Professor Kerry Howell
Profiles

Professor Kerry Howell

Professor of Deep-Sea Ecology

School of Biological and Marine Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering)

Professor Kerry Howell can be contacted through arrangement with our Press Office, to speak to the media on these areas of expertise.
  • Marine conservation
  • Deep-sea biology
  • Deep-water fisheries
  • Habitat mapping
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Deep sea mining
  • New antibiotics
Biography

Biography

I am deputy programme leader for the BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Oceanographyat the University of Plymouth. I am also an active academic researcher working on various topics related to conservation and sustainable management of the deep sea and High Seas, and marine habitat mapping.

Qualifications

Research expeditions
  • RRS Challenger C142 (UK) – (1999) NE Atlantic (trawls, grab, corers, landers)
  • RS Discovery D250 (UK) – (2000) NE Atlantic (trawls, grab, corers, landers)
  • RRS Discovery D252 (UK) – (2001) NE Atlantic (trawls, grab, corers, landers)
  • R/V Seward Johnson II (USA) – (2002) Gulf of Mexico (Manned submersible Johnson SeaLink)
  • RV Celtic Voyager (Ireland) – (2005) Irish Sea (bedhop camera system, grabs)
  • R/V Endeavour CEND12/05 (UK) – (2005) Eastern English Channel (Towed camera system, grabs, cores)
  • FRV Scotia (UK) – (2005) NE Atlantic (Towed camera system)
  • MV Franklin 0206 (Sweden) – (2006) NE Atlantic (Seatronics towed camera system)
  • FRV Scotia (UK ) – (2006) NE Atlantic (Towed camera system)
  • MV Franklin 0406 (Sweden) – (2006) NE Atlantic (Seatronics towed camera system)
  • R/V Belgica 2014/16 (Belgium) – (2014) Bay of Biscay, NE Atlantic (DS1 Towed camera system)
  • R/V Belgica 2015/15 (Belgium) – (2015) Bay of Biscay, NE Atlantic (DS2 Towed camera system)
  • RVCeltic Explorer CE05011 (Ireland) – (2015) NE Atlantic (ROV Holland I)
  • RRS James Cook JC136 (UK) – (2016) NE Atlantic (DeepLinks project, ROV Isis, AUV Autosub6000)
  • ILV Granuaile (Ireland) – (2017) NE Atlantic (SeaRovers project, ROV Holland I)
  • ILV Granuaile (Ireland) – (2018) NE Atlantic (SeaRovers project, ROV Holland I)
  • RRS Discovery (UK) – (2019) St Helena, South Atlantic (Blue Belt Programme, BAS Drop Camera System)

Roles on external bodies

  • Co-lead of the UN endorsed Challenger 150 Ocean Decade Programme
  • Member of the NERC Marine Facilities Advisory Board
  • Member of the NERC Upscaling Autonomy Working Group
  • Member of the NOC Association Board
  • Member of the Science Advisory Board for Ascension Island MPA
  • Member of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea's Working Group on Deep-Sea Ecology
  • NERC peer review college member
  • Co-Chair of the SCOR working group (2020–2022)
  • Chair of the Challenger Society Deep Sea Special Interest Group (2018 to present)
Research

Research

Research interests

From an academic perspective my research is focused on understanding biodiversity patterns in the deep sea. I am interested in faunal zonation and species turnover with depth, as well as speciation along the depth gradient. More recently I have been investigating patchiness and faunal changes along isobaths, and trying to understand environmental drivers of deep-sea diversity and species distributions. From an applied perspective my research is focused on sustainable management of the deep-sea ecosystem. In particular I am interested in research to support the design of effective marine protected areanetworks, including the creation of reliable habitat maps, and models of population connectivity that under-pin the design. 

 Current Projects 


Towards net zero: development of AI enabled biological observing
Role: PI
Our overarching aim in this NERC funded project is to develop AI enabled biological observing. This project represents an important step toward that aim in providing knowledge on the most effective methods of application of deep learning to automated interpretation of autonomous underwater vehicle acquired benthic imagery.

Challenger 150
Role: Programme co-lead.
This is a global scientific cooperative developed to respond to the needs of the UN Ocean Decade. It is a vehicle for coordination of deep-sea research globally towards a set of common objectives. Those objectives are set out by the UN Ocean Decade but here are set in the deep-sea research context (see Howell et al (2020a)and Howell et al. (2020b)for detail)
One Ocean Hub
Role: Co-Director of the Hub
This is a £20 million project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) from 2019-2024. There are 24 research partners, and 35 project partnerorganisations. The Hub’s aim is to predict, harness and share equitably environmental, socioeconomic and cultural benefits from ocean conservation and sustainable use.
Mission Atlantic
Role – Co-I (Plymouth PI)
This is a €10 million EU H2020 research project focused on the sustainable management of the Atlantic ecosystem (2020-2024). The project involves 34 partners from 15 countries. My role is as a contributor to 2 different work packages in the project, but principally in the areas of deep-sea habitat mapping and technological development (AI and autonomy).
Conservation strategies for biodiversity hotspots and safe havens in a changing climate: oceanographic drivers of ecosystem variability in the Chagos archipelago
 Role – Co-I
This is an interdisciplinary project involving oceanographers, marine biologists, hydrographic surveyors and biogeochemists from the University of Plymouth and the Manta Trust. It is part of a wider programme of research within BIOT . Our aim is to learn what processes and interactions sustain a healthy reef ecosystem. My focus is the mesophotic coral reef systems, their composition, connectivity, drivers of their distribution, and processes maintaining overall health.

 
Seabed Mining and Resilience to Experimental Impact
 
Role – Co-I (Plymouth PI)
This is a £4 million NERC funded project researching the potential impacts of deep-sea mining on abyssal ecosystems (2021-2025). My role is a as a contributor to a work package, contributing research that will model the connectivity of marine animal populations both inside and outside areas identified for deep-sea mining. This project is in collaboration with industry and other UK research institutes.
Other projects
SMarTaR-ID
Role - project lead
A largely unfunded grass roots initiative to develop a global standardised marine taxon reference image database (SMarTaR-ID) to support image-based analyses. The project consists of an international consortium of scientists from 29 organisations, including academia, industry and Government, from 8 nations bordering the North Atlantic.
Deep-sea discovery - mining marine environments for novel biologics
The aim of this research project is to identify and develop potential new antimicrobials produced by the microbiome of sponges that live in the deep sea. 

Other research

Post Docs


PhD Students 


As Director of Studies
Giulia La Bianca- PhD title "Using ecosystem services mapping in deep-sea marine spatial planning" 2020-2023
Kyran Graves- PhD title "Quantifying the role of deep-sea animal forests in the blue carbon budget" 2022-2025
As other supervisor
Clara Diaz - PhD title "Investigating the distribution and diversity of mesophotic reefs in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)" 2019-2023
Edward Robinson - PhD title " Oceanographic drivers of ecosystem variability in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)" 2019-2023
Jazmin Conway - PhD title "Deep sea sponges as a novel source of biologics" 2020-2023
Kudzai Hwengwere - PhD title "Mapping Antarctic marine microbial diversity and identification of bioactive molecules with an emphasis on antimicrobials" 2020-2024
Masters students
Eleanor Cross - ResM title "The application of artificial intelligence to benthic species identification" - 2022-2023

Research degrees awarded to supervised students

Grants & contracts

2022: NERC (Pushing the Frontiers). Towards net zero: development of AI enabled biological observing (PI)
2020: NERC (Highlight Topic). Seabed Mining and Resilience to Experimental Impact. (Co-Investigator)
2020: EU H2020. Mission Atlantic. 34 partners from 15 countries. (Co-Investigator)
2019: Global Challenges Research Fund. One Ocean Hub. 24 research partners, and 35 project partner organisations. (Co-Director)
2019: Garfield-Weston Foundation. Conservation strategies for biodiversity hotspots and safe havens in a changing climate: oceanographic drivers of ecosystem variability in the Chagos archipelago. Attrill, M, Hosegood, P, Howell, KL, (Co-Principal Investigator)
2018: Marine Institute Ireland. Contract to process the SeaRovers 2018-19 deep-sea survey data. (Principal Investigator).
2017: Marine Institute Ireland. Contract to process the SeaRovers 2017 deep-sea survey data. (Principal Investigator). 
2016: Deep Sea Biology Society. Development of a unified North Atlantic species image catalogue. Howell, KL, Davies JS. (Principal Investigator).
2015: NERC (Standard Research Grant). DeepLinks - Influence of population connectivity on depth-dependent diversity of deep-sea marine benthic biota. Howell, KL, Rogers, A. (Principal Investigator).
2015: UK Seabed Resource Ltd. (Studentship) The application of predictive modelling to marine spatial planning associated with deep-sea mining. Howell, KL, Attrill, M. (Principal Investigator).
2014: NERC (Capital Equipment Call). Deep Search 2 a cost effective deep towed camera platform. Howell, KL, Shirley, M. (Principal Investigator).
2014: EU (EuroFleets2) The application of predictively modelled maps to European spatial planning. Howell, KL, Grehan, A, Kenny, A. (Principal Investigator).
2013: NERC (Studentship) Investigating the role of larval dispersal models in the development of an 'ecologically coherent' network of deep sea marine protected areas. Howell, KL, Nimmo-Smith, WA, Vlasenko, V. (Principal Investigator).
2013: Defra (Research grant) Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) – assessing and predicting their status and function in relation to fishing activities in the North Atlantic. Kenny, A., Howell, KL, (Co-Investigator).
2013: JNCC. Development of a UK deep-sea habitat classification system. Howell, KL, Piechaud, N. (Principal Investigator).
2012: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA). Image Catalog For North Atlantic Deep-Sea Corals. Davies, JA, Howell, KL, Guillaumont, B. (Co-Investigator).
2012: JNCC. Analysis of seabed imagery from the Hebrides Terrace Seamount captured on the JC073 Survey. Howell, KL, Cross, T. (Principal Investigator).
2012: JNCC. Mapping the Deep III. Howell, KL, Ross, RE, Piechaud, N. (Principal Investigator).
2011: Oak Foundation. Mapping the Deep II. Howell, KL, Ross, RE. (Principal Investigator).
2011: BBC Wildlife Fund. Mapping the Deep. Howell, KL, Tyler-Walters, H. (Principal Investigator).
2011: JNCC. Using predictive modelling to map the distribution of selected habitats listed as MPA search features in Scottish waters. Howell, KL, Embling, C, Holt, R, Stewart, HA. (Principal Investigator).
2009: EU (Interreg) CHARM 3 - CHannel integrated Approach for marine Resource Management. Attrill, M, Votier, S. Howell, KL. (Co-Investigator).
2008: CenSeam (mini-grant). Benthic communities of the submarine features of the Rockall Trough: are seamounts special? Howell, KL. (Principal Investigator).
2008: South West Regional Development Agency (Capital items bid). ROV and towed camera system. Attrill, MA, Sheehan, E, Howell KL. (Co-Investigator).
2007: JNCC. (Studentship) Identification of areas of nature conservation importance in deep waters of the UK. Howell, KL. (Principal Investigator).
2006: Natural England. Review of Methods for Managing Ma
2017: Society for Applied Microbiology. Deep-sea discovery - mining marine environments for novel biologics. Upton, M, Howell, KL, (Co-Investigator)
2016: Plymouth University. Pilot study to test the use of photogrammetry to improve identification of benthic species using artificial intelligence. Howell, KL, Shirley, M, Hunt, C, Wadsworth, T. (Principal Investigator).
2016: Deep Sea Biology Society. Development of a unified North Atlantic species image catalogue. Howell, KL, Davies JS. (Principal Investigator).
2015: NERC (Standard Research Grant). DeepLinks - Influence of population connectivity on depth-dependent diversity of deep-sea marine benthic biota. Howell, KL, Rogers, A. (Principal Investigator).
2015: UK Seabed Resource Ltd. (Studentship) The application of predictive modelling to marine spatial planning associated with deep-sea mining. Howell, KL, Attrill, M. (Principal Investigator).
2014: NERC (Capital Equipment Call). Deep Search 2 a cost effective deep towed camera platform. Howell, KL, Shirley, M. (Principal Investigator).
2014: EU (EuroFleets2) The application of predictively modelled maps to European spatial planning. Howell, KL, Grehan, A, Kenny, A. (Principal Investigator).
2013: NERC (Studentship) Investigating the role of larval dispersal models in the development of an 'ecologically coherent' network of deep sea marine protected areas. Howell, KL, Nimmo-Smith, WA, Vlasenko, V. (Principal Investigator).
2013: Defra (Research grant) Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) – assessing and predicting their status and function in relation to fishing activities in the North Atlantic. Kenny, A., Howell, KL, (Co-Investigator).
2013: JNCC. Development of a UK deep-sea habitat classification system. Howell, KL, Piechaud, N. (Principal Investigator).
2012: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA). Image Catalog For North Atlantic Deep-Sea Corals. Davies, JA, Howell, KL, Guillaumont, B. (Co-Investigator).
2012: JNCC. Analysis of seabed imagery from the Hebrides Terrace Seamount captured on the JC073 Survey. Howell, KL, Cross, T. (Principal Investigator).
2012: JNCC. Mapping the Deep III. Howell, KL, Ross, RE, Piechaud, N. (Principal Investigator).
2011: Oak Foundation. Mapping the Deep II. Howell, KL, Ross, RE. (Principal Investigator).
2011: BBC Wildlife Fund. Mapping the Deep. Howell, KL, Tyler-Walters, H. (Principal Investigator).
2011: JNCC. Using predictive modelling to map the distribution of selected habitats listed as MPA search features in Scottish waters. Howell, KL, Embling, C, Holt, R, Stewart, HA. (Principal Investigator).
2009: EU (Interreg) CHARM 3 - CHannel integrated Approach for marine Resource Management. Attrill, M, Votier, S. Howell, KL. (Co-Investigator).
2008: CenSeam (mini-grant). Benthic communities of the submarine features of the Rockall Trough: are seamounts special? Howell, KL. (Principal Investigator).
2008: South West Regional Development Agency (Capital items bid). ROV and towed camera system. Attrill, MA, Sheehan, E, Howell KL. (Co-Investigator).
2007: JNCC. (Studentship) Identification of areas of nature conservation importance in deep waters of the UK. Howell, KL. (Principal Investigator).
2006: Natural England. Review of Methods for Managing Marine Protected Areas. Stevens, T, Jones, P, Howell, KL, Mee, L. (Co-Investigator).
2006: Department for Trade and Industry / Defra. Strategic Environmental Assessment – Area 7 and Special Area for Conservation assessment. Howell, KL, Davies, JS., Hughes, DJ, Narayanaswamy, BE. (Principal Investigator).
2005: Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. Sustainable management of deep-water fisheries and their impact on marine biodiversity. Howell, KL, Jones, E, Heymans, S, Gordon, J. (Principal Investigator).
2005: Department for Trade and Industry. Strategic Environmental Assessment – Area 7. Narayanaswamy, BE, Howell, KL, Hughes, DJ, Davies, JS, Roberts, JM, Black, KD. (Co-Investigator).
Publications

Publications

Key publications

Key publications are highlighted

Journals
Articles
Niner HJ, Rees SE, La Bianca G, McQuaid KA & Howell KL (2024) 'A risk assessment for the remote ocean: the case of the South East Atlantic' Frontiers in Marine Science 10, , DOI Open access
Diaz C, Foster N, Attrill M, Bolton A, Ganderton P, Howell K, Robinson E & Hosegood P (2023) 'Mesophotic coral bleaching associated with changes in thermocline depth' Open access
Baco AR, Ross R, Althaus F, Amon D, Bridges AEH, Brix S, Buhl-Mortensen P, Colaco A, Carreiro-Silva M & Clark MR (2023) 'Towards a scientific community consensus on designating Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems from imagery' PeerJ 11, , DOI Open access
Diaz C, Howell K, Robinson E, Hosegood P, Bolton A, Ganderton P, Arber P, Attrill M & Foster N (2023) 'Light and temperature drive the distribution of mesophotic benthic communities in the Central Indian Ocean' Diversity and Distributions , DOI Open access
Morgera E, Lennan M, Kulovesi K, La Bianca G, Niner HJ, Harrould-Kolieb E, Recio Piva E, Hills J, Ntona M & Lancaster AMSN (2023) 'Ocean-based Climate Action and Human Rights Implications under the International Climate Change Regime' The International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law 38, (3) 411-446 , DOI Open access
Rubbens P, Brodie S, Cordier T, Destro Barcellos D, Devos P, Fernandes-Salvador JA, Fincham JI, Gomes A, Handegard NO & Howell K (2023) 'Machine learning in marine ecology: an overview of techniques and applications' ICES Journal of Marine Science 80, (7) 1829-1853 , DOI Open access
Morgera E, McQuaid K, La Bianca G, Niner H, Shannon L, Strand M, Rees S, Howell K, Snow B & Lancaster AMSN (2023) 'Addressing the Ocean-Climate Nexus in the BBNJ Agreement: Strategic Environmental Assessments, Human Rights and Equity in Ocean Science' The International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law 38, (3) 447-479 , DOI Open access
Bridges AEH, Barnes DKA, Bell JB, Ross RE, Voges L & Howell KL (2023) 'Filling the data gaps: Transferring models from data-rich to data-poor deep-sea areas to support spatial management' Journal of Environmental Management 345, , DOI Open access
Ruhl HA, Bett BJ, Ingels J, Martin A, Gates AR, Yool A, Benoist NMA, Appeltans W, Howell KL & Danovaro R (2023) 'Integrating ocean observations across body‐size classes to deliver benthic invertebrate abundance and distribution information' Limnology and Oceanography Letters Publisher Site , DOI Open access
La Bianca G, Rees S, Attrill MJ, Lombard AT, McQuaid KA, Niner HJ, van Rein H, Sink KJ & Howell KL (2023) 'A standardised ecosystem services framework for the deep sea' Frontiers in Marine Science 10, , DOI Open access
Rodrigues AR, Floeter SR, Gomes V, Ferrari DS, Giglio VJ, Silva FC, Liedke AMR, Ferreira CEL, Howell K & Gasalla MA (2023) 'Integrated ecosystem assessment around islands of the tropical South Mid-Atlantic Ridge' Frontiers in Marine Science 10, , DOI Open access
McQuaid KA, Bridges AEH, Howell KL, Gandra TBR, de Souza V, Currie JC, Hogg OT, Pearman TRR, Bell JB & Atkinson LJ (2023) 'Broad-scale benthic habitat classification of the South Atlantic' Progress in Oceanography 214, , DOI Open access
Hesketh-Best PJ, January GG, Koch MJ, Warburton PJ, Howell KL & Upton M (2023) 'Whole genomes of deep-sea sponge-associated bacteria exhibit high novel natural product potential' FEMS Microbes , DOI Open access
James M, Polton J, Mayorga-Adame G, Howell K & Knights A (2022) 'Assessing the influence of behavioural parameterisation on the dispersal of larvae in marine systems' Ecological Modelling Open access
Graves KP, Bridges AEH, Dabrowski T, Furey T, Lyons K & Howell KL (2022) 'Oceanographic variability drives the distribution but not the density of the aggregation forming deep-sea sponge Pheronema carpenteri' Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers , DOI Open access
Piechaud N & Howell KL (2022) 'Fast and accurate mapping of fine scale abundance of a VME in the deep sea with computer vision' Ecological Informatics 71, , DOI Open access
Howell KL, Bridges AE, Graves KP, Allcock L, la Bianca G, Ventura-Costa C, Donaldson S, Downie AL, Furey T & McGrath F (2022) 'Performance of deep-sea habitat suitability models assessed using independent data, and implications for use in area-based management' Marine Ecology Progress Series 695, 33-51 , DOI Open access
Howell K (2022) 'Performance of deep-sea habitat suitability models assessed using independent data, and implications for use in area-based management' Marine Ecology Progress Series 695, 33-51 , DOI Open access
Bridges AEH, Barnes DKA, Bell JB, Ross RE & Howell KL (2022) 'Depth and latitudinal gradients of diversity in seamount benthic communities' Journal of Biogeography 49, (5) 904-915 , DOI Open access
Barnes DKA, Bell JB, Bridges AE, Ireland L, Howell KL, Martin SM, Sands CJ, Mora Soto A, Souster T & Flint G (2021) 'Climate Mitigation through Biological Conservation: Extensive and Valuable Blue Carbon Natural Capital in Tristan da Cunha’s Giant Marine Protected Zone' Biology 10, (12) , DOI Open access
Koch MJ, Hesketh-Best PJ, Smerdon G, Warburton PJ, Howell K & Upton M (2021) 'Impact of growth media and pressure on the diversity and antimicrobial activity of isolates from two species of hexactinellid sponge' Microbiology 167, (12) , DOI Open access
Smith CR, Clark MR, Goetze E, Glover AG & Howell KL (2021) 'Editorial: Biodiversity, Connectivity and Ecosystem Function Across the Clarion-Clipperton Zone: A Regional Synthesis for an Area Targeted for Nodule Mining' Frontiers in Marine Science 8, , DOI Open access
Bridges AEH, Barnes DKA, Bell JB, Ross RE & Howell KL (2021) 'Benthic Assemblage Composition of South Atlantic Seamounts' Frontiers in Marine Science 8, , DOI Open access
Downie A-L, Piechaud N, Howell K, Barrio Froján C, Sacau M & Kenny A (2021) 'Reconstructing baselines: use of habitat suitability modelling to predict pre-fishing condition of a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem' ICES Journal of Marine Science 78, (8) 2784-2796 , DOI Open access
Downie AL, Noble-James T, Chaverra A & Howell KL (2021) 'Predicting sea pen (Pennatulacea) distribution on the UK continental shelf: evidence of range modification by benthic trawling' Marine Ecology Progress Series 670, 75-91 , DOI Open access
McQuaid KA, Attrill MJ, Clark MR, Cobley A, Glover AG, Smith CR & Howell KL (2020) 'Using Habitat Classification to Assess Representativity of a Protected Area Network in a Large, Data-Poor Area Targeted for Deep-Sea Mining' Frontiers in Marine Science 7, , DOI Open access
Howell KL, Hilário A, Allcock AL, Bailey D, Baker M, Clark MR, Colaço A, Copley J, Cordes EE & Danovaro R (2020) 'A decade to study deep-sea life' Nature Ecology & Evolution Publisher Site , DOI Open access
Howell KL, Hilário A, Allcock AL, Bailey DM, Baker M, Clark MR, Colaço A, Copley J, Cordes EE & Danovaro R (2020) 'A Blueprint for an Inclusive, Global Deep-Sea Ocean Decade Field Program' Frontiers in Marine Science 7, , DOI Open access
Hays GC, Hosegood P & Koldewey H (2020) 'A review of a decade of lessons from one of the world’s largest MPAs: conservation gains and key challenges' Marine Biology , DOI Open access
Ross RE, Nimmo-Smith WAM, Torres R & Howell KL (2020) 'Comparing Deep-Sea Larval Dispersal Models: A Cautionary Tale for Ecology and Conservation' Frontiers in Marine Science 7, , DOI Open access
Howell KL, Davies JS, Allcock AL, Braga-Henriques A, Buhl-Mortensen P, Carreiro-Silva M, Dominguez-Carrió C, Durden JM, Foster NL & Game CA (2019) 'A framework for the development of a global standardised marine taxon reference image database (SMarTaR-ID) to support image-based analyses' PLOS ONE 14, (12) e0218904-e0218904 , DOI Open access
Chaniotis PD, Robson LM, Lemasson AJ, Cornthwaite AL & Howell KL (2019) 'UK deep‐sea conservation: Progress, lessons learned, and actions for the future' Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems , DOI Open access
Ross RE, Wort EJG & Howell KL (2019) 'Combining Distribution and Dispersal Models to Identify a Particularly Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem' Frontiers in Marine Science 6, , DOI Open access
James M, Polton J, Brereton A, Howell K, Nimmo-Smith A & Knights A (2019) 'Reverse engineering field-derived vertical distribution profiles to infer larval swimming behaviors' Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 116, (24) 11818-11823 , DOI Open access
Piechaud N, Hunt C, Culverhouse PF, Foster NL & Howell KL (2019) 'Automated identification of benthic epifauna with computer vision' Marine Ecology Progress Series 615, 15-30 , DOI Open access
Davison J, van Haren H, Hosegood PJ, Piechaud N & Howell K (2019) 'The distribution of deep-sea sponge aggregations (Porifera) in relation to oceanographic processes in the Faroe-Shetland Channel' Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers , DOI Open access
Hendry KR, Cassarino L, Bates SL, Culwick T, Frost M, Goodwin C & Howell KL (2019) 'Silicon isotopic systematics of deep-sea sponge grounds in the North Atlantic' Quaternary Science Reviews 210, 1-14 , DOI Open access
Stashchuk N, Vlasenko V & Howell KL (2018) 'Modelling tidally induced larval dispersal over Anton Dohrn Seamount' Ocean Dynamics 68, (11) 1515-1526 , DOI Open access
Dunn DC, Van Dover CL, Etter RJ, Smith CR, Levin LA, Morato T, Colaço A, Dale AC, Gebruk AV & Gjerde KM (2018) 'A strategy for the conservation of biodiversity on mid-ocean ridges from deep-sea mining' Science Advances 4, (7) 0-0 , DOI Open access
Woodall LC, Andradi-Brown, DA, Brierley AS, Clark MR, Connelly D, Hall RA, Howell KL, Huvenne VAI, Linse K & Ross RE (2018) 'A Multidisciplinary Approach for Generating Globally Consistent Data on Mesophotic, Deep-Pelagic, and Bathyal Biological Communities' Oceanography 31, (3) , DOI Open access
Ross RE, Nimmo Smith WAM & Howell KL (2017) 'Towards ‘ecological coherence’: Assessing larval dispersal within a network of existing Marine Protected Areas' Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers , DOI Open access
Fernandez-Arcaya U, Ramirez-Llodra E, Aguzzi J, Allcock AL, Davies JS, Dissanayake A, Harris P, Howell K, Huvenne VAI & Macmillan-Lawler M (2017) 'Ecological Role of Submarine Canyons and Need for Canyon Conservation: A Review' Frontiers in Marine Science 4, , DOI Open access
Ross RE, Nimmo-Smith WAM & Howell KL (2016) 'Increasing the Depth of Current Understanding: Sensitivity Testing of Deep-Sea Larval Dispersal Models for Ecologists' PLOS ONE 11, (8) Author Site , DOI Open access
Howell KL, Piechaud N, Downie AL & Kenny A (2016) 'The distribution of deep-sea sponge aggregations in the North Atlantic and implications for their effective spatial management' Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers , DOI Open access
Amaro T, Huvenne VAI, Allcock AL, Aslam T, Davies JS, Danovaro R, De Stigter HC, Duineveld GCA, Gambi C & Gooday AJ (2016) 'The Whittard Canyon - A case study of submarine canyon processes' PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY 146, 38-57 Author Site , DOI Open access
Ross LK, Ross RE, Stewart HA & Howell KL (2015) 'The Influence of Data Resolution on Predicted Distribution and Estimates of Extent of Current Protection of Three 'Listed' Deep-Sea Habitats' PLOS ONE 10, (10) Author Site , DOI Open access
Davies JS, Stewart HA, Narayanaswamy BE, Jacobs C, Spicer J, Golding N & Howell KL (2015) 'Benthic Assemblages of the Anton Dohrn Seamount (NE Atlantic): Defining Deep-Sea Biotopes to Support Habitat Mapping and Management Efforts with a Focus on Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems' PLOS ONE 10, (5) e0124815-e0124815 , DOI Open access
Evans JL, Peckett F & Howell KL (2015) 'Combined application of biophysical habitat mapping and systematic conservation planning to assess efficiency and representativeness of the existing High Seas MPA network in the Northeast Atlantic' ICES Journal of Marine Science 72, (5) 1483-1497 , DOI
Hilário A, Metaxas A, Gaudron SM, Howell KL, Mercier A, Mestre NLC, Ross RE, Thurnherr AM & Young C (2015) 'Estimating dispersal distance in the deep sea: challenges and applications to marine reserves' Frontiers in Marine Science 2, , DOI Open access
Piechaud N, Downie A, Stewart HA & Howell KL (2014) 'The impact of modelling method selection on predicted extent and distribution of deep-sea benthic assemblages' Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh 105, (4) 251-261 , DOI
Wagstaff MC, Howell KL, Bett BJ, Billett DSM, Brault S, Stuart CT & Rex MA (2014) 'β-diversity of deep-sea holothurians and asteroids along a bathymetric gradient (NE Atlantic)' Marine Ecology Progress Series 508, 177-185 , DOI
Davies JS, Howell KL, Stewart HA, Guinan J & Golding N (2014) 'Defining biological assemblages (biotopes) of conservation interest in the submarine canyons of the South West Approaches (offshore United Kingdom) for use in marine habitat mapping' Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 104, 208-229 , DOI
Stewart HA, Davies JS, Guinan J & Howell KL (2014) 'The Dangeard and Explorer canyons, South Western Approaches UK: Geology, sedimentology and newly discovered cold-water coral mini-mounds' Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 104, 230-244 , DOI
Pham CK, Ramirez-Llodra E, Alt CHS, Amaro T, Bergmann M, Canals M, Company JB, Davies J, Duineveld G & Galgani F (2014) 'Marine Litter Distribution and Density in European Seas, from the Shelves to Deep Basins' PLoS ONE 9, (4) e95839-e95839 , DOI Open access
Marshall CE, Glegg GA & Howell KL (2014) 'Species distribution modelling to support marine conservation planning: The next steps' MARINE POLICY 45, 330-332 , DOI
Jackson EL, Davies AJ, Howell KL, Kershaw PJ & Hall-Spencer JM (2014) 'Future-proofing marine protected area networks for cold water coral reefs' ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 71, (9) 2621-2629 , DOI
Howell KL, Bullimore RD & Foster NL (2014) 'Quality assurance in the identification of deep-sea taxa from video and image analysis: response to Henry and Roberts' ICES Journal of Marine Science 71, (4) 899-906 , DOI
Ross RE & Howell KL (2013) 'Use of predictive habitat modelling to assess the distribution and extent of the current protection of ‘listed’ deep-sea habitats' Diversity Distrib. 19, (4) 433-445 Author Site , DOI Open access
Bullimore RD, Foster NL & Howell KL (2013) 'Coral-characterized benthic assemblages of the deep Northeast Atlantic: defining "Coral Gardens" to support future habitat mapping efforts' ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 70, (3) 511-522 , DOI
Narayanaswamy BE, Hughes DJ, Howell KL, Davies J & Jacobs C (2013) 'First observations of megafaunal communities inhabiting George Bligh Bank, Northeast Atlantic' Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography --- Publisher Site , DOI
Foltz DW, Fatland SD, Eléaume M, Markello K, Howell KL, Neill K & Mah CL (2013) 'Global population divergence of the sea star Hippasteria phrygiana corresponds to the onset of the last glacial period of the Pleistocene' Marine Biology 160, (5) 1285-1296 Author Site , DOI
Foster NL, Foggo A & Howell KL (2013) 'Using species-area relationships to inform baseline conservation targets for the deep North East Atlantic' PLoS One 8, (3) Author Site , DOI Open access
Holt RE, Foggo A, Neat FC & Howell KL (2013) 'Distribution patterns and sexual segregation in chimaeras: implications for conservation and management' ICES Journal of Marine Science 70, (6) 1198-1205 , DOI
Galparsoro I, Connor DW, Borja A, Aish A, Amorim P, Bajjouk T, Chambers C, Coggan R, Dirberg G & Ellwood H (2012) 'Using EUNIS habitat classification for benthic mapping in European seas: Present concerns and future needs' MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 64, (12) 2630-2638 , DOI
Howell KL, Holt R, Endrino IP & Stewart H (2011) 'When the species is also a habitat: Comparing the predictively modelled distributions of Lophelia pertusa and the reef habitat it forms' Biological Conservation 144, (11) 2656-2665 , DOI
Heymans JJ, Howell KL, Ayers M, Burrows MT, Gordon JDM, Jones EG & Neat F (2011) 'Do we have enough information to apply the ecosystem approach to management of deep-sea fisheries? An example from the West of Scotland' ICES Journal of Marine Science: Journal du Conseil 68, (2) 265-280 Author Site , DOI
Howell KL (2010) 'A benthic classification system to aid in the implementation of marine protected area networks in the deep/high seas of the NE Atlantic' Biological Conservation 143, (5) 1041-1056 Author Site , DOI
Howell KL, Mowles SL & Foggo A (2010) 'Mounting evidence: near-slope seamounts are faunally indistinct from an adjacent bank' MARINE ECOLOGY-AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE 31, 52-62 , DOI
Howell KL, Davies JS & Narayanaswamy BE (2010) 'Identifying deep-sea megafaunal epibenthic assemblages for use in habitat mapping and marine protected area network design' JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 90, (1) 33-68 , DOI
Tyler PA, Emson RH, Sumida PY & Howell KL (2005) 'Ophiuroid distribution at sublittoral and bathyal depths round the Faroes, NE Atlantic Ocean' Annales Societatis Scientiarium Faeroensis North-East Atlantic marine benthic organisms in the Faroes-taxonomy, distribution and ecology. Supp 41, 175-194
Howell (2004) 'Feeding ecology of deep-sea seastars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea): a pigment biomarker approach' Marine Ecology Progress Series 266, , DOI
Howell KL, Rogers AD, Tyler PA & Billett DSM (2004) 'Reproductive isolation among morphotypes of the Atlantic seastar species Zoroaster fulgens (Asteroidea : Echinodermata)' Marine Biology 144, (5) 977-984
Howell (2003) 'Feeding ecology of deep-sea seastars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea): a fatty-acid biomarker approach' Marine Ecology Progress Series 255, , DOI
Howell KL, Billett DSM & Tyler PA (2002) 'Depth-related distribution and abundance of seastars (Echinodermata : Asteroidea) in the Porcupine Seabight and Porcupine Abyssal Plain, NE Atlantic' Deep-Sea Research Part I-Oceanographic Research Papers 49, (10) 1901-1920
Chapters
Bridges AEH, Howell KL, Amaro T, Atkinson L, Barnes DKA, Bax N, Bell JB, Bernardino AF, Beuck L & Braga-Henriques A (2023) 'Review of the Central and South Atlantic Shelf and Deep-Sea Benthos: Science, Policy, and Management' Oceanography and Marine Biology CRC Press 127-218 , DOI
Morrissey D, Lim A, Howell KL, White M, Wheeler AJ & Allcock AL (2023) 'The North-east Atlantic Margin: A Review of the Geology, Geography, Oceanography, and Vulnerable Megabenthic Ecosystems of the Continental Slope of Ireland and the United Kingdom' Oceanography and Marine Biology CRC Press 219-291 , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Aquaculture' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Climate Change' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Conservation' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Continental Shelf Seabed' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Coral Reefs' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Estuaries' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Fisheries' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Mangrove Forests and Seagrass Meadows' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Marine Microbial Secondary Production' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Patterns in the Marine Environment' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Pelagic Ecosystems' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Polar Regions' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Pollution, Disturbance, and Environmental Monitoring' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Primary Production Processes' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Rocky and Sandy Shores' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Sea and Society' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'Secondary Production: The Macrobiota' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
Kaiser MJ, Attrill MJ, Jennings S, Thomas DN, Barnes DKA, Brierley AS, Graham NAJ, Hiddink JG, Howell KL & Kaartokallio H (2020) 'The Deep Sea' Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts Oxford University Press (OUP) , DOI
O’Sullivan D, Leahy Y, Guinan J, Ross R, Sacchetti F, Howell K, Lyons D & O’Dowd L (2020) 'The geomorphology and biology of a submarine canyon system incising Ireland’s shelf edge in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean' Seafloor Geomorphology as Benthic Habitat Elsevier 783-792 , DOI
Reports
Kenchington E, Callery O, Davidson F, Grehan A, Morato T, Appiott J, Davis A, Dunstan P, Du Preez C & Finney J (2019) Use of Species Distribution Modeling in the Deep Sea. Author Site Open access
La Bianca G, Hodgson B, Howell K, Rees S, Erni-Cassola G & Tillin H (2018) Ascension Island Natural Capital Assessment: Marine ecosystem services report. South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute
Parry MEV, Howell K, Narayanaswamy BE, Bett BJ, Jones DOB, Hughes DJ, Piechaud N, Nickell TD, Ellwood H & Askew N (2015) A Deep-sea Section for the Marine Habitat Classification of Britain and Ireland v15.03. Publisher Site
Howell K, Huvenne V, Piechaud N, Roberts K & Ross R (2014) JC060 Data Analysis: Comprising data from Darwin Mounds (NE Rockall Trough), Rockall-Hatton Basin Polygonal Faults, NW Rockall Bank, and E Rockall Bank Escarpment. Author Site Publisher Site
Cross T, Howell K, Hughes E & Seeley R (2013) Analysis of seabed imagery from the Hebrides Terrace Seamount. Publisher Site
Piechaud N & Howell K (2013) Definition of epifaunal assemblages for inclusion in a deep sea section of the Marine Habitat Classification of Britain and Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee CONTRACT NO: C13-0223-0672 Publisher Site
Howell K, Embling C, Holt R & Stewart HA (2011) Using predictive modelling to map the distribution of selected habitats listed as MPA search features in Scottish waters. Joint Nature Conservation Committee Report
Long D, Howell K, Davies J & Stewart HA (2010) JNCC Offshore Natura survey of Anton Dohrn Seamount and East Rockall Bank Areas of Search.
Howell K, Davies J, Jacobs C & Narayanaswamy BE (2009) Broadscale Survey of the Habitats of Rockall Bank, and mapping of Annex I ‘Reef’ Habitat. Publisher Site
Howell K, Heymans JJ, Gordon JDM, Duncan J, Ayers M & Jones EJ (2009) DEEPFISH Project: Applying an ecosystem approach to the sustainable management of deep-water fisheries. Part 1. Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban. U.K. Report no. 259a. Publisher Site
Howell K, Heymans JJ, Gordon JDM, Duncan J, Ayers M & Jones EJ (2009) DEEPFISH Project: Applying an ecosystem approach to the sustainable management of deep-water fisheries. Part 2: A new approach to managing deep-water fisheries. Publisher Site
Davies J, Guinan J, Howell K, Stewart HA & Verling E (2008) MESH South West Approaches Canyons Survey (MESH Cruise 01-07-01) Final Report. Mapping European Seabed Habitats (MESH) Project Report Publisher Site
Howell K, Davies J, Hughes DJ & Narayanaswamy BE (2007) Strategic Environmental Assessment / Special Area for Conservation Photographic Analysis Report. Department of Trade and Industry Publisher Site
Stevens TF, Jones PJS, Howell K & Mee L (2006) Methods for managing Marine Protected Areas: options for establishing and managing a marine protected area system in the UK. Natural England: Peterborough, UK. Publisher Site
Narayanaswamy BE, Howell K, Hughes DJ, Davies JS, Roberts JM & Black KD (2006) Strategic Environmental Assessment Area 7 Photographic Analysis Report. Department of Trade and Industry Publisher Site
Connor DW, Allen JA, Golding N, Howell K, Lieberknecht LM, Northen KO & Reker JB (2004) The Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland Version 04.05. Publisher Site
Presentations and posters
Aldarhami A, Felek A, Farnham G, Desriac F, Howell K & Upton M Aldarhami A, Felek A, Farnham G, Desriac F, Howell K & Upton M 'A novel deep-sea sponge bacterium producing two promising antimicrobial candidates' , DOI
Hesketh Best P, Howell K, Upton M, Bishop A, Warburton P, Foster N & Koch M Hesketh Best P, Howell K, Upton M, Bishop A, Warburton P, Foster N & Koch M 'Assessing and optimising culturing methods for the associated-bacteria of two species of deep-sea sponges (class Hexactinellida) for antimicrobial bioprospecting' , DOI
Koch M, Best P, Farnham G, Kiernan M, Bishop A, Warburton P, Howell K & Upton M Koch M, Best P, Farnham G, Kiernan M, Bishop A, Warburton P, Howell K & Upton M 'Characterisation of the microbiome for two hexactinellid sponges and purification of associated antimicrobial agents from their resident microbes' , DOI
Other Publications
Koch M, Upton M & Howell K (2019) Are sea sponges a key part of the complex solution to antimicrobial resistance?. Open access