A5053644571- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Marine and fisheries research
- Freshwater macroinvertebrate diversity and ecology
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Reproductive biology and impacts on aquatic species
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Fish Biology and Ecology Studies
- Biological Control of Invasive Species
- Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Marine Ecology and Invasive Species
- Soil erosion and sediment transport
- Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
- Plant Taxonomy and Phylogenetics
- Angiogenesis and VEGF in Cancer
- Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
- Conservation, Ecology, Wildlife Education
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Botany and Geology in Latin America and Caribbean
- Pasture and Agricultural Systems
Edinburgh Napier University
2018-2025
University of Glasgow
2012-2021
University of Cambridge
2013
Queen's University Belfast
2013
Summary Predictions of the identities and ecological impacts invasive alien species are critical for risk assessment, but presently we lack universal standardized metrics that reliably predict likelihood degree impact such invaders (i.e. measurable changes in populations affected species). This need is especially pressing emerging potential future have no invasion history. Such a metric would also ideally apply across diverse taxonomic trophic groups. We derive new invader blends: (i)...
The threat posed by invasive non-native species worldwide requires a global approach to identify which introduced are likely pose an elevated risk of impact native and ecosystems. To inform policy, stakeholders management decisions on threats aquatic ecosystems, 195 assessors representing 120 assessment areas across all six inhabited continents screened 819 from 15 groups organisms (freshwater, brackish, marine plants animals) using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit. This...
Abstract 1. To be effective, the next generation of conservation practitioners and managers need to critical thinkers with a deep understanding how make evidence‐based decisions value evidence synthesis. 2. If, as educators, we do not these priorities core part what teach, are failing prepare our students an effective contribution practice. 3. help overcome this problem have created open access online teaching materials in multiple languages that stored Applied Ecology Resources. So far, 117...
There is an urgent need to understand how organisms respond multiple, potentially interacting drivers in today's world. The effects of the pollutants anthropogenic sound (pile driving playbacks) and waterborne cadmium were investigated across multiple levels biology larval juvenile Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus under controlled laboratory conditions. combination pile playbacks (170 dBpk-pk re 1 μPa) combined synergistically at concentrations >9.62 μg[Cd] L-1 resulting increased...
Summary The ability to predict the likely ecological impacts of invasive species in fresh waters is a pressing research requirement. Whilst comparisons traits and considerations invasion history have some efficacy this respect, we require robust methods that can compare effects native species. Here, utilise comparative functional responses prey selectivity experiments understand impact an invader as compared native. We predatory emerging Europe, ‘killer shrimp’, Dikerogammarus villosus ,...
Mortality rates of wild Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts implanted with acoustic transmitters were assessed to determine if mortality was size dependent. The routinely accepted, but widely debated, ‘2% transmitter mass: body mass’ rule in biotelemetry tested by extending the burden up 12·7% mass small [mean fork length ( L F ) 138·3 mm, range 115–168 mm] downstream migrating S. smolts. Over short timescale emigration (range 11·9–44·5 days) through lower river and estuary, not related size,...
Nature-based solutions are widely advocated for freshwater ecosystem conservation and restoration. As increasing amounts of river restoration undertaken, the need to understand ecological response different measures where best applied becomes more pressing. It is essential that appraisal methods follow a sound scientific approach. Here, experienced experts review current practice academic knowledge make recommendations provide guidance will enable practitioners gather analyse meaningful...
ABSTRACT In September 2023, the River Restoration Centre (RRC) hosted inaugural Scientific Advances in (SARR) conference collaboration with University of Liverpool, UK. As we confront twin crises climate change and biodiversity loss, this event underscored importance global among river restoration scientists to help inform evidence‐led solutions. Fluvial systems are particularly vulnerable climatic pressures, droughts floods exacerbating impacts human‐induced modifications. is a crucial tool...
The behaviour of returning Salmo salar (Linnaeus, 1758) approaching, and attempting to pass low-head weirs remains relatively unknown. A radio telemetry array was created at a weir enable the S. (n = 120) be observed as they approached attempted barrier. majority fish successfully passed barrier on their first or second attempt, some individuals required 11 attempts prior successful passage occurring. Mean delay per 47.8 h (±SD 132.0 h), range 15 min 31 days. Passage success fish's initial...
Despite growing interest in river and catchment restoration, including a focus on nature-based solutions, assessing effectiveness of restoration programmes continues to prove challenge. The development the Eddleston Water project, Scottish Government’s empirical study impact implementing natural flood management measures risk habitat provides opportunity review monitoring at strategic operational level for this long-running programme. project has implemented an extensive range along across...
ABSTRACT There is increasing interest in understanding the implications of biological invasions within context ecosystem functioning. Non‐native crustaceans are particular fresh waters because their important contributions to leaf‐litter processing. The alien amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus spreading rapidly through Europe where it has displaced native gammarids including Gammarus pulex . resultant change shredder communities considerable for dynamics resource availability invaded systems....
The success of invading species can be restricted by interspecific interactions such as competition and predation (i.e. biotic resistance) from resident species, which may natives or previous invaders. Whilst there are myriad examples preying on invaders, simply showing that an interaction exists does not demonstrate limits invader establishment, abundance spread. Support for this conclusion requires evidence negative associations between invaders predators in the field and, further,...
The unimpeded downstream movement patterns and migration success of small female male Anguilla anguilla through a catchment in north‐west Europe were studied using an acoustic hydrophone array along the River Finn into Foyle Estuary Ireland. Twenty silver‐stage A. (total length, L T , range: 332–520 mm) trapped 152 km upstream from coastal marine sea‐lough outlet internally tagged with transmitters which 19 initiated migration. Migration speed was highly influenced by river flow within...
Abstract This study investigated the cumulative impact of weirs on downstream migration wild Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) smolts in River Foyle, Northern Ireland. In spring 2013 fish were released two tributaries similar length; one tributary (impacted) had seven low‐head along pathway and other was devoid such structures (un‐impacted). Salmon fitted with acoustic transmitters monitored via a passive telemetry array during migration. 2014 repeated only impacted tributary. Overall...
This study revealed between-lake genetic structuring between Coregonus lavaretus collected from the only two native populations of this species in Scotland, U.K. (Lochs Eck and Lomond) evidenced by existence private alleles (12 Lomond four Eck) significant differentiation (FST = 0·056) across 10 microsatellite markers. Juvenile C. originating eggs lakes reared a common-garden experiment showed clear phenotypic differences trophic morphology (i.e. head body shape) these indicating that...
This study examined the abiotic and biotic characteristics of ecosystems that allow expression a life history called ferox trout, colloquial name given to brown trout Salmo trutta adopting piscivorous strategy, an apex predator in post‐glacial lakes northern Europe. One hundred ninety‐two Scotland show evidence currently, or historically, supporting S. ; their presence was predicted logistic models by larger deeper with large catchment also support populations Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus .
Summary 1. We report on freshwater resident eel numbers in western Scotland based two time series of data, independent each other, spanning 28 years and that do not rely upon fisheries information. 2. Data from captures trash screens a pumping station (1982–2003) Loch Lomond electrofishing data stream Lochaber, the Allt Coire nan Con (1989–2010), are compared with similar population elsewhere British Isles more widely Europe. 3. Over period study, indices across Europe declined by between 72...
Infection patterns of the invasive Anguillicola crassus nematode were investigated in a population European eel Anguilla anguilla where parasite invasion is very recent, Loch Lomond, Scotland. Intensity levels associated with differences fish ontogeny and trophic ecology. Although eels foraged on both invertebrates, individuals which smaller fed invertebrates (>70% contribution to diet) found contain greater number swim bladder parasites compared larger predominance (>60% contribution) their...