The Global Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Claire's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
About Claire
My research spans marine ecology, fisheries science and biodiversity, taking an interdisciplinary approach by incorporating aspects of social science. I have particular interest in assessing human impacts on the marine environment and biodiversity, such as fishing, offshore renewable energy and marine spatial management, with projects spanning scales from local to global and covering a range of environmental challenges. I advocate for targeted dissemination of key research findings for integration into local and global policy, contributing regularly to workshops and conferences. I conducted research based at Bangor University, the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, prior to joining the University of Plymouth in 2026.
My PhD (Bangor University) focussed on the UK king scallop fishery in the English Channel. I worked closely with the fishing industry and government agencies to produce data relevant to more sustainable management of the fishery, through assessing the impact of the fishing gear on benthic communities, assessing regional genetic connectivity and producing the first comprehensive maps of inshore fishing effort, prior to the introduction of iVMS.
Research outputs include numerous peer-reviewed publications, reports to Government and tools relevant to industry, managers and policy makers; such as for the assessment of fishing gear penetration depths, and the ORIES (Offshore Renewable Impacts on Ecosystem Services) decision support tools (https://ories.pml.space/ and https://ories.eofrom.space/).
I work at the science-policy-industry interface, and have established relationships with colleagues in industry, UK SNCB's and regulatory bodies. I recognise the value of engagement actitvities and regularly lead and participate in science-industry workshops, and science collaborations at international conferences and fisheries/policy management meetings.
Contact Claire
