Richard Thompson

Teaching interests

Programme Leader BSc (Hons) Marine Biology http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/0732/BSc+(Hons)+Marine+Biology

Ecology of Shallow Water Marine Habitats

Experimental Marine Ecology

Field Ecology

Statistics

Teaching and Learning Publications 

Sloman, K.A. and Thompson R.C. (2009) An example of large group drama and cross-year peer assessment for teaching science in higher education. International Journal of Science Education, 2009, 1–17. DOI:10.1080/09500690903229312

Thompson, R.C. (2008). Science and Ethics: plastic debris in the sea. Primary Science 104: 18-21.

 

 

Research interests

 

My research focuses on three main topics: the effects of plastic debris in the marine environment, the ecology and conservation of shallow water habitats and habitat modification to enhance biodiversity of marine engineering such as coastal defences and off-shore renewable energy devices.

I have been working on the effects of plastic in the marine environment for over a decade. In 2004 my group showed that waters around the north-east Atlantic had become contaminated by microscopic fragments of plastic or ‘microplastic’ and that the abundance of this material had increased significantly over the last 40 years (Science, vol 304, P. 838). These microplastic fragments some of which were smaller than the diameter of a human hair appear to have formed by the breakdown of everyday items such as plastic bags, bottles, rope and materials used in packaging. My group are at the forefront of research to establish the environmental consequences of this newly described form of debris (e.g. Environmental Science and Technology, 41: 7759-7764). 

In 2009 I was invited lead editor of a 200 page Theme Issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B – Plastics the environment and Human Health (http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/364/1526.toc). This volume brings together the work of over 60 leading experts and balances the societal benefits of plastics alongside environmental concerns and impacts. In the concluding Paper (Thompson et al. 2009) I focus on knowledge gaps and solutions to some of the issues posed in the volume. I am currently acting as an advisor on marine debris for the European Commission Marine Strategy Framework Directive and working with the United Nations Environment Programme to identify solutions to prevent the accumulation of marine debris http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/publication/STAP%20MarineDebris%20-%20website.pdf

Over the last decade I have become increasingly interested in the interaction between marine engineering, such as coastal defences and off-shore renewable energy developments (OREDs) and the ecology of shallow water habitats (e.g. Coastal Engineering 52, 1053 – 1071; 52: 1027 – 1051; 52: 1073-1087). Coastal defence structures occupy a substantial portion of some coastlines and the number of OREDs (wind, wave, tidal) is set to increase dramatically over the next decade. Such developments present both threats and opportunities for marine life. My current research through PRIMaRE (Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewable Energy) is examining ways to make space for nature by incorporating habitat modifications within marine engineering structures to enhance biodiversity and stocks of commercially important species of fin fish and shellfish.

My over arching research interests are on the ecology and conservation of shallow water habitats. I have numerous peer-reviewed publications on this theme ranging from the effects of commercial collection of ornamental sea shells for the marine curio trade (Biological Conservation, 63: 241-245) to predictions for the future of rocky intertidal habitats over the next 25 years (Environmental Conservation, 29: 168 -191). I have worked extensively on marine biofilms and on the grazers that feed up on them (e.g. Ecology 85: 1372-1382; Ecology, 87: 1169 – 1178; Marine Ecology Progress Series 296: 53-63).

I currently supervise a group comprising three Post Doctoral researchers and eight PhD students.

 

UoP Research group membership

Marine Biology & Ecology Research Centre (MBERC) 

Research degrees awarded to supervised students

Current PhD students

Kayleigh Wyles, Funding NERC/ESRC

Rocky Shores: From habitat threat to marine awareness & restorative experiences

2011 - Present

Daniel Metcalfe, Funding ESF

Environmentally & Ecologically durable surface design for the coastal built environment.

2011 - Present

Nicolas Biber, Funding: Self

Distribution and effects on microplastics in the environment

2009 – Present

Luke Holmes, Funding: University of Plymouth Studentship

The role of plastic production pellets in the transport and availability of trace metals in the marine environment

2009 – Present

Juliette Jackson, Funding: Self

Recruitment and succession on coastal defence structures
2006 – present (registered part-time)

 

PhD Students completed

Martin Coombes, PhD 2011, Coastal defences and biodiversity: examining the interplay between engineering design and ecological response, Funding: GWR
Gustavo Martins, PhD 2009 Community structure of the Azorean rocky intertidal: interactions between recruitment and exploitation, Funding: FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology)
John Griffin, PhD 2008 Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: tests using rockpools as natural mesocosms, Funding: NERC
Ana Silva, PhD 2008 Predator-prey interactions in rocky intertidal communities, Funding: FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology)
Mark Browne, PhD 2008 Environmental consequences of microscopic plastics in marine habitats, Funding: Leverhulme Trust
Gerardo Gomes-Filho, PhD 2008, Physical and Biological Processes Influencing the Distribution of Barnacles in Estuaries, Funding: CAPES (Brazilian Ministry of Education)
Laure Noel, PhD 2007, Species interactions during succession in rockpools: role of herbivores and physical factors Funding: Self
Emma Sheehan, PhD 2007, Ecological impact of the Carcinus maenas (L.) fishery 'Crab-Tiling' on estuarine fauna, Funding: charitable sources.
Nova Mieszkowska, PhD 2005, Population structures and reproductive cycles of British Trochid Gastropods in relation to climate change, Funding: MARCLIM and Self.
Pippa Moore, PhD 2005, The Role of biological interactions in modyfying the effects of climate change on intertidal assemblages, Funding: PERC, University of Plymouth and Marine Biological Association
Paula Moschella, PhD 2003, Influence of rock type on microbial fouling communities, Funding: EU.
Robert Alcock, PhD 2003, The effects of climate change on rocky shore communities in the Bay of Biscay. 1895 - 2050, Funding: Self.
Malcolm Roberts, PhD 2002, Population dynamics of Patella vulgata and P. depressa in S.W. England, Funding: Self.

 

 

 

Grants & contracts

 

Grants Awarded

1.    £300,000, to UoP as par of a £4M EU FP-7 (2012-2015) Marine Litter in European Seas: Social Awareness and Co-responsibility (MARLISCO) Thompson, R.C. and Pahl, S.

2.    £390,000, Defra, (2011- 2014) Investigating whether microplastics cause harm in the marine environment. Thompson, R.C., Rowland, S.J. and Galloway, T.G.

3.    £248,000, Esmee Fairburn, Naylor, L. Viles, H. and Thompson, R.C. (2011-1014) Bioprotection: an overlooked aspect of biodiversity/ecosystem service on coastal rocks.

4.    €8,529,439, EU FP-7 (2009-2014) Innovative technologies for safer European coasts in a changing climate (THESEUS). Management Board: Zanuttigh, B., Nicholls, R.J., Burcharth, H.F., Thompson, R.C., Vanderlinden, J.P., Losada, I.J. and Claus, S. (€505,608 to UoP, PI’s Reeve, D. and Thompson, R.C.)

5.    £254,000, Esmee Fairburn, (2009 -2012) Coastal Urban Ecology - Enhancing Biodiversity by Intelligent Design of Artificial Habitats (URBANE). Hawkins, S.J. (PI), Thompson, R.C., Frid C.L.J. and Burrows, M.T.

6.    £5,000, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (2009), preparation of co-authored reviews on the environmental impacts of offshore renewable – Making Blue Energy Green. Thompson RC

7.    £432,350, SWRDA (2007-2010) Assessing the biodiversity impact of the Wave Hub renewable energy development. Attrill, M.J. (PI), Thompson, R.C., Votier S.C., Hall-Spencer, J. and Howell K.L.

8.    £22,000, PRIMaRE (2007-2008) Incorporating fisheries enhancement into coastal engineering as part of Wave Hub. Thompson, R.C. (PI), Moore, P.J. and Chadwick A.J.

9.    £216,000, NERC (2005-2009) Consumer responses to habitat depletion: food-refuge interactions in periwinkles. Doncaster, C.P. (PI), Thompson, R.C., and Hawkins, S.J.

10. £31,869, NERC (2005-2007) Microscopic plastic, the extent of the problem: a new method for separating plastic fragments from natural sediments. Gaunt, L.F. (PI), Thompson, R.C. and Hearn, G.L.

11. £196,000, NERC (2004-2008) Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: tests using rockpools as natural mesocosms. Jenkins, S.R. (PI), Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins, S.J.

12. £181,608, Leverhulme Trust (2003-2007) Lost at sea – where does all the plastic go II? Thompson, R.C. (PI), Rowland, S.J., Galloway, T.S. and Russell, A.E.

13. £ 14,945, Leverhulme Trust (2001-2002) Lost at sea – where does all the plastic go? Thompson, R.C. (PI) and Russell, A.E.

14. £500,000, (2000-2003) Assessing and predicting the influence of climatic change on the marine flora and fauna of Britain and Ireland using intertidal indicators. A consortium Project funded by English Nature, Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, Department of the Environment and Transport and the Regions, Hawkins, S.J. (PI), Thompson, R.C., Southward, A.J., Kendall, M., Burrows M. and O’Riordan, R.

15. £88,543, NERC Joint Research Equipment Initiative (1999-2001) Data loggers for recording activity of homing limpets Hawkins, S.J. (PI), Thompson, R.C. and Hartnoll, R.G.

16. £140,000, EU (2000-2004) Environmental Design of Low-Crested Coastal Defences. Hawkins, S.J. (PI), Thompson, R.C. et al.

17. £25,469, NERC (1999-2000) The role of boring bivalves in generating spatial and erosional processes. Thompson, R.C. (PI) and Hawkins, S.J.

18. £30,000, EU (1999-2001) Interactions between substrate type and marine fouling. Moschella, P.S., Thompson R.C. and Hawkins S.J. (PI).

19. £ 22,665, NERC (1997-1999). Summertime: too much of a good thing for microalgae? Thompson, R.C. (PI), Thomason, J.C. and Hawkins, S.J.

20. £ 3,500, Manx Airlines. (1995) Survey of Manx sublittoral habitats Thompson, R.C. (PI), Bates M. and Veale, L.O.

21. £ 2,500, Royal Geographical Society (and others) (1990) Marine curio trade in Tanzania Thompson, R.C. (PI), Newton, L.C. and Parkes, E.V.H.

 

 

Creative practice & artistic projects

 

Dominant Wave Theory, A. Hughes (2006) Booth-Clibborn Editions

This book, gives an extensive factual and thought provoking photographic record of debris in the marine environment.  I contributed a scientific forward on the environmental consequences of this debris (P112-115).

 

Littoral Exhibition, University of Plymouth, Uk 

31^st October – 25^th November, 2005

I was one of four scientific contributors to this exhibition which represents the first in what is hoped to be a series of collaborations between the School of media and Photography and the School of Biological Sciences.

 

Weird Worlds Exhibition, Plymouth City Museum, UK

 4 March – 26th April, 2003 (www.geog.plym.ac.uk/weirdworlds/main.htm), I organised the ‘Marine Worlds’ section of this event which was run jointly by the University of Plymouth and City of Plymouth Museums and Art Galleries. I co-ordinated exhibits and seminars from more than 20 contributors throughout SW England. The exhibition catered for all ages and attracted over 6000 visitors.

 

Plymouth City Museum, Plymouth, UK

Contributor of underwater photographs

 

National Museum of Photography, Bradford, UK 

Contributor of underwater photographs

 

 

 

Publications

Summary: 90 publications, including two in Science (impact factor 30.9), two in Global Change Biology (impact factor 5.9), four in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. (impact factor 5.6), three in Ecology (4.8), three in Environmental Science and Technology (impact factor 4.4), two in Biological Conservation (impact factor 3.6) together with numerous book chapters and invited lead editorship of a 197 page special volume of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. There were 150 ISI citations of my work between January and September 2009.

 principal authors shown in bold type,
+, indicates undergraduate; ‡, postgraduate taught or §, postgraduate research co-authors

 

Journal articles (refereed)

1. Witt, M. J., Sheehan, E. V., Bearhop, S., Broderick, A. C., Conley, D. C., Cotterell, S., Crow, P. E. Grecian, W. J., Halsband, C., Hodgson, D. J., Hosegood, P., Inger, R., Miller, P. I., Sims, D. W., Thompson, R. C., Vanstaen, K. Votier, S. C., Attrill, M. J. and  Godley, B. J. (in press) Assessing wave energy effects on biodiversity: the Wave Hub experience. Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society A.
2.  Holmes, L. A., Turner, A. & Thompson, R. C. 2012 Adsorption of trace metals to plastic resin pellets in the marine environment. Environmental Pollution 160, 42-48.
3. Skov, M. W., Hawkins, S. J., Volkelt-Igoe, M., Pike, J., Thompson, R. C., and Doncaster, C. P. (2011). Patchiness in resource distribution mitigates habitat loss: insights from high-shore grazers. Ecosphere 2:art60 1-17.  doi:10.1890/ES11-00017.1
4. Browne, M. A., Crump, P., Niven, S. J., Teuten, E., Tonkin, A., Galloway, T. and  Thompson, R. (2011) Accumulation of Microplastic on Shorelines Woldwide: Sources and Sinks. Environmental Science & Technology 45, 9175-9179.
5. Coombes, M. A., Naylor, L. A., Thompson, R. C., Roast, S. D., Gomez-Pujol, L. & Fairhurst, R. J. (2011) Colonization and weathering of engineering materials by marine microorganisms: an SEM study. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 36, 582-593.
6. Martins, G. M., Jenkins, S. R., Hawkins, S. J., Neto, A. I., Medeiros, A. R. and Thompson, R. C. (2011) Illegal harvesting affects the success of fishing closure areas. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 91, 929-937.
7. Moore, P. J., Thompson, R. C. & Hawkins, S. J. (2011) Phenological changes in intertidal con-specific gastropods in response to climate warming. Global Change Biology 17, 709-719.
8. Martins, G.M., Thompson, R.C., Neto, A.I., Hawkins, S.J. and Jenkins, S.R. (2010) Exploitation of intertidal grazers as a driver of community divergence Journal of Applied Ecology, 47: 1282–1289.  doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01876.x §
9. O’Brine, T. and Thompson, R.C. (2010) Degradation of plastic carrier bags in the marine environment Marine pollution Bulletin 60: 2279-2283. +,
10. Moore, P.J.,  Thompson, R.C. and  Hawkins, S.J. (2010) Phenological changes in intertidal con-specific gastropods in response to climate warming Global Change Biology, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2010.02270.x §
11. Browne, M. A.; Galloway, T. S., and Thompson, R. C., (2010) Spatial Patterns of Plastic Debris along Estuarine Shorelines. Environmental Science & Technology, 44, 3404-3409. DOI: 10.1021/es903784e §
12. Martins, G.M., Thompson, R.C., Neto, A.I., Hawkins, S.J. and Jenkins, S.R. (2010) Enhancing stocks of the exploited limpet Patella candei d’Orbigny via modifications in coastal engineering, Biological Conservation,143: 203-211 §
13. Silva, A. C. F. Hawkins, S. J., Boaventura, D. M., Brewster, E. and Thompson, R. C. (2010). The use of the intertidal zone by mobile predators: the influence of wave exposure, tidal phase and elevation on abundance and diet. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 406: 197–210, 2010  doi: 10.3354/meps08543 § ‡
14. Griffin, J.N., Noël, L. M-L. J., Crowe, T.P., Burrows, M.T, Hawkins, S.J., Thompson, R.C. and Jenkins, S.R. (2010) Species composition, not richness, determines consumer effects on rockpool community structure and functioning Marine Ecology Progress Series 420: 45-56§
15. Noël, L. M-L. J, Griffin, J.N., Thompson, R.C., Hawkins, S.J., Burrows, M.T., Crowe, T.P. and Jenkins, S.R. (2010) Assessment of a field incubation method estimating primary productivity in rockpool communities Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 88 :153-159. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2010.03.005 §
16. Skov, M.W., Volkelt-Igoe1, M, Hawkins, S. J., Jesus, B., Thompson, R. C. and Doncaster, C. P. (2010) Past and present grazing boosts the photo-autotrophic biomass of microbial lawns. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 401: 1014 -111. doi: 10.3354/meps08481
17. Sheehan, E. V., Coleman R. A., Thompson R. C., and Attrill M. J. (2010) Crab-tiling reduces the diversity of estuarine Infauna.  Marine Ecology Progress Series 411: 137–148, 2010. doi: 10.3354/meps08668 §
18. Sheehan, E.V., Coleman, R.A, Attrill, M.J. and Thompson, R.C. (2010) A quantitative assessment of the response of mobile estuarine fauna to crab-tiles during tidal immersion using remote underwater video cameras Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 387: 68–74. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2010.02.008 §
19. Sheehan, E. V., Coleman, R. A., Attrill, M. J. and Thompson, R. C. (2010) A quantitative assessment of the response of mobile estuarine fauna to crab-tiles during tidal immersion using remote underwater video cameras. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 387: 68–74. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2010.02.008 §
20. Silva, A.C., Silva, I.C., Hawkins, S.J., Boaventura, D.M. and Thompson R.C. (2010)  Cheliped morphological variation of the intertidal crab Eriphia verrucosa across shores of differing exposure to wave action. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 391: 84–91 doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2010.06.012 §
21. Griffin, J. N., Jenkins, S. R., Gamfeldt, L., Jones, D., Hawkins, S. J. & Thompson, R. C. (2009) Spatial heterogeneity increases the importance of species richness for an ecosystem process. Oikos 118, 1335-1342.
22. Hawkins, S.J., Sugden, H.E., Mieszkowska, N., Moore, P.J., Poloczanska, E., Leaper, R., Herbert, R., Genner, M.J., Moschella, P.S., Thompson, R.C., Jenkins, S.R., Southward, A.J. and Burrows^, M.T. (2009) Consequences of climate-driven biodiversity changes for ecosystem functioning of north European rocky shores. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 396: 245–259,  doi: 10.3354/meps08378
23. Griffin, J.N., Jenkins, S.R., Gamfeldt, L., Jones, D., Hawkins, S.J. and Thompson, R.C. (2009) Spatial heterogeneity increases the importance of species richness for an ecosystem process. Oikos 118: 1335-1342. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2009.17572 §
24. Sloman, K.A. and Thompson R.C. (2009) An example of large group drama and cross-year peer assessment for teaching science in higher education. International Journal of Science Education, 2009, 1–17. DOI:10.1080/09500690903229312
25. Silva, A.C.F., Brazão, S., Hawkins, S.J., Thompson, R.C. and Boaventura, D.M. (2009) Abundance, population structure and claw morphology of the semi-terrestrial crab Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Fabricius, 1787) on shores of differing wave exposure. Marine Biology, 156: 2591-2599. DOI 10.1007/s00227-009-1283-1 §
26. Thompson, R.C., Moore, C.M., vom Saal, F.S. and Swan, S.H. (2009) Our plastic age. Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society B., 364: 1973-1976. doi:10.1098/rstb.2009.0054
27. Thompson, R.C., Moore, C.M., vom Saal, F.S. and Swan, S.H. (2009) Plastics, the environment and human health: current consensus and future trends. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B., 364: 2153-2166. doi:10.1098/rstb.2009.0053
28. Barnes, D.K.A., Galgani, F., Thompson, R.C. and Barlaz, M. (2009) Accumulation and fragmentation of plastic debris in global environments. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B., 364: 1985-1998. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2008.0205
29. Teuten, E.L., Saquing, J.M., Knappe, D.R.U., Barlaz, M.A., Jonsson, S., Björn, A., Rowland, S.J., Thompson, R.C., Galloway, T.S., Yamashita, R., Ochi, D., Watanuki, Y., Moore, C.M., Viet, P., Tana, T.S., Prudente, M., Boonyatumanond, R., Zakaria, M.P., Akkhavong, K., Ogata, Y., Hirai, H., Iwasa, S., Mizukawa, K., Hagino,  Y., Imamura, A., Saha, M. and Takada, H. (2009) Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlife. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B., 364: 2027-2045. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2008.0284
30. Ogata, Y., Takada, H., Master, M.K., Hirai, H., Iwasa, S., Endo, S., Mato, Y., Mahua, S.M., Okuda, K., Nakashima, A., Murakami, M., Zurcher, N., Booyatumanondo, R., Zakaria, M.P., Le Q Dung, D., Gordon, M., Miguez, C., Suzuki, S., Moore, C.M., Karapanagioti, H., Weerts, S., McClurg, T., Burres, E., Smith, W., Velkenburg, M.V., Lang, J.S., Lang, R., Laursen, D., Danner, B., Stewardson, N. and Thompson, R.C. (2009) International Pellet Watch : Global monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in coastal waters. 1. Initial phase data on PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 58: 1437-1446. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.06.014
31. Valdivia, N., de la Haye, K.L., Jenkins, S.R., Kimmance, S.A., Thompson, R.C. and Molis, M. (2009) Functional composition, but not richness, affected the performance of sessile suspension-feeding assemblages. Journal of Sea Research, 61: 216-221. doi:10.1016/j.seares.2008.12.001
32. Firth, L.B., Crowe, T.P., Moore, P., Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins, S.J. (2009) Predicting impacts of climate-induced range expansion: an experimental framework and a test involving key grazers on temperate rocky shores. Global Change Biology, 15:1413-1422. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2009.01863.x §
33. Noel, L., Hawkins, S.J., Jenkins, S.R. and Thompson, R.C. (2009) Grazing dynamics in intertidal rockpools: Connectivity of microhabitats. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 370: 9-17. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2008.11.005 §
34. Masterson, P., Arenas, F.A., Thompson, R.C. and Jenkins, S.R. (2008) Interaction of top down and bottom up factors in intertidal rockpools: Effects on early successional macroalgal community composition, abundance and productivity. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 363:12-20. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2008.06.001
35. Sheehan, E.V., Thompson, R.C., Coleman, R.A. and Attrill, M.J. (2008) Positive feedback fishery: Population consequences of 'crab-tiling' on the green crab Carcinus maenas. Journal of Sea Research, 60: 255-261. doi:10.1016/j.seares.2008.09.002 §
36. Silva, A.C.F., Hawkins, S.J., Boaventura, D.M. and Thompson, R.C. (2008) Predation by small mobile aquatic predators regulates populations of the intertidal limpet Patella vulgata (L.). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 367: 259-265. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2008.10.010 §
37. Hawkins, S.J., Moore, P.J., Burrows, M.T., Poloczanska, E., Mieszkowska, N., Herbert, R.J.H., Jenkins, S.R., Thompson, R.C., Genner, M.J. and Southward, A.J. (2008) Complex interactions in a rapidly changing world: responses of rocky shore communities to recent climate change. Climate Research, 37:123-133. §
38. Browne, M.A., Dissanayake, A., Galloway, T.S., Lowe, D.M. and Thompson R.C. (2008). Ingested microscopic plastic translocates to the circulatory system of the mussel, Mytilus edulis (L.) Environmental Science and Technology, 42: 5026-5031. §
39. Griffin, J., de la Haye, K.L., Hawkins, S.J., Thompson, R.C. and Jenkins S.R. (2008). Predator diversity and ecosystem functioning: density modifies the effect of resource partitioning. Ecology, 89: 298-305. §, +
40. Pinn, E.H., Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins S.J. (2008). Piddocks (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Pholadidae) increase topographical complexity and species diversity in the intertidal. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 355: 173-182.
41. Martins, G.M., Thompson, R.C., Hawkins, S.J., Neto, A.I. and Jenkins S.R. (2008). Rocky intertidal community structure in oceanic islands: scales of spatial variability. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 356: 15-24. §
42. Blight, A.J. and Thompson R.C. (2008). Epibiont species richness varies between holdfasts of a northern and a southerly distributed kelp species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 88: 469-475. +
43. Martins, G.M., Jenkins, S.R., Hawkins, S.J., Neto, A.I. and Thompson R.C. (2008).Exploitation of rocky intertidal grazers: population status and potential impacts on community structure and functioning. Aquatic Biology, 3: 1-10. §
44. Teuten, E.L., Rowland, S.J., Galloway, T.S. and Thompson R.C. (2007). Potential for Plastics to Transport Hydrophobic Contaminants. Environmental Science and Technology, 41: 7759-7764.
45. Browne, M.A., Galloway, T., and Thompson R. (2007). Microplastic – an emerging contaminant of potential concern. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 3: 559–566. §
46. Moore, P.J., Hawkins, S.J., and Thompson R.C. (2007). The role of biological habitat amelioration in altering the relative responses of congeneric species to climate change. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 334: 11-19. §
47. Moore, P.J., Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins S.J. (2007). Effects of grazer identity on the probability of escapes by a canopy-forming macroalga. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 344: 170-180. §
48. Martins, G.M., Hawkins, S.J., Thompson, R.C. and Jenkins S.R. (2007). Community structure and function in intertidal rockpools: effects of pool size and shore height at different successional stages. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 329: 43-55. §
49. Jonsson, P.R., Granhag, L., Moschella, P.S., Åberg, P., Hawkins, S.J. and Thompson R.C. (2006). Interactions between wave action and grazing control the distribution of intertidal macroalgae. Ecology, 87: 1169 - 1178. §
50. Thompson, R., Moore, C., Andrady, A., Gregory, M., Takada, H. and Weisberg S. (2005). New directions in plastic debris. Science, 310: 1117.
51. Thompson, R.C., Moschella, P.S., Jenkins, S.R., Norton, T.A. and Hawkins S.J. (2005). Differences in photosynthetic marine biofilms between sheltered and moderately exposed rocky shores. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 296: 53-63.
52. Pinn, E.H., Richardson, C.A., Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins S.J. (2005). Burrow morphology, biometry, age and growth of piddocks (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Pholadidae) on the south coast of England, U.K. Marine Biology, 147: 943-953.
53. Santini, G., Tendi, C., Righini, N., Thompson, R.C. and Chelazzi G. (2005). Preliminary observation on intra-specific variability in the temporal organisation of foraging of the limpet Patella caerulea. Ethology and Evolution, 17: 65-75. + x 2
54. Moschella, P.S., Abbiati, M., Åberg, P., Airoldi, L., Anderson, J.M., Bacchiocchi, F., Bulleri, F., Dinesen, G.E. , Frost, M., Gaçia, E., Granhag, L., Jonsson, P.R. Satta, M.P., Sundelöf, A., Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins S.J. (2005). Low-crested coastal defence structures as artificial habitats for marine life: using ecological criteria in design. Coastal Engineering, 52: 1053 – 1071. §
55. Martin, D., Bertasi, F., Colangelo, M.A., de Vries, M., Frost, M., Hawkins, S.J., Macpherson, E., Moschella, P.S., Satta, M.P., Thompson, R.C. and Ceccherelli V.U. (2005). Ecological impact of coastal defence structures on sediment and mobile fauna: Evaluating and forecasting consequences of unavoidable modifications of native habitats. Coastal Engineering, 52: 1027 – 1051. §
56. Airoldi, L., Abbiati, M., Beck, M. W., Hawkins, S.J., Jonsson, P.R., Martin, D., Moschella, P.S., Sundelöf, A., Thompson, R.C. and Åberg P. (2005). An ecological perspective on the deployment and design of low- crested and other hard coastal defence structures. Coastal Engineering, 52: 1073-1087. §
57. Mieszkowska, N., Leaper, R., Moore, P.J., Kendall, M.A., Burrows, M.T., Lear, D., Poloczanska, E., Hiscock, K., Moschella, P.S., Thompson, R.C., Herbert, R.J., Laffoley, D., Baxter, J., Southward, A.J. and Hawkins S.J. (2005). Marine Biodiversity and Climate Change: Assessing and Predicting the Influence of Climatic Change Using Intertidal Rocky Shore Biota, Occasional Publications of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 20, 53pp. § x 2
58. Thompson, R.C., Olsen, Y., Mitchell, R.P., Davis, A., Rowland, S.J., John, A.W.G., McGonigle, D. and Russell A.E. (2004). Lost at sea: Where does all the plastic go? Science, 304: 838. +, ‡ x 2
59. Thompson, R.C., Norton, T.A. and Hawkins S.J. (2004). Physical stress and biological regulation control pattern and process in benthic biofilms. Ecology, 85: 1372-1382. 
60. Santini, G., Thompson, R.C., Tendi, C., Hawkins, S.J., Hartnoll, R.G. and Chelazzi G. (2004). Intra-specific variability in the temporal organisation of foraging activity in the limpet Patella vulgata. Marine Biology, 144: 1165-1172. +
61. Thompson, R.C., Crowe, T.P. and S.J., Hawkins (2002). Rocky intertidal communities: past environmental changes, present status and predictions for the next 25 years. Environmental Conservation, 29: 168 -191.
62. Jenkins, S.R., Arenas, F., Arrontes, J., Bussell, J., Castro, J., Coleman, R.A., Hawkins, S.J., Kay, S., Martinez, B., Oliveros, J., Roberts, M.F., Sousa, S., Thompson, R.C. and Hartnoll R.G. (2001). European-scale analysis of seasonal variability in limpet grazing activity and microalgal abundance. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 14: 193-203. +, §
63. Thompson, R.C., Norton, T.A., Roberts, M.F. and Hawkins S.J. (2000). Feast or famine for intertidal grazing molluscs: a mis-match between seasonal variations in grazing intensity and the abundance of microbial resources. Hydrobiologia, 440: 357 – 366. §
64. Crowe, T.P., Thompson, R.C., Bray, S. and Hawkins S.J. (2000). Impacts of anthropogenic stress on rocky intertidal communities. Journal of Aquatic Ecosystem Stress and Recovery, 7: 273-297. §
65. Thompson, R.C., Jenkins, S.R., and Bussell J.A. (2000). A method for recording predator-prey encounters between crabs and limpets using wax replicas. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 80: 633-638. +
66. Thompson, R.C., Tobin, M.L., Hawkins, S.J. and Norton T.A. (1999). Problems in extraction and spectrophotometric determination of chlorophyll from epilithic biofilms: towards a standard method. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 79: 551-558. +
67. Norton, T.A., Thompson, R.C., Pope, J., Veltkamp, C.J., Banks, B., Howard, C.V. and Hawkins S.J. (1998). Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and phase contrast light microscopy to examine marine biofilms. Aquatic Microbial Ecology, 16: 199-204. +
68. Thompson, R.C., Norton, T.A. and Hawkins S.J. (1998). The influence of epilithic microbial films on the settlement of Semibalanus balanoides cyprids - a comparison between laboratory and field experiments. Hydrobiologia, 375/376: 203-216.
69. Thompson, R.C., Johnson, L. and Hawkins S.J. (1997). A method for spatial and temporal assessment of gastropod grazing intensity in the field: the use of radula scrapes on wax discs. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 218: 63-76.
70. Thompson, R.C., Wilson, B.J., Tobin, M.L., Hill, A.S. and Hawkins S.J. (1996). Biologically generated habitat provision and diversity of rocky shore organisms at an hierarchy of spatial scales. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 202: 73-84. +
71. Newton, L.C., Parkes, E.V.H. and Thompson R.C. (1993). The effects of shell collecting on the abundance of gastropods on Tanzanian Shores. Biological Conservation, 63: 241-245.

 

Authored/edited books or chapters in books and reports

72. Galgani, F., Fleet, D., van Franeker, J., Katsanevakis, S., Maes, T., Mouat, J. Oosterbaan, L., Poitou, I., Hanke, G., Thompson, R.,  Amato, E., Birkun A., and Janssen, C. (2010) Marine strategy framework directive, Task Group 10 Report, Marine litter. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. DOI 10.2788/86941

73. Wilhelmsson, D., Malm, T., Thompson, R., Tchou, J., Sarantakos, G., McCormick, N., Luitjens, S., Gullström, M., Patterson Edwards, J.K., Amir, O. and Dubi, A. (eds.) (2010). Greening Blue Energy: Identifying and managing the biodiversity risks and opportunities of off shore renewable energy. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. 90pp.

74. S.J. Hawkins, H.E. Sugden, P.S. Moschella, N. Mieszkowska, R.C. Thompson and M.T. Burrows (2010). Silent summer, Chapter 33, The Sea Shore Page 591-614, Cambridge University Press.

75. Noel, M.J., Griffin, J.N., Moschella, P.S., Jenkins, S.R., Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins, S.J. (2009) Changes in diversity and ecosystem functioning during succession. In: Marine hard bottom communities: patterns, dynamics, diversity and change, Wahl, M. (Ed.), Chapter 15, pp. 213-223, Springer, Heidelberg, Germany. §x2

76. Branch, G.M., Thompson, R.C., Crowe, T.P., Castilla, J.C., Langmead, O. and Hawkins S.J. (2008). Rocky intertidal shores: prognosis for the future, in: Aquatic ecosystems: trends and global prospects. Pollunin, N.V.C. (Ed.), Chapter 15, pp. 209-225, Cambridge University Press, UK.

77. Thompson, R.C. (2007) Biofilms, in: Encyclopedia of Tidepools and Rocky Shores. Denny, M.W. and Gaines S.D. (Eds.), pp. 85-87, University of California Press, Berkley, USA.

78. Burcharth, H., Vidal, C., Moschella, P.S., Airoldi, L., Bulleri, F., Ceccherelli, V.U., Colangelo, M.A., Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins S.J. (2007) Consideration of legal, physical environmental, socio-economic and aesthetic constraints, in: Environmental design guidelines for low crested coastal structures. Burcharth, H.F., Hawkins, S.J., Zanuttigh, B. and Lamberti A. (Eds.), pp. 17-24, Elsevier, Oxford UK. §
79. Moschella, P.S., Paphitis, D., Plomartis, T., Collins, M., Aberg, P., Garhang, L., Jonsson P., Frost, M., Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins S.J. (2007). Case studies in: Environmental design guidelines for low crested coastal structures. Burcharth, H.F., Hawkins, S.J., Zanuttigh, B. and Lamberti A. (Eds.), pp. 73-136, Elsevier, Oxford UK. §
80. Moschella, P.S., Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins S.J. (2007). Environmental considerations in: Environmental design guidelines for low crested coastal structures. Burcharth, H.F., Hawkins, S.J., Zanuttigh, B. and Lamberti A. (Eds.), p. 65, Elsevier, Oxford UK. §
81. Moschella, P.S., Thompson, R.C. and Hawkins S.J. (2007). Environmental impacts during construction operations in: Environmental design guidelines for low crested coastal structures. Burcharth, H.F., Hawkins, S.J., Zanuttigh, B. and Lamberti A. (Eds.), p.70, Elsevier, Oxford UK. §
82. Thompson, R.C., (2006). Plastics, in: Dominant wave theory. Hughes, A. and Carson D. pp. 112-116, Booth-Clibborn, London, UK.

 

Journal articles (non-refereed)

83. Thompson, R.C. (2008). Science and Ethics: plastic debris in the sea. Primary Science 104: 18-21.
84. Thompson R.C. (2008). Plastic: 21^st century plague. Marine Conservation, 7(11): 22-27.
85. Jonsson, P.R., Granhag, L., Moschella, P.S., Åberg, P., Hawkins, S.J. and Thompson R.C. (2006). Algal Refuge. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America, 87: 112. §
86. Hoare, C. and Thompson R.C. (1997). Microscopic plastic: a shore thing. Marine Conservation, 3(11): 4. +

Conference contributions (refereed)

87. Coombes, M.A. Naylor, L.A. Roast, S.D. and Thompson, R.C. (2009) Coastal Defences and Biodiversity: the influence of material choice and small-scale surface texture on biological outcomes, Proceedings of the Institute of Civil Engineers Conference: Marine structures and breakwaters, adapting to change, Edinburgh September, 2009, 12 pages. +
88. Zanuttigh, B., Gaeta, G.M., Tumedei, M., Thompson, R.C. and Losada, I.J. (in press) Hydrodynamic fluxes and barrier colonization at Elmer breakwater: study for an environmental design of coastal structures, Proceedings of 33rd International Association of Hydraulic Engineering Research Conference, Vancouver, USA, August, 2009, (8 pages). ‡

89. Wearmouth, V.J., Southall, E.J., Morritt, D., Thompson, R.C., Budd, G.C., Cuthill, I.C., Partridge, J.C. and Sims, D.W. (2009) Sexual segregation as a behavioural mediator of elasmobranch population dynamics, Annual Meeting of the Society for Experimental Biology, Glasgow, p. S67-S67. § 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.04.014

90. Thompson, R.C., (2006). Plastic debris in the marine environment: consequences and solutions, in: Marine Nature Conservation in Europe, Krause, J.C., von Nordheim, H., and S., Brager (Eds.), pp. 107-116. Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Stralsund, Germany.

91. Veale, L.O., Bates, M. and R.C., Thompson (1997). Using volunteer divers to map sublittoral habitats around the Isle of Man. Proceedings of the Fourth Underwater Science Symposium, pp. 25-26.

 

Other publications

92. Veale, L. Thompson, R.C. and Bates, M. (1998) Isle of Man Sublittoral Survey, 1994-1997, Report, Port Erin Marine Laboratory, Port Erin, Isle of Man 25pp.

 

 

Reviews of my research and publications

 

CIMAR, Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, paper of the week, March 2010

 

Martins, G.M., Thompson, R.C., Neto, A.I., Hawkins, S.J. and Jenkins, S.R. (2010) Enhancing stocks of the exploited limpet Patella candei d’Orbigny via modifications in coastal engineering, Biological Conservation,143: 203-211 §

 

‘It is widely recognized that microhabitats are important for a variety of marine organisms, yet this knowledge has rarely been applied in the construction of engineered structures as a means of enhancing biodiversity or populations of species at risk....’

 

Betts, K. (2008) Why small plastic particles may pose a big problem in the oceans Environmental Science and Technology, 5^th November, 2008. Reports on 2 papers from my group:

 

Browne, M.A., Dissanayake, A., Galloway, T.S., Lowe, D.M. and Thompson R.C. (2008). Ingested microscopic plastic translocates to the circulatory system of the mussel, Mytilus edulis (L.) Environmental Science and Technology, 42: 5026-5031.

Teuten, E.L., Rowland, S.J., Galloway, T.S. and Thompson R.C. (2007). Potential for Plastics to Transport Hydrophobic Contaminants. Environmental Science and Technology, 41: 7759-7764.

 

‘two of the most influential papers in the field’

 

Duffy, J.E. (2008) Faculty of 100 must read papers. Reports on:

 

Griffin, J., de la Haye, K., Hawkins, S.J., Thompson, R.C. and Jenkins S.R. (2008). Predator diversity and ecosystem functioning: density modifies the effect of resource partitioning. Ecology, 89: 298-305.

 

‘This paper presents some of the first and most convincing experimental evidence for the widely assumed importance of resource partitioning in mediating the enhancement of ecosystem processes by diversity’

 

Ellinoson K. (2007) The trouble with nurdles. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment:  5:  396-396.

 

Reports in general about my research on plastics.

 

Weismann, A. (2007) Polymers are forever. In: The world without us, Virgin Books Ltd, London, Chapter 9, 112-128.

 

Reports extensively on research by my group

 

Hopkin, M. (2004) Plastic particles surf polluted waves, Nature news (7th May, 2004 doi:10.1038). Reports on:

 

Thompson, R.C., Olsen. Y., Mitchell, R.P., Davis, A., Rowland, S.J., John, A.W.G., McGonigle, D. and Russell A.E. (2004). Lost at sea: Where does all the plastic go? Science, 304: 838.

 

Reports & invited lectures

 

Keynote Presentations

Accumulation and environmental consequences of plastic debris in marine habitats, Stralsund, Germany, May 2006. Marine Nature Conservation in Europe 2006 Invited Seminar funded by Bundesamt fur Naturschutz. Thompson RC, Rowland SJ, Galloway TS, Browne MA, Niven S and Teuten E.

Los Martes de L’Oceanographic: The fate and impacts of plastic waste in the sea, Valencia, Spain, March 2006, Invited Lecture funded the British Council programme for Science and Society. Thompson RC, Rowland SJ, Galloway TS, Browne MA, Niven S and Teuten E.

Microscopic plastic particles in the marine environment. Kommunes Internatsjonale miloorganisasjon (Local Authorities International Organisation) 15th International Conference, Lerwick, Shetland, UK, October 2005. Thompson RC, Rowland SJ, Galloway TS, Browne MA and Niven S.

 

The accumulation and environmental consequence of microscopic plastic debris. Plastic debris, rivers to sea conference. California, USA, September 2005. Thompson RC, Rowland SJ, Galloway TS, Browne MA and Niven S.

 

Lost at Sea: Studies on the Fate and Effects of Particles of Plastics. Royal Society of Chemistry International Symposium on Sustainable Plastics: Biodegradability versus Recycling. Manchester, March 2005. Thompson RC, Galloway T, Niven SJ, Browne M, & Rowland SJ.

 

Progress in research on interactions between seaweeds and invertebrates in littoral ecosystems of Europe. Third European Phycological Congress, July 2003. Belfast, UK. Hawkins SJ, Thompson RC and Aberg P.

 

Rocky intertidal communities: past environmental changes, present status and predictions (forecasts?) for the next 25 years. 5th International Conference on Environmental Futures, March 2003. Zurich, Switzerland. Thompson, RC, Crowe T.P. and Hawkins SJ.

 

Climate change and temperate reef ecosystems: integrating time and space. 6th International Temperate Reefs Symposium, January 2003. Christchurch, New Zealand. Hawkins SJ, Burrows MT, Kendall MA, Mieszkowska N, Moore P, Southward AJ, Thompson RC and Leaper R.

 

 

 

 

Conferences organised

 

Climate Change and Aquatic Systems: Past, Present and Future

University of Plymouth, 21-23rd July, 2004

 

 

 

Links

http://www.biology.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/Thompson/RThompson.htm