To ensure the optimal allocation of environmental resources and to direct private and public policy and investment, we need to understand the dynamics linking ecological and social systems. These dynamics are complex and multi-faceted, and require understanding 1) how ecological populations respond to direct human actions (e.g., harvesting) and environmental stochasticity (e.g., climate change) and 2) human preferences for environmental management and how these preferences determine how human communities interact with ecological systems.
In my lab group, we are currently assessing the economic implications of marine-human wildlife conflict, and how this conflict affects both marine mammal populations and marine industries.
A range of topics could be covered in a DPhil project in my group, including:
• Marine human-wildlife conflict
• Assessing community preferences for the environment or conservation priorities
• Assessing trade-offs in the allocation of conservation resources
• Marine protected area evaluation
• Incentivising and predicting compliance with environmental regulations
A range of methodologies could be employed to tackle these research topics, including:
• Population modelling
• Bioeconomic modelling
• Spatial optimisation models (e.g., marine protected area design)
• Meta-analysis
• Discrete choice experiments
• Value of information
• Cost-benefit analysis
Qualifications and Experience
PhD, 3 current DPhil students, 1 graduated DPhil, 1 current MBiol student, 4 graduated MBiol students, 14 years teaching experience
