Dr Louise Firth

As a direct result of my involvement in the EU FP7 and Esmee Fairbairn funded projects THESEUS (www.theseusproject.org) and URBANE (www.urbaneproject.org), I develop novel engineering interventions for habitat creation to conserve native biodiversity in the built environment (e.g. Firth et al. 2014, Coastal Engineering). I test hypotheses about how heterogeneity and complexity determine community structure and functioning (e.g. Firth et al. 2013, Diversity & Distributions). I am actively involved in the World Harbour Project (http://sims.org.au/research/long-term-projects/world-harbour-project/)

I have long been interested in the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on the distribution and biotic interactions of marine species (e.g. Firth et al. 2009, Glob Chan Biol). I am actively involved with the MarClim project (www.mba.ac.uk/marclim) in collaboration with Dr Nova Mieszkowska (MBA, Plymouth) and Prof. Steve Hawkins (University of Southampton). I test hypotheses about responses of marine ecosystems to multiple stressors related to climate change (e.g. Firth & Williams, 2009, JEMBE). I lead an on-going collaborative project "EuroNads" comprising 14 partners across Atlantic Europe. We are assessing spatio-temporal variation in breeding phenology of limpets in response to extreme weather events and climate change. 

My overarching research interest marine community ecology. I am interested in testing hypotheses about the processes that shape patterns of distribution of organisms (e.g. Firth & Crowe, 2010, Oecologia). Current PhD studentsMs Rebecca Morris (2013-2017), Faculty of Science, University of Sydney in association with Prof. Ross Coleman and Prof. Gee Chapman Ms Aimee Walls (2013-2017), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, “An Ecosystem approach to seaweed farming” in association with Prof. Mark Johnson (Ryan Institute) and Dr Maeve Edwards (Carna Research Station) Ms Alison Evans (2011-2015), Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, “Artificial defence structures as surrogate habitats for natural rocky shores: giving nature a helping hand” in association with Dr Pippa Moore (Aberystwyth University), Liz Morris and Harry Goudge (Marine Ecological Solutions) and Prof. Steve Hawkins (University of Southampton)

Current students

Ms Aimee Walls, PhD, Zoology, National University of Ireland Galway, 2017 (co-supervisor). "An ecosystem approach to kelp farming".

Ms Kathryn O'Shaughnessy, PhD, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, Plymouth University, 2016-2019. (Director of studies). "Green engineering of coastal infrastructure: a design for life"

Ms Axelle Amstutz,  PhD, School of Biological Science, Plymouth University, 2016-2019.  (co-supervisor).  "Facing up to climate change: the role of aspect in species colonisation, persistence and ecosystem processes" 

Ms Amelia Curd, PhD, IFREMER and University of West Brittany, 2016-2019. (co-supervisor). "Assessment of the distribution and ecological status of Sabellaria alveolata reefs in Europe" 

Dr Rebecca Morris, PhD, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, 2016 (co-supervisor). "Retrofitting biodiversity: Ecological engineering for management of urbanised systems".

Dr Ally Evans, PhD, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, 2015 (co-supervisor). "Artificial coastal defence structures as surrogate habitats for natural rocky shores".

Firth LB, Chee SY. Royal Society International Exchanges. "Eco-engineering of artificial habitats in Penang, Malaysia". 2016/2018. £12,000.

Dubois S, Davies AJ, Lima FP, Firth LB. Total Fondacion, "REEHAB - Assessment of the distribution and ecological status of Sabellaria alveolata reefs in Europe". 2015-1019. €150,000.

Firth LB. Linnean Society Percy Sladen Memorial Fund. "On the distribution and biodiversity associated with Sabellaria alveolata (L.): the Irish case study". 2015/2016. £800.

Hawkins SJ, Powrie W, Nicholls RJ, Thompson, RC, Firth LB. University of Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, HEIF Research Collaboration Stimulus Fund 2014/15. £18,000