Department of Biological and Marine Science

Our research in this thematic grouping addresses the management of marine and freshwater ecosystems, monitoring and modelling environmental systems, changing aquatic environments, and the co-evolution of Earth and life.

We have led the use of environmental DNA as a tool for monitoring species in aquatic environments and have considerable expertise in telemetry and migration of fish, birds and mammals.

We’re exploring ways to improve the region’s bieconomy through reducing waste, adding value to by-products, developing novel manufacturing processes, adapting feedstocks and enhancing resilience against risks within the supply chain.

Management of Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

Our research uses scientific evidence to inform and shape sustainable water resource management practices and policies across the world.

Projects include:

• the effect of oil and gas decommissioning on marine conservation and ecosystem services
• water use of the Shatt al-Arab for food security
• fish-friendly hydropower systems
• inland waterways pollutant characterisation

Monitoring and Modelling Environmental Systems

Our research here focuses on environmental fluid dynamics, hydrology, flood science, geomorphology, and environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring.

Projects include:

• physical models for climate change adaptation
• drone-mounted spectral analysis engineering
• susceptibility of catchments to intense rainfall and flooding
• combination hazard of extreme rainfall, storm surge and high tide on estuarine infrastructure
• eDNA-based methods for non-invasive monitoring of biodiversity

Changing Aquatic Environments

This research cluster examines the genetic pathways that are at risk from climate-induced stress; and the effect of changing aquatic environments on chemical communication.

Our cutting-edge research on aquatic microplastic contamination is pinpointing the fate and effects of microplastics in environments that were previously considered pristine such as the Antarctic. We’re also examining microplastic behaviour and impact in estuarine and maritime contexts – and within the human food chain.

We’re proud to expand public understanding of these issues by featuring our work at The Deep.

Co-evolution of Earth and Life

Our research contributes to the knowledge base and international debates on past climate and ecological and evolutionary change from the Precambrian period to the Holocene. We also examine threats to natural capital as we move into the Anthropocene.

This group has won international awards for impact and attracted significant investment from funding bodies such as the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and The Royal Society.

The Interplay between Organisms and their Environments

Our research in the area of evolutionary genomics is identifying genomic change associated with speciation and reproductive isolation, the evolution of sex chromosomes and the role of hybridisation in generating biodiversity.

A further focus is agri-environments – with research examining the survival of bees in nutritionally altered agri-environments, agro-pathogens and plant biology. The Department for Food and Rural Affairs-funded project SoundWaves focuses on high-profile innovative field and experimental work on the effects of noise and vibration on marine organisms.

Human and Non-human Society-environment Relations

This cluster brings together natural and social scientists on a range of collaborative research projects working across many disciplines and institutions.

Our research on human-animal relations and technologies – which has received funding from the Wellcome Trust – is a collaboration between human geographers, historians, economists and epidemiological modellers from six UK institutions. FIELD (Farm-level Interdisciplinary approaches to Endemic Livestock Disease) is a four-year interdisciplinary project to research how livestock disease is influenced by nature and culture, science and society, and the actions of humans and livestock.

Our research collaborations are investigating the impact of new technologies on mobility and livelihoods in southern Africa; the role of waste and recycling in sustainable livelihoods; and modelling ecological factors with a focus on Ebola spillover events which are impacted by climate change. Research on social cash transfers, generational relations and youth poverty in rural Lesotho and Malawi has been funded by the ESRC.

Research in this thematic grouping addresses flood resilience, low carbon energy alternatives and the circular and bio economies.

We are particularly interested in sustainable fisheries and the effectiveness of marine protected areas – and also the management of non-native invasive species.

Working closely with the University’s Wilberforce Institute, our researchers have secured funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, British Academy, ESRC and the Leverhulme Trust.

Flood Resilience

Our research into future flood resilience is led by researchers based in the Energy and Environment Institute. It has secured European funding for the Flood Resilience Innovation Centre which benefits communities by supporting the development of new technologies in flood rescue and resilience.

With support from UK Government, we’re also developing the Ark National Flood Resilience Centre with full-scale urban and rural, swift and still water flood simulation. These enhancements will result in the ability to deliver integrated multi-agency training, research, innovation and community engagement that is centred on flood resilience. The centre will also offer training for the next generation of researchers with Continuing Professional Development and MSc courses.

Low Carbon Energy Alternatives

This cluster involves a range of interdisciplinary research and collaborative projects to deliver broad societal, environmental and economic benefits in a post-carbon world.

With collaborators, we secured joint EPSRC-NERC funding for the Panorama Doctoral Training Partnership in offshore wind energy and the environment. The programme will support over 70 PhD students across 5 cohorts, combining academic and industry expertise to accelerate the low carbon transition and develop solutions to the challenges facing the offshore wind industry.

The closely-related related EU Horizon 2020 project INCUBIS (an Industrial Symbiosis Incubator for Maximizing Waste Heat/Cold Efficiency in Industrial Parks and Districts) is co-led by our staff in collaboration with international partners. INCUBIS investigates the potential for energy savings in the Humber region, with the aim of making EU policy recommendations relating to energy technology.

Other projects within this theme include the estuarine response to habitat loss and gain through investment in infrastructure; evaluating the economic and environmental impacts of tidal energy schemes; and the development of expert systems for the integrated management and planning of the ‘Energy Estuary’.

Sustainable Cities and Regions

Our researchers examine industrial symbiosis and regional development and the adoption of renewable energy and other green technologies in urban and rural areas.

Other key areas of our work include exploring alternative local food networks; innovative pathways to de-growth and sustainable alternative local economies; and the funding and financing of low-carbon mass transit infrastructure across metropolitan areas.

We also examine how climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy are transforming the fortunes of structurally disadvantaged maritime port cities and regions around the North Sea.