PgDip MSc PhD
Contact Details
Biography
My research focuses on marine spatial planning (MSP), spatial ecology and decision-support, integrating quantitative marine ecology with spatial analysis to support evidence-based planning and management of marine environments. I work at the interface of ecology, spatial modelling and applied planning, with a focus on understanding how biodiversity, environmental change and human activities interact across space and time.
A major component of my work is the development and application of spatial and spatiotemporal models to characterise the distribution of marine biodiversity, ecosystem services, human activities and environmental pressures. I use species distribution and habitat suitability models, abundance models, trait-based and mechanistic approaches, alongside geospatial analysis and expert knowledge.
I also develop and apply spatial optimisation and decision-support tools to explore alternative MSP scenarios, evaluate trade-offs among ecological, social and economic objectives, and identify opportunities for conservation and sustainable use. An increasing focus is climate-smart MSP, incorporating climate projections and ecological responses to support resilient and adaptive planning under environmental uncertainty, including identifying potential climate refugia and areas of range expansion.
My work also addresses cumulative effects and integrates scientific knowledge, mātauranga Māori, local knowledge and stakeholder perspectives into spatial planning processes. This research is underpinned by a broader background in marine ecology, fisheries and marine megafauna science, particularly marine mammal spatial ecology, providing an ecological foundation for incorporating biodiversity and marine megafauna values into marine spatial planning.
Research Outputs
Recently Featured Work
Identification of significant ecological areas for the Otago coastal marine area
De-risking New Zealand’s offshore wind energy
Online atlas provides understanding of marine life and habitats
Advancing marine spatial planning in Kiribati
