
Profiles
Oliver Thomas
School of Biological and Marine Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering)
Biography
Biography
I am a PhD student currently studying “Intertidal seagrass meadows in Southwest England: the ecological and socio-economic benefits of restoration”.
My project utilises a range of multidisciplinary techniques to understand the nature and scale of the ecosystem services provided by intertidal seagrass meadows in Southwest England.
I primarily investigate the organic carbon storage potential and associated benthic biodiversity of the meadows. I also use remote-sensing techniques including drones and satellites, to survey my study sites and to map changes in meadow extent and density over time.
My project is funded by Marine Research Plymouth: a pioneering collaboration between The University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and The Marine Biological Association.
Key words: Natural capital, Ecosystem Services, Seagrass, Zostera noltei, Coastal Ecology, Blue carbon
Supervisors:
Professor Melanie Austen (UoP), Director of Studies
Professor Martin Attrill (UoP)
Dr Lauren Biermann (PML)
Dr Dan Smale (MBA)
Previous Employment
2019 - 2020: Environment Officer: Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
2017 - 2019: Scientific Fisheries Observer: The Falkland Islands Government Fisheries Department
Qualifications
2015 - 2016: MSc Marine Resource Development and Protection, Heriot-Watt University
2011 - 2014: BSc (Hons) Marine Biology (2:1), Bangor University.
Professional membership
Member of the Marine Biological Association of the UK