- Room B431, Portland Square, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
- +44 1752 584732
- sian.rees@plymouth.ac.uk

Profiles
Dr Sian Rees
Associate Head of School - Research
School of Biological and Marine Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering)
Biography
Biography
I am a marine scientist working in marine conservation, marine management and policy. I have a strong record of achievement in social and economic research methods to define the marine social-ecological system at a variety of scales. To extend the impact of my research I work closely with statutory nature conservation agencies, NGOs, government departments and international organisations.
Qualifications
Education
2007 - 2011: PhD in Marine Conservation and Environmental Economics. “The Value of Marine Conservation”. University of Plymouth.
2002 - 2003: MSc Coastal and Ocean Policy. Awarded pass with distinction. University of Plymouth.
1995 - 1999: BSc (Hons) Marine Geography. Awarded second-class honours, division one. University of Wales, Cardiff.
Roles on external bodies
Natural Environment Research Council Advisory Network.
Defra Marine Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment Advisory Group.
Board Member Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership
Member of the Local Stewardship Council for the North Devon World Surfing Reserve
Highlights
Teaching
Teaching
Teaching interests
I teach on the following modules:
- MBIO505 Marine Conservation Theory.
- MAR507 Economics of the Marine Environment.
- OS307 Marine Conservation.
Research
Research
Research interests
I lead the Marine Conservation Research Group and the Marine Social Science Research Unit
Research groups
Grants & contracts
2021-2022 Blue Biosphere Natural Capital Accelerator. Community Renewal Fund. (PI)
2021-2022 Blue Carbon Artist in Residence – The Seagrass Corridor. NERC – Creative Climate Connections (PI)
2021-2022 Jersey Blue Carbon. Blue Marine Foundation. (Co-I)
2021-2022 Economic Impact of the Sussex Kelp Bylaw. Blue Marine Foundation. (PI)
2021-2023 FISH INTEL. Interreg France (Channel) England Programme. European Regional Development Fund. (Co-I)
2021 A framework for the sustainable development of marine mineral resources in the Philippines. Directed International Proposal NERC NE/W000474/1
2019–2022 Green Minds. ERDF (PI).
2019–2020 SCILL-E Site Classification to Inform Sustainable Lives and Livelihoods for Fisheries and Ecosystems (PI).
2019–2023 One Ocean Hub. Global Challenges Research Fund NERC (NE/S008950/1) (Co-I).
2018–2020 A Natural Capital Plan for North Devon. EMFF. 2018- 2020 (PI).
2018–2022 Assessing and enhancing ecosystem services provided by diadromous fish in a climate change context (DiadES). INTERREG Atlantic Arc (Co-I).
2018–2019 Marine Natural Capital Evidence and Options paper for Ascension Island Government. PI for Plymouth University (PI UoP, MBA lead).
2018–2019 Feasibility study for a Marine Natural Capital Asset Index for Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage. (PI for UoP , MBA lead).
2018–2019 Natural Capital Approach to the Marine Environment to Aid Decision Making. Defra ME5155. (PI for UoP, PML lead).
2017–2018 A geodatabase for the North Devon Marine Pioneer to support the development of a Natural Capital Decision Support Tool. Natural England (PI).
2017–2019 The development of an ecosystem service assessment as a component of the WWF led UK SEAS programme sustainable finance workstream. (PI).
2017–2021 Preventing a LIONfish invasion in the MEDiterranean through early response and targeted REmoval (RELIONMED). LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity 2016. (Co-I).
2017–2022 South West Partnership for Environment and Economic Prosperity. NE/P011217/1. NERC (Co-I).
2015–2016 An evaluation framework to determine the impact of the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area and the activities of the Lyme Bay Consultative Committee on ecosystem services and human wellbeing. The Marine Institute and the Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research Plymouth University, CEFAS, Exeter University. Research for the Blue Marine Foundation. (PI).
2015–2019 The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020, 2015-2019. ResponSEAble. Euros.
2015–2017 Strategies for the sustainable development and management of St Helena’s fisheries and marine tourism. Darwin Plus Overseas Territories Environment and Climate Fund.
2015 Assessment of the ecological coherence of the MPA network in the Celtic Seas. Research for WWF-UK (PI).
2014 Assessing the socio-economic benefits of Marine Protected Areas. A report for Natural Resources Wales. (Co-I).
2012–2015 PANACHE Protected Area Network across the Channel Ecosystem. EU INTERREG project Priority 4, Objective 2. (Co-I).
2012 The legal and ecological definition of ‘site integrity in the EU Habitats Directive and its application to UK Marine Planning. A position statement for the Marine Conservation Society. (PI).
2012 Marine Conservation Zones Benefits Package. Research and report for the Wildlife Trusts. (Co-I).
2011–2012: Social perspectives on the establishment of marine conservation zones. MMO Fisheries Challenge Fund. (Co-I).
Creative practice & artistic projects
An Ever Moving Now – Rosie Sherwood https://www.rosiesherwood.com/
Blue Carbon Artist in Residence – The Seagrass Corridor. NERC – Creative Climate Connections
Publications
Publications
Key publications
Key publications are highlighted
JournalsPlater AJ, Rice JC, Glegg G, Hansson S, Koutrakis M, Mangi S, Marasovic I, Marshall CE, Norman T, Oguz T, Peckett F, Rees S, Rickards L, Rodwell LD, Tudor D, Vrgoc N. Review of existing international approaches to fisheries management: The role of science in underpinning the ecosystem approach and marine spatial planning, in: Kidd, S. et al. The ecosystem approach to marine planning and management 2011; 131-204.
Rees, S.E., Ashley, M., Cameron, A.2019. North Devon Marine Pioneer Report 2: A Natural Capital Asset and Risk Register A SWEEP/WWF-UK report by research staff the Marine Institute at University of Plymouth.
Tillin, H.M., Langmead, O., Hodgson, B., Luff, A, Rees, S., Hooper, T. Frost, M. 2018. Feasibility study for a Marine Natural Capital Asset Index for Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Report No. 1071
La Bianca, Giulia., Hodgson, Ben., Erni-Cassola, Gabriel., Tillin, Heidi., Howell, Kerry., Rees Sian. 2018. A report for Ascension Islands-Natural Capital Assessment. South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI). 81pp.
Ashley, M., Rees, S.E., Cameron, A. 2018. North Devon Marine Pioneer, links between the ecosystem and ecosystem services in the North Devon Marine Pioneer. A report to WWF-UK by research staff the Marine Institute at University of Plymouth.
Hooper, T., Langmead, O., Marcone, O., Rees, S., Rendon, O., Börger, T., Beaumont, N., Attrill, M. and Austen, M. 2018. Application of the natural capital approach to the marine environment to aid decision-making. Report prepared for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (project code ME5115).
Rees, S., Hall-Spencer, J., Savva, I., Antoniou, C., Kleitou, P., Christodoulides, Y., Chartosia, N., Hadjioannou, L., Jimenez, C., Petrou, A., Demetriou, A., Sfendourakis, S., Kletou, D. 2017. Stakeholder Consultation and Baseline Assessment of Social Awareness on Marine Invasive Species in the Mediterranean. Preparatory Action A.1. A Report for EU LIFE Nature and Biodiversity. Preventing a LIONfish invasion in the MEDiterranean through early response and targeted REmoval (RELIONMED-LIFE) - LIFE16 NAT/CY/000832.
Rees S., Clingham E, Rodwell L., Glegg G., and Collins M. 2016. Marine Ecosystem Services of St Helena. Part 2: Ecosystem Service Valuations, Future Development Thresholds and Management. A report for the Environment and Natural Resources Directorate, St Helena Government by Marine Institute Plymouth University. pp 70. http://hdl.handle.net/10026.1/11195
Rees S., Fletcher S., Clingham E., 2016. Marine Ecosystem Services Assessment of St Helena. A report for the Environment and Natural Resources Directorate, St Helena Government by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research, Plymouth University. pp 22. http://hdl.handle.net/10026.1/11194
Rees, S.E., Ashley, M., Evans, L., Mangi, S., Rodwell, L., Attrill, M., Langmead, O., Sheehan, E., Rees, A. 2016. An evaluation framework to determine the impact of the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area and the activities of the Lyme Bay Consultative Committee on ecosystem services and human wellbeing. A report to the Blue Marine Foundation by research staff the Marine Institute at Plymouth University, Exeter University and Cefas. Pp139. http://hdl.handle.net/10026.1/6742
Rees S.E., Foster N.L., Langmead O., Pittman S., Johnson D.E. 2016. Defining the qualitative elements of Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 with regard to the marine and coastal environment. A report to the Convention on Biological Diversity expert meeting complied by the Marine Institute at Plymouth University, UK. pp. 55
Rees S, Foster N, Langmead O, Griffiths C. 2015 Assessment of the Ecological Coherence of the MPA Network in the Celtic Seas: A report for WWF-UK by the Marine Institute, Plymouth University and The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. 2015. p. 120.
Rodríguez-Rodríguez, D., Rees, S., Rodwell, L., Haenrick, M., Dobroniak, C., Bartlett,G., Mannaerts, G., and Attrill, M. 2014. Methods for monitoring the socioeconomic effects of Marine Protected Areas. A report for the European Union INTERREG IVA France (Channel) – England European cross-border co-operation programme. Protected Area Network Across the Channel Ecosystem Project. pp 75.
Fletcher, S., Rees, S., Gall, S. Shellock, R., Dodds, W. and Rodwell, L. 2014. Assessing the socio-economic benefits of marine protected areas. A report for Natural Resources Wales by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research, Plymouth University.
Rodriguez-Rodriguez, D., Rees, S., Mannaerts, G., Sheehan, E. 2013. Marine Protected Areas in the Channel: A review. Report prepared by the Marine Institute and the Agence des Marines Protegees for the Protected Area Network Across the Channel Ecosystem (PANACHE) project. INTERREG programme France (Channel) – England (2007 – 2013) funded project, 48 pp.
Brown, C., Hull, S., Frost, N., Miller, F., Pearce, B., Rees, S., Hughes, E., Tyler-Walters, H. 2013. In-depth review of evidence supporting the recommended Marine Conservation Zones. Project Code: MB0116 Marine Biodiversity R&D Programme, p. 69. Report for the UK Government Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), London.
Friedrich, L., Fletcher, S., Gall, S., Rees, S., 2013. Securing the benefits of the Marine Conservation Zone Network: Evidence for a declining ecological baseline. A report by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research for the UK Government Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Attrill, M., Higgs, N., Dodds, W., Fletcher, S., Friedrich, L., Gall, S., Jefferson, R., Langmead, O., Rees, S., Pittman, S., Sheehan, E. 2013. Marine Conservation Zones: Consultation on proposals for designation in 2013. A Response from the Marine Institute at Plymouth University for the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). 12pp.
Fletcher S., Rees S., Gall S., Jackson E., Friedrich L., and Rodwell L. 2012. Securing the benefits of the Marine Conservation Zone Network. A report for The Wildlife Trusts by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research, Plymouth University.
Glegg, G., Fletcher, S., Jefferson, R., Pike, K., Rees, S. and Rodwell, L. 2012. Marine Biodiversity Valuation: a proposal for action. A report for Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research, Plymouth University.
Rees, S. E. & Rodwell, L. D. 2012. The social impacts of marine conservation zones on the North Devon inshore fishing fleets - A report for the Marine Management Organisation., pp. 39. The Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research, Plymouth University, Plymouth.
Attrill, M.J., Bayley, D.T.I., Gall, S.C., Hattam, C., Jackson, E.L., Langmead, O., Mangi, S., Marshall, C., Munro, C., Rees, S., Rodwell, L., Sheehan, E.V., Stevens, T.F., Strong. S., 2011. Lyme Bay – a case-study: measuring recovery of benthic species; assessing potential “spillover” effects and socio-economic changes, Final Report, February 2011. Report to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from the University of Plymouth-led consortium. Plymouth: University of Plymouth Enterprise Ltd.
Attrill, M.J., Bayley, D.T.I., Gall, S.C., Hattam, C., Jackson, E.L., Langmead, O., Mangi, S., Marshall, C., Munro, C., Rees, S., Rodwell, L., Sheehan, E.V., Stevens, T.F., Strong. S. 2010. Lyme Bay – a case-study: measuring recovery of benthic species; assessing potential “spillover” effects and socio-economic changes, Annual Report, December 2010. Report to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from the University of Plymouth-led consortium. Plymouth: University of Plymouth Enterprise Ltd. 53 pages.
Mangi, S., Hattam, C., Rodwell, L., Rees, S., Stehfest, K. 2009. Initial report on socio-economic costs of closing Lyme Bay to scallop dredging and heavy trawling gear. Report to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from the Plymouth Marine Laboratories and the University of Plymouth-led consortium. Plymouth: University of Plymouth Enterprise Ltd. 50 pp. Defra Contract No. MB101
Attrill, M.J., Fowell, S., Hall-Spencer, J., Hattam, C., Jackson, E.L., Langmead, O., Mangi, S., Marshall, C., Munro, C., Rees, S., Rodwell, L., Sheehan, E.V., Stevens, T.F. 2009. Lyme Bay – a case-study: measuring recovery of benthic species; assessing potential “spillover” effects and socio-economic changes, Annual Report, December 2009. Report to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from the University of Plymouth-led consortium. Plymouth: University of Plymouth Enterprise Ltd. 70 pages
Authored Consultation Responses to UK Government 1. Higgs, N., Thompson, R., Hutchinson, T., Hall-Spencer, J., McQuatters-Gollop, A., Embling, C., Rees, S., Sheehan, E. and Selby, I., (2018). Sustainable Seas Inquiry: Written Evidence from the University of Plymouth Marine Institute. University of Plymouth Marine Institute, Plymouth, UK, pp. 12. 2. Marine Institute. 2015. Marine Conservation Zones: Consultation on the second tranche of Marine Conservation Zones 2015. Response from the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth. 8pp 3. Marine Institute. 2013. Marine Conservation Zones: Consultation on proposals for designation in 2013. Response from the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth. 12pp 4. Marine Institute. 2009. DEFRA consultation on delivering Marine Conservation Zones and European Marine Sites (a draft strategy for marine protected areas) and the Draft Guidance Notes 1-4. Response from the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth. 18pp 5. Marine Institute 2008. JNCC 2008 Consultation on guidance relating to the offence of deliberate disturbance of marine European Protected Species. Response from the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth. 8pp 6. Mee, L., Stevens, T., Rees, S and Marshall C. 2008. DEFRA Consultation on measures to protect biodiversity in Lyme Bay; Response from the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth. 11pp |