marine Environmental Research , 129, 2017, p113 - 132 Journal Article, 2017

Wilson, J.G., Giltrap, M. Dunne, N. , Assessing candidate metrics for the ecological quality of TFTW (tidal freshwaters in transitional waters) in Ireland using benthic invertebrates. , Ocean & Coastal Management , 143, 2017, p115 - 121 Journal Article, 2017

Giltrap, M., Ronan J., Tanner C., O'Beirn F.X., Lyons B.P., Mag Aoidh R., Rochford H., McHugh B., McGovern E., Wilson J.G. , Application of a weight of evidence approach utilising biological effects, histopathology and contaminant levels to assess the health and pollution status of Irish blue mussels (Mytilus edulis)., Marine Environmental Research, (122), 2016, p33 - 45 Journal Article, 2016

Adjei-Boateng, D. & Wilson, J.G., Sexual strategy in the freshwater bivalve Galathea paradoxa (Donacidae) from the Volta River estuary, Ghana. , Molluscan Research , 36, 2016, p1 - 8 Journal Article, 2016

Wilson, J.G., Giltrap, M., Kelly, F. , Fish in tidal freshwater transitional waters (TFTWs) in Ireland: recommendations for assessment, policy and management of ecological quality under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). , Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy , 116B, 2016, p221 - 232 Journal Article, 2016

Wilson, J.G., Minchin, D., McHugh, B., McGovern, E., Tanner, C., Giltrap, M. , Declines in TBT contamination in Irish coastal waters 1987-2011, using the dogwhelk (Nucella lapillus) as a biological indicator. , Marine Pollution Bulletin, 100, 2015, p289 - 296 Journal Article, 2015

Kirill V. Galaktionov, K.V., J.O. Bustnes, B-J. Bårdsen, J. G. Wilson, K. E. Nikolaev, A. A. Sukhotin, K. Skírnisson, D. H. Saville, M. V. Ivanov, K. V. Regel. ., Factors influencing the distribution of trematode larvae in blue mussels Mytilus edulis in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. , Marine Biology, 162, 2015, p193 - 206 Journal Article, 2015

Wilson, J.G. Kousogiannopolou, V. , Abundance, biomass, and productivity of invertebrate hyperbenthos in a temperate saltmarsh creek system. , Hydrobiologia, 728, 2014, p141 - 151 Journal Article, 2014

Giltrap, M., J. Ronan, S. Hardenberg, G. Parkes , B. McHugh, E. McGovern, J.G. Wilson, Assessment of biomarkers in Mytilus edulis to determine Good Environmental Status for implementation of MSFD in Ireland., Marine Pollution Bulletin, 71, 2014, p240 - 249 Journal Article, 2014

Wilson, J.G. McHugh, B. & Giltrap, M. , Biomarkers: are realism and control mutually exclusive in integrated pollution assessment?, Marine Environmental Research, 102, 2014, p11 - 17 Journal Article, 2014

Giltrap, M., B. McHugh, J. Ronan, E. McGovern & J.G. Wilson , Biological effects and chemical measurements of pollution in Irish marine waters, 1st, Galway, Marine Institute, 2014, 110pppp Book, 2014

Wilson, JG & Devlin, M, Nutrients, Feeding Processes and Trophodynamics of Estuarine and Coastal Systems, Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science , 135, 2012, p1 - 4 Journal Article, 2012

K. Sooknanan, A. Kokaram, D. Corrigan, G. Baugh, N. Harte and J. Wilson, Indexing and Selection of Well-Lit Details in Underwater Video Mosaics Using Vignetting Estimation, Program Book - OCEANS 2012 MTS/IEEE Yeosu: The Living Ocean and Coast - Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities, International OCEANS Conference, Yeosu, South Korea, May, IEEE, 2012, ppArticle number 6263541 Conference Paper, 2012 DOI

Ecosystem Studies: Sandy Coastal Ecosystems in, editor(s)J. Wilson and J. Luczkovich (Eds) , Trophic Relationships of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems. Treatise on estuarine and coastal science, Vol.6, Amsterdam, Elsevier, 2012, pp251 - 259, [Wilson, JG] Book Chapter, 2012

K. Sooknanan, A. Kokaram, D. Corrigan, G. Baugh, J. Wilson and N. Harte , Improving Underwater Visibility Using Vignetting Correction, Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Visual Information Processing and Communication, Burlingame, California, USA, January, 8305, SPIE, 2012, ppArticle number 83050M Conference Paper, 2012 DOI

Introduction to Food Webs in Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems. in, Luczkovich, J.. Wilson, J.G. , Trophic Relationships of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, J. Wilson and J. Luczkovich (Eds) Treatise on estuarine and coastal science, Vol.6, Amsterdam, Elsevier, 2012, pp1 - 6, [Wilson, J.G. & Luczkovich, J.. ] Book Chapter, 2012

Luczkovich, J. & Wilson, J.G. (Eds). , Trophic Relationships of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems. Treatise on estuarine and coastal science, Vol.6, 1st, Amsterdam, Elsevier, 2012 Book, 2012

Adjei-Boateng, D., Wilson, J.G., Population dynamics of the freshwater clam Galatea paradoxa from the Volta River, Ghana, Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems, 405, 2012, part. no. 09 Journal Article, 2012 DOI

Estuarine Benthos in, Day, J. W., Kemp, W.M., Yanez-Arancibia, A. & Crump, B.C. (Eds) , Estuarine Ecology, London, Wiley-Blackwell, 2012, pp303 - 325, [Wilson, J.G. & Fleeger, J.] Book Chapter, 2012

Adjei-Boateng, D., Wilson, J.G., Body condition and gametogenic cycle of Galatea paradoxa (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the Volta River estuary, Ghana, Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2011, p00-00 Journal Article, 2011 DOI

Viana, M., Graham, N., Wilson, J.G. & Jackson, A.L., Fisheries discards in the Irish Sea exhibit temporal oscillations and trends reflecting underlying processes at an annual scale, ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68, (1), 2011, p221 - 227 Journal Article, 2011 DOI

Wilson., J.G., Galaktionov, K.V., Sukhotin, A.A., Skirnisson, K., Nikolaev, K.E., Ivanov, M.I., Bustnes, J.O., (...), Regel, K.V., Factors influencing trematode parasite burdens in mussels (Mytilus spp) from the north Atlantic ocean across to the north Pacific, Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2011, p00-00 Journal Article, 2011 DOI

Michael Hartnett, James G. Wilson, Stephen Nash, Irish estuaries: Water quality status and monitoring implications under the water framework directive, Marine Policy, 35, 2011, p810 - 818 Journal Article, 2011

Quinn, B., Costello, M.J., Dorange, G., Wilson, J.G., Mothersill, C., Development of an in vitro culture method for cells and tissues from the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), Cytotechnology, 59, (2), 2009, p121 - 134 Journal Article, 2009 TARA - Full Text

McBreen, F., Wilson, J.G., Mackie, A.S.Y., Nic Aonghusa, C. , Seabed mapping in the southern Irish Sea: Predicting benthic biological communities based on sediment characteristics., Hydrobiologia, 606, (1), 2008, 93-103 Journal Article, 2008 DOI

A. S. Lopukhin, I. V. Sysoeva, J. V. Bryantseva, O. A. Rylkova, J.G. Wilson & R. B. Kemp, Verification of the Heterotrophic-Photoautotrophic Index in Sevastopol Bay, Black Sea, Oceanology, 423A, 2008, p1520 - 1524 Journal Article, 2008 DOI

Problems of Life in Estuaries in, editor(s)Safran, P. , Fisheries & Aquaculture, Oxford, UNESCO, Eolss, 2008, pp166 - 185, [James G. Wilson] Book Chapter, 2008

Wilson, J.G., Osadchaya, T.S., Alyomov, S.V., Long-term changes in the status of Sevastopol Bay and the Crimean coast: Anthropogenic and climatic influences., Hydrobiologia , 606, (1), 2008, p153-160 Journal Article, 2008 DOI

Oceanis, 34, (2008), 1 - 277p, Ducrotoy, Jean-Paul, & Wilson, James G., [eds.], 2008 Journal, 2008

Adaptations to life in estuaries in, editor(s)Safran, P., UNESCO , Fisheries and Aquaculture, Oxford, UNESCO, Eolss Publishers, 2008, pp166-182 , [Wilson, J.G.] Book Chapter, 2008

Wilson, J.G., Komakhidze, A., Osadchaya, T., Alyomov, S., Romanov, A., Tediashvili, M., Evaluating ecological quality in the north-eastern Black Sea coastal zone, Marine Pollution Bulletin , 57, (1-5), 2008, p202-207 Journal Article, 2008 DOI

Koutsagiannopoulou, V. & Wilson, J.G., The fish assemblage of the intertidal salt marsh creeks in North Bull Island, Dublin Bay: seasonal and tidal changes in composition, distribution and abundance. , Hydrobiologia, 588, (1), 2007, p213 - 224 Journal Article, 2007 DOI

Wilson, J.G., Rybarczyk, H. and Elkaim, B., A comparison of energy flow through the Dublin Bay and Baie de Somme intertidal ecosystems and their network analysis, Hydrobiologia, 588, (1), 2007, p231 - 243 Journal Article, 2007 DOI

McBreen, F., J.G. Wilson, C. Nic Aonghusa and A.S.Y. Mackie, Seabed mapping in the southern Irish Sea: predicting benthic biological communities based on sediment characteristics, Hydrobiologia, 606, (1), 2007, p99 - 103 Journal Article, 2007 DOI

Koutsogiannopoulou, V., Wilson, J.G., The fish assemblage of the intertidal salt marsh creeks in North Bull Island, Dublin Bay: Seasonal and tidal changes in composition, distribution and abundance , Hydrobiologia , 588, (1), 2007, 213-224 Journal Article, 2007 DOI

Wilson, JG., A. Komakhidze, T. Osadchaya, S. Alyomov, A. Romanov and M. Tediashvili, Evaluating ecological quality in the north-eastern Black Sea coastal zone, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 57, (1-5), 2007, p202 - 207 Journal Article, 2007 DOI

J.G. Wilson, A.Y. Mackie, E.I.S. Rees, B. O'Connor and T. Darbyshire, Benthic Biodiversity in the Southern Irish Sea. 2. The South West Irish Sea Survey. Volume 2. Species' Distribution. , Cardiff, National Museum of Wales, 2006 Book, 2006

J.G. Wilson, A.Y. Mackie, E.I.S. Rees, B. O'Connor and T. Darbyshire, Benthic Biodiversity in the Southern Irish Sea. 2. The South West Irish Sea Survey. Volume 3. Community Analyses. , Cardiff, National Museum of Wales, 2006 Book, 2006

Wilson, J.G., The Intertidal Ecosystem, First, Dublin, Royal Irish Academy, 2006 Book, 2006

Wilson, J.G. & McBreen, F., The pollution status of north Dublin Bay, Proc. ESAI Environ 2005, ESAI Environ 2005, University of Limerick, Limerick. , 2006, pp38-45. Conference Paper, 2006

Wilson, J.G., Long-term changes in Dublin Bay; implications for climate change, Cstl. Zone Topics, 2006 Journal Article, 2006

The intertidal system: sustainability and long-term indicators of system status. in, editor(s)Wilson, J. G. , The Intertidal Ecosystem, Dublin, Royal Irish Academy, 2005, pp171 - 189 , [Wilson, J.G.] Book Chapter, 2005

Astanei, I., E. Gosling, J.G. Wilson and E. Powell, Genetic variability and phylogeography of the invasive zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas)., Molecular Ecology, 14, (6), 2005, p1655 - 1666 Journal Article, 2005 DOI

O'Higgins, T. & Wilson, J.G., Impact of the River Liffey discharge on nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations in the Liffey estuary and Dublin bay (Irish Sea). , Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 64, (2-3), 2005, p323 - 334 Journal Article, 2005 DOI

J. G. Wilson, T. O'Higgins & S.A. Ward, Phytoplankton spring bloom decay in the Liffey estuary, Proceedings ESAI Environ 2005, ESAI Environ 2005, University of Limerick, Limerick, 2005, pp5-7 Conference Paper, 2005

Quinn, B., F. Gagné, M. Costello, C. McKenzie, J.G. Wilson & C. Mothersill, The endocrine disrupting effect of municipal plant effluent on the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha, Aquatic Toxicology, 66, (3), 2004, p279 - 292 Journal Article, 2004 DOI

Wilson, J.G., Diffuse inputs of nutrients to Dublin Bay, Water Science and Technology, 51, (3-4), 2004, p231 - 237 Journal Article, 2004 URL

Wilson, J.G., Spatial and temporal variability in nutrient fluxes from the unpolluted Shannon estuary, Ireland, and the implications for microphytobenthic productivity. , Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 60 , (2), 2004, 193 - 202 Journal Article, 2004 DOI

Wilson, J.G. & Forrest, N., Population dynamics, biomass and productivity of Limapontia depressa (Gastopoda, Opisthobranchia) at Bull island, Dublin, Ireland. , Aquatic Ecology, 38, (4), 2004, p375 - 385 Journal Article, 2004 DOI

Wilson, J.G., Evaluation of estuarine quality status at system level with the Biological Quality Index (BQI) and the Pollution Load Index (PLI). , Biology and Environment. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 103B, (2), 2003, p49 - 57 Journal Article, 2003 DOI

Wilson, J.G., "Dublin Bay". Encyclopaedia of Ireland, Dublin, Gill & McMillan, 2003, 320pp Book, 2003

Wilson, J.G., Productivity, fisheries and aquaculture in temperate estuaries. , Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 55, (6), 2002, p953 - 967 Journal Article, 2002 DOI

Biodiversity of macrofauna on sandy and muddy shores in Ireland in, editor(s)Nunn, J. , Marine Biodiversity of Ireland, Belfast. , Ulster Museum, 2002, pp5-14 , [J.G. Wilson & C. Emblow] Book Chapter, 2002

Wilson, J.G., Brennan, M., Murray, A., Particulate inputs to Dublin Bay and to the South Lagoon, Bull Island, Hydrobiologia, 475-476, (15), 2002, p195-204 Journal Article, 2002 DOI

The South-West Irish Sea Survey (SWISS) of benthic biodiversity in, editor(s)Nunn, J. , Marine Biodiversity of Ireland , Belfast., Ulster Museum, 2002, pp166-170 , [Wilson, J.G., A. S. Y. Mackie and E. I. S. Rees] Book Chapter, 2002

Wilson, J.G., A.Y. Mackie, E.I.S. Rees, B. O'Connor and T. Darbyshire, Benthic Biodiversity in the Southern Irish Sea. 2. The South West Irish Sea Survey., 1, Cardiff, national Museum of Wales, 2001, 1 - 143pp Book, 2001

Wilson J.G., Long-term studies of bivalves in Dublin Bay, Ireland, Porcupine Mar. Nat. Hist. Soc. Newsl, 7, 2001, p27 - 31. Journal Article, 2001

J.G. Wilson, A.D. Gordina , E.V. Pavlova, E. I. Ovsyany, R. B. Kemp and A. S. Romanov., Long-term changes in Sevastopol Bay (the Black Sea) with particular reference to the Ichthyoplankton and Zooplankton., Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 52, (1), 2000, p1 - 13 Journal Article, 2000 DOI

J.G. Wilson & A. Parkes, Network analysis of the energy flow through the Dublin Bay ecosystem. , Biology and Environment, 98B, 1999, 179 - 190 Journal Article, 1999 URL

Wilson, J.G., Population dynamics and energy budget for a population of Donax variabilis (Say) on an exposed South Carolina beach, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology , 239, 1999, p61-83 Journal Article, 1999

The impact of nutrients in an estuarine system in, editor(s)Wilson, J. G. , Eutrophication in Irish Waters, Dublin., Royal Irish Academy, 1998, pp115 - 125. , [J.G. Wilson, Brennan M. T., Khan, J., Jeffrey, D. W. and Jennings, E] Book Chapter, 1998

J.G. Wilson, G. Radach, J. Gekeler, G. Becker, P. Bot, P. Castaing, F. Colijn, P. Damm, D. Danelssen, L. Foyn, J. Gamble, R. Laane, J.-P. Mommaerts, D. Nehring, K. Pegler & W. van Raaphorst, The NOWESP research data base., Dt. Hydrogr. Z.,, 48, 1998, p241 - 260 Journal Article, 1998

J.G. Wilson, V. Choiseul and E. Nixon, The distribution of hydrocarbons on the east and south-west Irish coasts and in the Liffey estuary, Biology and Environment, 98 B, 1998, p75 - 86 Journal Article, 1998 URL

Wilson, J. G. (editor), Eutrophication in Irish Waters, Dublin, Royal Irish Academy, 1998 Book, 1998

J.G. Wilson & B. Elkaim, Seasonal and geographical differences in oxygen consumption with temperature of Cerastoderma glaucum (Poiret) and a comparison with C. edule (L.), Estuarine, coastal and shelf science , 45, (5), 1997, p571 - 576 Journal Article, 1997 DOI

J.G. Wilson, M. Costello, C. Emblow and K. Kelly, Estuaries and Coastal Waters: Research and Management, Journal of Coastal Conservation, 2, 1997, p99-102 Journal Article, 1997 DOI

J.G. Wilson & A. Parsons, Influence of macrofauna on nutrient fluxes across the sediment-water interface, Journal de Recherche Océanographique, 22, 1997, p143 - 148 Journal Article, 1997

Flemming, N. C., Costello, M. J, Wilson, J.G. editors, Science for management in coastal and estuarine waters proceedings of the 25th Annual Symposium of the ECSA, part 3 , 44A, Academic Press, 1997, 1-116pp Book, 1997

J.G. Wilson & S. Roth, Functional analysis by trophic guilds of macrobenthic community structure in Dublin Bay, Ireland, Journal of Experimental Marine Ecology, 222, (1), 1997, p195 - 217 Journal Article, 1997 DOI

Wilson, J.G., Elkaim, B., Seasonal and geographical differences in oxygen consumption with temperature of Cerastoderma glaucum (Poiret) and a comparison with C. edule (L.) , Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 45, (5), 1997, p571-577 Journal Article, 1997 DOI

Costello, M.J., Kelly, K.S., Wilson, J.G., Emblow, C.S., Estuaries and coastal waters: research and management - Introduction , Journal of Coastal Conservation, 2, (2), 1996, p101-102 Journal Article, 1996 DOI

Population dynamics, growth and energy budget of Tellina tenuis in Dublin Bay in, editor(s)Keegan, B.M. and O'Connor, R. , Irish Marine Science, Galway, Galway University Press, 1996, pp159 - 174. , [Wilson, J. G.] Book Chapter, 1996

Rybarczyk, H., Elkaim, B., Wilson, J.G., Loquet, N. , Eutrophication in the Baie de Somme: consequences and impacts on the benthic population | [L'eutrophisation en Baie de Somme: mortalites des peuplements benthiques par anoxie] , Oceanologica Acta , 19, (2), 1996, p131-140 Journal Article, 1996

Renewable natural resources - estuaries in, editor(s)Convery, F. and Feehan, J., , , Assessing Sustainability in Ireland, Dublin,, Environmental Institute, UCD, 1996, pp118 - 121 , [Wilson, J.G.] Book Chapter, 1996

J.G. Wilson, D.W. Jeffrey, M.B. Brennan, E. Jennings and B. Madden), Nutrient sources for nuisance macroalgae: the Dublin Bay case, Ophelia, 42, 1995, p147-161. Journal Article, 1995

Irish marine habitats in, Reynolds, J.D. , The Conservation of Aquatic Systems, Dublin, Royal Irish Academy, 1994, pp47 -55. , [J.G. Wilson & I. Lawler] Book Chapter, 1994

Wilson, J. G., The role of bioindicators in estuarine management, Estuaries & Coasts, 17, (1A), 1994, p94-101 Journal Article, 1994 DOI

J.G. Wilson, K. Sagar, M.R. Smyth and K. McLoughlin, HPLC determination of the triphenylmethane dye, malachite green, using amperometric detection at a carbon fibre microelectrode, Journal of Chromatography A, 659, (2), 1994, p329 - 336 Journal Article, 1994 DOI

Benthic Biological Pollution Indices in Estuaries in, editor(s)Kramer, K.J.M. , Biomonitoring of coastal waters and estuaries, Baton Rouge., CRC Press, 1994, pp1 - 181 , [J.G. Wilson & D.W. Jeffrey] Book Chapter, 1994

Wilson, J. G., The future for the cockle Cerastoderma edule in Dublin Bay - an exercise in prediction modeling., Occasional Publications Irish Biogeographical Society., 2, 1993, p141-149 Journal Article, 1993

Wilson, J.G. & M. Brennan, Nutrient interchange between the sediment and the overlying water on the intertidal mudflats of the Shannon estuary, Arch. Hydrobiol., 75, 1993, p423-450 Journal Article, 1993

Wilson, J.G., Age specific energetics of reproduction in Nucula turgida (Leckenby and Marshall). , Invert. Rep. Dev, 22, 1993, p275-280 Journal Article, 1993

J.G. Wilson & B. Brennan, Spatial and temporal variation in sediments and their nutrient concentrations in the unpolluted Shannon estuary, Ireland, Archival Hydrobiology, 75, 1993, p451-486 Journal Article, 1993

Wilson, J.G., Brennan, M., Brennan, B., Horizontal and vertical gradients in sediment nutrients on mudflats in the Shannon estuary, Ireland , Netherlands Journal of Aquatic Ecology , 27, (2-4), 1993, p173-180 Journal Article, 1993 DOI

Wilson, J. G. Elkaim, B., Estuarine Bioindicators - a case for caution, Acta Oecologia, 13, 1992, p345-358 Journal Article, 1992

J. G. Wilson B. Elkaim, M. Desprez, J.-P. Ducrotoy, J.-P. Dupont and H. Rybarczyck, L'evaluation et le suivi de la qualite biologique des estuaires, Bulletin of Ecology, 23, 1992, p185-200 Journal Article, 1992

J.G. Wilson, M. Desprez et al., Biological impact of eutrophication in the Bay of Somme and the induction and impact of anoxia, Netherlands Journal of Sea Research, 30, 1992, p149-159 Journal Article, 1992

Oxygen consumption by Margaritifera margaritifera and Sphaerium corneum in relation to temperature and low oxygen conditions in, editor(s)Giusti, F. & Manganelli, G., , Abstracts XI Malacological Congress Siena 1992, Siena., University of Siena,, 1992, pp42 - 45. , [J.G. Wilson & Moorkens] Book Chapter, 1992

A comparison of the pollution status of 12 Irish and French estuaries in, editor(s)Elliott, M. and Ducrotoy, J.P. , Estuaries and coasts - spatial and temporal intercomparisons, Denmark, Olssen & Olssen, 1991, 317 - 322. , [J.G. Wilson & B. Elkaim] Book Chapter, 1991

Wilson J.G., The state of the Irish Sea, Technology Ireland, April, 1991, p40 - 41 Journal Article, 1991

J.G. Wilson & K. O'Crowley, Feral mink (Mustela vison) and their potential as disease vectors in Ireland: an investigation in Co. Wicklow, Irish Veterinary Journal , 44, 1991, p71-74 Journal Article, 1991

Dynamique des populations de Macoma balthica dans les estuaires du nord-oest de l'Europe in, editor(s)Elliott, M. and Ducrotoy, J.-P. , Estuaries and Coasts - spatial and temporal comparisons, Denmark, Olssen & Olssen, 1991, pp159 - 166 , [J.G. Wilson & M. Desprez et al.] Book Chapter, 1991

A comparison of the population dynamics of the cockle (Cerastoderma edule) within north-west Europe in, editor(s)Elliott, M. and Ducrotoy, J.-P. , Estuaries and Coasts - spatial and temporal comparisons, Denmark, Olssen & Olssen, 1991, pp173 - 184 , [J.G. Wilson & J.-P. Ducrotoy et al] Book Chapter, 1991

Indicator organisms as a guide to estuarine management in, Jeffrey, D.W. , Indicator 6th International Bioindicators Symposium, 1991, pp55 - 64 , [J.G. Wilson & D.W. Jeffrey et al] Book Chapter, 1991

Wilson, J.G., The state of the Irish Sea, Health & Safety, May, 1991, p33 - 37. Journal Article, 1991

J.G. Wilson, & B. Elkaim, Temperature tolerances of infaunal bivalves and the effect of geographical distribution, position on the shore and season, Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 71, 1991, p169 - 178 Journal Article, 1991

The toxicity of freshwater - estuarine bioindicators in, editor(s)Jeffrey, D.W. and Madden, B. , Bioindicators and Environmental Management, London, Academic Press, 1991, pp311 - 322 , [J.G. Wilson & B. Elkaim] Book Chapter, 1991

J.G. Wilson, H. Kausch and H. Barth, Biogeochemical cycles in two major european estuaries: the Shanelbe project, CEC Water Pollution Research Report, CEC, 1990, 1-229 Report, 1990

J.,G. Wilson, R. Boelens et al, Irish Sea Study Group B: Waste Inputs and Pollution, Liverpool, Liverpool University Press, , 1990, 165 + ix pp.pp Book, 1990

Pollution levels and the effects on the Dublin Bay ecosystem in, editor(s)Chambers, P.L. and Chambers, C.P. , Estuarine Toxicology, Ashford, Co. Wicklow., Japaga, 1990, pp63 -71 , [J.G. Wilson, B. Brennan and B. Rafferty] Book Chapter, 1990

Gill and palp morphology of Tellina tenuis and Tellina fabula in relation to feeding in, editor(s)Morton, B., , The Bivalvia. Proceedings of a symposium in memory of Sir Charles Maurice Yonge, Hong Kong., Hong Kong University Press, , 1990, pp141 - 150. , [Wilson, J.G.] Book Chapter, 1990

Effects of temperature changes on infaunal circalittoral bivalves, particularly T. tenuis and T. fabula in, editor(s)Beukema, J.J. et al. , Expected Effects of Climatic Changes on Marine Coastal Ecosystems, Amsterdam, Kluwer Academic, 1990, pp93-97 , [Wilson J.G.] Book Chapter, 1990

Bivalve individual variability in oxygen consumption and its effect on the response to environmental variables in, editor(s)Aldrich, J.C.A. , Phenotypic Responses and Individuality, Ashford, Co. Wicklow, Japaga, 1990, pp139 - 146 , [Wilsom, J.G.] Book Chapter, 1990

Biological impacts of organic and industrial discharges in, editor(s)Sweeney, J.C. , The Irish Sea" : a resource at risk, Geog. Soc. Ire. Special Publ, 1989, pp116-123 , [Wilson, J. G.] Book Chapter, 1989

Hamouda, M.S., Wilson, J.G., Levels of heavy metals along the Libyan coastline, Marine Pollution Bulletin , 20, (12), 1989, p621-624 Journal Article, 1989 DOI

Wilson, J. G., Biology of Estuarine Management, London, Croom Helm, 1988, 1-210pp Book, 1988

Wilson, J.G., Resource partitioning and predation as a limit to size in Nucula turgida (Leckenby & Marshall) , Functional Ecology, 2, (1), 1988, p63-66 Journal Article, 1988 DOI

The Dublin Bay ecosystem in, editor(s)Bruton, M., Convery, F. and Janson, A. , Managing Dublin Bay, UCD, Dublin, REPC, 1987, pp21 - 26 , [Wilson, J.G.] Book Chapter, 1987

Wilson, J.G., Ducrotoy, J.P., Desprez, M., Elkaim, B., Application of two estuary quality indices to the central and western English Channel: status of the Somme and Seine estuaries, France | [Application d'indices de qualite ecologique des estuaires en Manche centrale et orientale: comparaison de la Seine et de la Somme] , Vie et Milieu, 37, (1), 1987, p1-11 Journal Article, 1987

Europe-wide indices for monitoring estuarine quality in, editor(s)Richardson, D.H.S. , Biological Indicators of Pollution, Dublin , RIA, 1987, pp225-242 , [Wilson, J.G. & D.W. Jeffrey] Book Chapter, 1987

Wilson, J.G., Earley, J.J., Pesticide and PCB levels in the eggs of shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis and cormorant P. carbo from Ireland , Environmental Pollution Series B: Chemical and Physical, 12, (1), 1986, p15-26 Journal Article, 1986 DOI

J.G. Wilson, N.Allott, F.Bailey and N.Gray, A survey of the pollution status of the Liffey estuary, Irish Journal of Enviromental Science, 3, 1986, p15-20 Journal Article, 1986

Wilson, J.G., Shelley, C., The distribution of Nucula turgida ( Bivalvia: Protobranchia) from Dublin Bay, Ireland, and the effects of sediment organic content. , Journal - Marine Biological Association, 66, (1), 1986, p119-130 Journal Article, 1986 DOI

Wilson, J.G., The respiratory response of Tellina fabula Gmelin to temperature and low oxygen stress, Soosiana, 13, 1985, p27-32 Journal Article, 1985

J.G. Wilson & D.W. Jeffrey, A manual for the estimation of estuarine quality, 2nd edition, Dublin, NBST, 1985, 1-210pp Book, 1985

Wilson, J.G., Pollution induced enhancement of the oxyregulatory response of "Littorina rudis Maton, Journal of Life Science - Royal Dublin Society, 5, 1985, p81-86 Journal Article, 1985

Davis, J.P., Wilson, J.G., The energy budget and population structure of Nucula turgida in Dublin Bay. , Journal of Animal Ecology, 54, (2), 1985, 557-571 Journal Article, 1985 URL

Wilson, J.G. & Halcrow, W., (Editors), Estuarine Management and Quality Assessment, London, Plenum Press, 1985, 1-228 pp Book, 1985

Wilson, J.G., Assessment of the effects of short term salinity changes on the oxygen consumption of Cerastoderma edule, Macoma balthica, and Tellina tenuis from Dublin Bay, Ireland, Journal of Life Science - Royal Dublin Society, 5, 1984, p57-63 Journal Article, 1984

Davis, J.P., Wilson, J.G., Seasonal changes in tissue weight and biochemical composition of the bivalve nucula turgida in Dublin Bay with reference to gametogenesis , Netherlands Journal of Sea Research, 17, (1), 1983, p84-95 Journal Article, 1983 DOI

James G. Wilson, The uptake and accumulation of Ni by Cerastoderma edule and its effects on mortality, body condition and respiration rate, Marine Environmental Research, 8, (3), 1983, p129-148 Journal Article, 1983 DOI

James G. Wilson , Irish fisheries investigation -- Series B (Marine), 26, Ireland. Department of Fisheries and Forestry., 1983, 1-20pp Book, 1983

J.G. Wilson & J.P. Davis, The population structure and ecology of Nucula turgida (Leckenby and Marshall) in Dublin Bay, Prog. Underwat. Sci. , 8, 1983, p53-60 Journal Article, 1983

Wilson, J.G., Heavy metals in Littorina rudis Maton along a Cu pollution gradient, Journal of Life Science - Royal Dublin Society, 4, 1982, p27-35 Journal Article, 1982

Wilson, J.G., Distribution, biomass and production of bivalves in Dublin Bay, Malacologia, 22, 1982, p377-384 Journal Article, 1982

J.G. Wilson, D.W. Jeffrey, C.R. Harris and D.L. Tomlinson, A Manual for the estimation of estuarine quality, Dublin, NBST, 1982, 1 - 201pp Book, 1982

Wilson, J. G., Temperature tolerance of circatidal bivalves in relations to their distribution, Journal of Thermal Biology, 6, (4), 1981, p279-286 Journal Article, 1981 DOI

Wilson, J.G., The Marine Fauna of Lundy: Bivalvia, The Marine Fauna of Lundy: Bivalvia, 32, 1981, p29-37 Journal Article, 1981

J.G. Wilson & R.F. McMahon, Effects of temperature and hypoxia on the oxygen consumption of three species of intertidal bivalve molluscs from Dublin Bay, Ireland, Journal of Thermal Biology, 6, (4), 1981, p267-277 Journal Article, 1981 DOI

J.G. Wilson, & R.F. McMahon, Effects of high environmental copper concentration on the oxygen consumption, condition and shell morphology of natural populations of Mytilus edulis L. and Littorina rudis Maton, Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Comparative Pharmacology, 70, (2), 1981, p139-147 Journal Article, 1981 DOI

J.G. & R.F. McMahon, Effects of high environmental copper concentration on the oxygen consumption, condition and shell morphology of natural populations of Mytilus edulis L. and Littorina rudis Maton, Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Comparative Pharmacology, 70, (2), 1981, p139-147 Journal Article, 1981 DOI

Wilson, J.G., Heavy metals in the estuarine macrofauna of the east coast of Ireland, Journal of Life Science - Royal Dublin Society, 1, 1980, p183-189 Journal Article, 1980

Wilson, J. G. & Harris, C.R., The microfaunal communities of the sediments off the coast of Lundy, Progress in Underwater Science, (N.S.), 5, 1980, p119- 128 Journal Article, 1980

C.G. Wilson., D.L. Tomlinson, C.R. Harris and D.W. Jeffrey, Problems in the assessment of heavy metal levels in estuaries and the formation of a pollution index, Helgolander Meeresunters, 33, (1-4), 1980, p566-575 Journal Article, 1980 DOI

J.G., C.R. Harris, D.L. Tomlinson, and D.W. Jeffrey, Studies on the pollution status of Irish estuaries, Bull. estuar. & Brackish-wat. Sci. Ass, 23, 1979, p2-6 Journal Article, 1979

Wilson, J. G., The burrowing of Tellina tenuis Da Costa and Tellina fabula Gmelin in relation to sediment characteristics, Journal of Life Science - Royal Dublin Society, 1, 1979, p91-98. Journal Article, 1979

J.G. Wilson, C.R. Harris, D.L. Tomlinson, and D.W. Jeffrey, Studies on the pollution status of Irish estuaries, Bull. estuar. & Brackish-wat. Sci. Ass, 23, 1979, p2-6 Journal Article, 1979

Wilson, J.G., What is the function of the striae of Tellina fabula Gmelin?, Malacologia, 18, 1979, p291-296 Journal Article, 1979

Wilson, J.G., Upper temperature tolerances of Tellina tenuis and Tellina fabula, Marine Biology, 45, (2), 1978, p123-128 Journal Article, 1978 DOI

Wilson, J.G., The distribution of two closely related species of Tellina T. tenuis and T. fabula, Progress in Underwater Science, 2, 1977, p35-46 Journal Article, 1977

Wilson, J. G., Dispersion of Tellina tenuis from Kames Bay, Millport, Scotland, Marine Biology, 37, (4), 1976, p371-376 Journal Article, 1976 DOI

Wilson, J. G. & Hoare, R., The fauna of the soft substrates adjacent to the coast of Lundy, Lundy Field Society Report, 27, 1976, p53-58. Journal Article, 1976

Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction to Food Webs in Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems. in, Luczkovich, J.. Wilson, J.G. , Trophic Relationships of Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems, J. Wilson and J. Luczkovich (Eds) Treatise on estuarine and coastal science, Vol.6, Amsterdam, Elsevier, 2012, pp1 - 6, [Wilson, J.G. & Luczkovich, J.. ] Book Chapter, 2012

Dublin Bay, Encyclopedia of Ireland, Dublin, Gill & McMillan, 2004, pp320 - 320, [Wilson, J.G.] Item in dictionary or encyclopaedia, etc, 2004

Research Expertise

Description

Prof. Wilson's research interests are directed to the interactions between organisms and their environment and the implications for the short-term and long-term fitness of individuals, of populations and of ecosystems. The determination of fitness proceeds in three steps: 1. Investigations toward an understanding of the particular habitat and of the critical environmental stresses; 2. Quantification through bioenergetics and cost/benefit analysis of life strategies; 3. Construction and verification of process models and system models. The focus of these researches has been, on the system side, estuarine and coastal marine systems, and on the organism side, bivalves and particularly the Tellinidae. In estuarine and coastal systems, the major stresses are imposed by environmental factors such as temperature and salinity, and by anthropogenic factors such as the different kinds of pollution. Quality indices and bioindicators provide an integrated synopsis of the degree of perturbation, providing both scientific information as to the fitness of the target organism(s) and also the performance of management and economic strategies on the systems. As well as many articles in this area, Prof. Wilson has written a book chapter on indices; he has edited a symposium volume on Estuarine Management and Quality Assessment; he was one of the authors of the inter-governmental Irish Sea Study Group Report and he has written a book on the Biology of Estuarine Management. The most recent volume on this topic is The Intertidal Ecosystem (RIA, 2006), and he is currently writing a major review on the topic. Bioenergetics is the study of what Darwin saw as the driving force of evolution, the struggle for food. Energy acquisition and partitioning is central to the survival of individuals, of populations and ultimately of the species themselves. Bioenergetics can also quantify the short-term costs and benefits of an organism's life strategy as well as the impact of environmental and anthropogenic stresses. Prof. Wilson has published widely on various aspects of bioenergetics, which have been used to quantify the fitness of individuals, of populations, and of systems. The models include conceptual models which are implicit in many of the ideas in the preceding two sections, but the primary focus is mathematical models which can then be developed for predictive capability. These models can be formulated, and integrated, at process level, for example oxygen consumption and metabolism, at individual and population level with energy partitioning, and at system level with energy and nutrient budgets. As well as individual articles, this philosophy forms the basis of the symposium volume edited for the Royal Irish Academy Eutrophication in Irish Waters. It also forms the basis for other mathematical treatments such as multivariate analysis or systems analysis. The systems analysis approach is also at the core of his work in Dublin Bay and on the biodiversity of the Irish Sea. The latter work is just coming to fruition with the publication in 2001 of the first of 3 volumes, with further investigation planned extending the scope south into the Celtic Sea and offshore.

Projects

  • Title
    • Biological Effects of Pollution
  • Summary
    • The use of integrated chemical and biological effects assessment has become the preferred approach for assessing the impact of hazardous substance pollution. Specifically, measurement of biochemical markers in individual organisms in situ can provide sensitive and specific early warning signs of biological stress in response to pollution. In contrast, measurements at a broader ecosystem scale may be insufficiently sensitive or unable to discern contributory cause-effect relationships. This suite of monitoring techniques must perforce span the range of ecological complexity from single systems to populations and ecosystems. This project proposes a range of techniques as candidate biomarkers which cover the range of biocomplexity and which in addition offer the potential by which specific contaminants can be identified
  • Funding Agency
    • Marine Institute
  • Date From
    • 1-8-08
  • Date To
    • 28-2-12
  • Title
    • Stable isotope analysis of the Dublin Bay ecosystem
  • Funding Agency
    • SFI
  • Date From
    • Oct 2004
  • Date To
    • Jun 2008
  • Title
    • Interactions between hosts and parasites in Palaearctic coastal ecosystems
  • Funding Agency
    • EC INTAS
  • Date From
    • Dec 2006
  • Date To
    • Jun2009
  • Title
    • Habitat Mapping in the Irish sea (HabMap)
  • Funding Agency
    • EC INTERREG
  • Date From
    • June 2004
  • Date To
    • Dec 2007
  • Title
    • Biodiversity and ecological requirements of meiofauna and a typology for Irish transitional waters.
  • Funding Agency
    • EPA
  • Date From
    • Oct 2007
  • Date To
    • Sept 2010

Keywords

Animal Taxonomy; Aquatic Ecology; Biodiversity; Biological Modeling; Biological Oceanography; Climate Change; Coastal Zone Ecosystems and Management; Ecology; Ecosystem(s); Energetics; Environmental biology; Environmental Zoology; Estuarine Sciences; Global Change; Harmful Algal Blooms; Ichthyology; Invertebrate Physiology; Limnology; Marine; Marine and Ocean Sciences; Marine Biology; Marine Ecosystems; Marine Environment; Marine science and Fisheries biology; Marine Zoology; Pollution; Sediment; Sedimentology; Water Pollution

Recognition

Awards and Honours

FTCD 1993

Memberships

Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland

Marine Conservation Society

Porcupine

Estuarine Research Federation

Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association

Marine Biological Association

Scottish Association for Marine Science