Belinda is a marine ecologist whose work has ranged from investigating Antarctica’s soft sediment species assemblages to sustainable fisheries research that inform policy decisions. Belinda has worked for BAS in the Biodiveristy, Evolution and Adaptation team since 2012 and has overwintered at Rothera research station for her research.

Research interests

Current Research Interest

Relative to the underwater rocky habitats little is known about the animal communities that live amongst the fine gravel and mud in Antarctica. What species live here? Does the composition of species change with location, season, or the particle size of the sediment? Are the animals evenly distributed amongst their habitat or are they patchy in their abundance? Is the species assemblage affected by iceberg impacts? How much energy do these communities contribute into this benthic ecosystem?

To investigate the species composition of the soft sediment communities we dive and use a suction sampler to extract small squares (0.25m2) of the seabed. Back in the lab species identification, size, abundance and carbon/energy content is determined. In addition to investigate the particle size and total carbon content of the sediment we collect core samples.

This research will stand alone to answer many unknowns about Antarctica’s shallow soft sediment communities but in addition it will be combined with studies on the rocky communities, feeding relationships, production rates and consumption rates to begin to model Antarctica’s benthic ecosystems. Concurrently BAS is undertaking research into the effect sea temperature rise has on the recruitment and survival of Antarctic species and communities. By uniting knowledge of todays ecosystem with knowledge of the impact future environmental conditions are likely to have predications about the effect of climate change on these communities may be made.

Previous Research Interests

• Sustainable fisheries research
• Fisheries management; policy and fishing community engagement
• Marine Protected Areas

• Morley, S., Souster, T., Gerrish, L., Vause, B., Peck, L., & Barnes, D. (2022). Blue carbon data for marine invertebrates living on soft substrata (20m South Cove and Hangar Cove) and Rocky substrata (Cheshire Island) around Rothera Point Antarctica (2013-2015). (Version 1.0) [Data set]. NERC EDS UK Polar Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/f3fe6bff-fefd-48d4-8024-dfb3e33a818f

1. Changing biodiversity

   Baseline study to monitor how marine biodiversity will respond to climate change

   Read more of: Changing biodiversity

   

1. Rothera Diary – October 2014

   The End is Nigh! In 12 days the first planes will arrive, invading us with who knows what? Well we have a pretty good idea. We are looking forward to […]

   Read more of: Rothera Diary – October 2014

   

Employment History

Sep 2012 – Present      Marine Biologist, British Antarctic Survey

Aug 2007 – Sep 2012   Research Manager and warranted Fisheries Officer, Sussex Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority

Jan 2007 – Aug 2007  Data Analyst, British Oceanographic Data Centre, Liverpool

Jun 2001 – Nov 2005  Research Assistant, Shellfish Fisheries Team, Port Erin Marine Laboratory, The University of Liverpool, Isle of Man.

Education

BSc Marine Biology, The University of Liverpool (2001)