Visiting Researcher - applied Marine Ecosystems Research (aMER): https://sheehanresearchgroup.com 

 

I am a marine ecologist and fisheries expert specializing in sustainable ocean management. With over a decade of experience in academic, NGO and consultant sectors, my work focuses on marine protected area management, benthic ecosystems, fisheries governance, and conservation planning across Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. While my primary focus is on coastal ecosystems, I also have significant experience in offshore and deep-sea environments.
I bring strong skills in project and budget management, grant writing, and reporting, along with technical expertise in ecological survey design, community-level data analysis (R, Python, Primer and PERMANOVA+), GIS analytics (ArcGIS, QGIS), ecological impact assessments, and marine spatial planning. My work is grounded in hands-on field experience. With a background that spans academic research and consulting, I’ve authored peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and a book chapter. Much of my work has informed conservation policy and advanced sustainable ocean governance across multiple regions.
My fieldwork includes boat-based marine research, lab-based analysis, underwater video techniques, eDNA, plankton and water quality sampling, fisheries observations and assessments, acoustic telemetry, underwater noise assessments, and more. Beyond academic outputs, I’m passionate about science communication. I use media, infographics, and conservation photography to make complex marine issues more accessible to diverse audiences, helping to ensure that my research contributes to both policy change and public awareness.

Marine Biological Association

British Ecological Society

Royal Society of South Africa