FjordStrong provides a solution to the increasing restrictions and public pressure for biodiversity assessments to move away from extractive and damaging techniques, namely bottom trawling. Using cost effective video technologies from ROVs and stereo-BRUVs, we aim to provide rapid and non-extractive seabed biodiversity surveys and ecological advice to a range of clients including NGOs, government agencies and offshore infrastructure developers.

Migration of the Sand Eel stock assessment (area 1-R) into the ICES Transparent Assessment Framework (TAF). Consequently nominated into the HAWG working group to produce the 2020 advice sheet for Sand Eel. My input ensured a smooth transition into the TAF process in addition to interpretation and tuning of the statistical models. Required strong R and Github skills and domain knowledge of the Sand Eel fishery and the models employed, in addition to ICES reporting standards.

Planned experiments and managed inventory, orders and sterilization while accounting for the temporal aspect of microbial processes. Isolated and successfully cultured an understudied marine bacteria at 9 temperatures under various treatments. Determined their thermal niche using DAPI and cytometry.

Acquisition of distribution, association, movement and behaviour data on top predators through distance sampling in the Bay of Biscay and subsequent spatial modelling. Onboard, I rapidly learnt Spanish and proved my interpersonal skills with both crew and scientific personnel. Development of a Standard Operating Protocol for stomach content analysis of guillemots. Performed statistical and spatial analyses on the impact of extreme wind events on the mortality of the common guillemot and subsequently published a manuscript in Ecological Indicators. Regular presentations of my findings to a mixed audience of researchers and interested non-academic third parties.

Collation, interpretation and digitization sea-trout data including life-history reading of scales. Resulted in a well documented standardised database for use in future research. Required ARCGIS and strong Microsoft Office skills.