Research and Consultancy at CEMS

Research within CEMS covers a broad range of topics reflecting the interests of the academic staff and their associated postgraduate students. The general subject areas are outlined below and further information on staff research interests is available on their individual pages. There are opportunities to undertake full-time or part-time research MSc or PhD degrees within CEMS and details of how to apply can be found on the Postgraduate Study page.

Marine Biology

The Sublittoral Marine Ecology Group (SMEG) led by Magnus Johnson and Ralf Bublitz, provides research and consultancy in the areas of inshore fisheries, crustacean ecophysiology, marine chemical ecology, underwater telemetry and scientific diving. Magnus Johnson leads marine-based research into the biology and behaviour of krill (in collaboration with staff from the British Antarctic Survey) and inshore fisheries social networks and fisheries socio-economics. He also has a number of joint projects with other members of CEMS staff including an investigation in to anthropogenic impacts on coral reefs and cleaner wrasse biology and behaviour. Ralf Bublitz leads marine chemical ecology research into pheromone communication in marine organisms and monitoring of crustaceans and fish with acoustic telemetry.

Intertidal Ecology

The Intertidal Ecology Research Group (IEG) led by Sue Hull, provides a focus for research into the pure and applied aspects of intertidal ecology. Current topics under investigation include mechanisms of speciation of intertidal organisms; plant animal interactions; population dynamics of intertidal invertebrates; habitat complexity and organism abundance; rocky shore monitoring; effects of sand inundation on rocky shores and algal ecology.

Terrestrial ecology and geomorphology

At CEMS terrestrial ecological research focuses on the ecology of heather moorlands and factors affecting landscape use and farming practice. In addition, Phil Wheeler works on tropical forest ecology; currently the conservation and ecology of the Anoa in Indonesia and Baird’s Tapir in Honduras. 

Environmental science and policy

Sunil Shastri is currently evaluating the offshore oil and gas policy of India and also conducts research and offers consultancy in ocean governance.  Alex Ibhadon investigates the chemistry of photocatalysis and novel methods of removing volatile organic compounds.  Will Mayes has interests in minewater pollution, pollution in freshwater habitats and remediation generally.

Environmental and Marine Consultancy

In addition to both the pure and applied research undertaken within the Centre staff also act as consultants on a range of educational and environmental issues and are involved in range of local projects and initiatives. Such activities include:-

• Delivery of courses to DEFRA
• A review of the fishing industry in Grimsby
• Subcontracts for environmental consultiancies
• Investigating the importance of inshore fisheries
• Links with the Dinosaur Coast project
• Bioeconomic review of bass angling for East Riding of Yorkshire
• Critiques of EIAs on behalf of the fishing industry