Marine Top Predator Ecology

Our Research

The Marine Top-Predator Research Team at the School of Ocean Sciences, applies multi-disciplinary approaches to better understand anthropogenic and environmental influences on fish, marine mammal and seabird populations in space and time. Our researchers actively engage with collaborators from diverse disciplines (e.g. ecology, oceanography, engineering, history, statistics) to uncover mechanisms influencing animal behaviour and movement, as well as population abundance and distributions.

Integrating Diverse Methods for Comprehensive Marine Ecosystem Research

Our research extends over field observations and conceptual modelling, conventional and state-of-the-art approaches, local and overseas study systems, and diverse species and habitats to provide comprehensive understanding of biophysical and biological interactions.

Sustainable Marine Management and Conservation Research

Our research works towards sustainable solutions in marine management and conservation by quantifying human-wildlife dynamics and identifying environments or conditions that promote healthy marine ecosystems.

Meet the Team

Dr James Waggitt

A Lecturer in Marine Biology / Ecology, his research focuses on biophysical interactions and understanding the mechanisms that determine animal distribution. Projects often involve the performance of research cruises or seabed moorings, and consist of complementary approaches to provide concurrent physical and biological measurements.

Dr Alec Moore

A Lecturer in Marine Top Predator Conservation whose research aims to inform the sustainable management, conservation and recovery of marine biota, particularly sharks and rays. He uses a range of approaches, from fieldwork on commercial fishing and research vessels, to museum specimens and historical accounts, to understand biodiversity and how this interacts with human activity.

Dr Marianna Chimienti

A Lecturer in Marine Top Predator Ecology focusing on how changes in marine resources affect marine top predators’ energetics, behaviour, and habitat use. Her research explores animal movement, responses to environmental change, and links to population dynamics using tracking technologies and modelling. Study species range across penguins, seabirds and marine mammals.

Global Research Collaboration Network

Our research team proactively collaborates with large numbers of partners at both national and international scale. Examples of recent partners include:

Liverpool University
UHI Shetland
National Oceanography Centre
University of Aberdeen
Virginia Institute for Marine Sciences (USA)
Sea Watch Foundation
French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
Aarhus University (Denmark)
Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (Italy)
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (Spain)
Universidade de Vigo (Spain)

Specialist Facilities

Our researchers make use of Bangor University's state-of-the-art, purpose-built research vessel - the Prince Madog. Used by Bangor University and other UK universities, the Prince Madog allows up to 10 scientists and 20 students at a time to study the biology, chemistry, geology and physics of our seas.

Learn More

School of Ocean Sciences, LL59 5AB

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