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**HIGH PRIORITY** Developing Collision Risk Models for marine mammals,
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
Collision risk and encounter rate models (CRM and ERM) and their input parameters are
widely used to inform the risk of collision with protected species in renewable energy
developments. Underwater versions of these models are used for consenting tidal energy
projects, where the risk and potential effects of collision on marine species is evaluated
and the approval of the development can be dependent on the outputs of these predictive
models. Collision Risk / Encounter Risk models designed by SNH (NatureScot 2016
Assessing Collision Risk between Underwater Turbines and Marine Wildlife) are commonly
used in consenting in the UK but other models have been / are being developed,
especially to accommodate different / unusual tidal turbine designs.
A review (with recommendations) of available models / techniques is needed to
understand the status of known models applicable for marine wildlife, especially marine
mammals. Further, development of novel modelling routines should be examined to
explore their utility for new tidal device designs. Moreover, the input parameters for such
models rely on up to date, regionally relevant information. A collation of plausible input
parameters for protected marine mammal species found in Wales, UK, is needed to
update models. A key aspect of this PhD is to examine the likely impacts of potential
collision via population modelling of removals / mortality from collision on marine mammal
species in Wales. Critically needed is a review of available information on, and
establishment of a framework of, avoidance rates that are likely and pragmatic for
consenting in the face of uncertainty.
Suggested level of research: PhD
For more, and updated information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Keywords (discipline, other): **HIGH PRIORITY** Developing Collision Risk Models for marine mammals,”Collision risk, Marine mammals, Risk models, Conservation, Marine management”,
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: Yes External Partner: Yes Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: Email Address: Phone: NA
________________________________________________________________________________
**HIGH PRIORITY** Genetics and connectivity of horse mussel beds in Welsh waters and the surrounding seas,
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
The condition of the horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus) bed off the Llŷn Peninsula has
been declining for several years but the reasons for this are unclear. This project would
examine genetics and connectivity of horse mussel beds, for Wales and beyond. This
would include larval modelling and investigations of recruitment issues. Some work has
been started already but wider research is needed. This could possibly be combined with
the project on heat stress.
Suggested level of research: PhD
For more, and updated information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Keywords (discipline, other): **HIGH PRIORITY** Genetics and connectivity of horse mussel beds in Welsh waters and surrounding seas,”Horse mussels, Genetics, Connectivity, Welsh waters, Marine biodiversity”,
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: Yes External Partner: Yes Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: Email Address: Phone: NA
________________________________________________________________________________
**HIGH PRIORITY** How can we best restore Welsh islands to benefit seabirds?,
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
For more, and updated information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Keywords (discipline, other): **HIGH PRIORITY** Restoring Welsh islands to benefit seabirds,”Seabirds, Welsh islands, Restoration, Habitat improvement, Marine conservation”,
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: Yes External Partner: Yes Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: Email Address: marinecoastalevidence@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Phone: NA
________________________________________________________________________________
**HIGH PRIORITY** How might pathogens be impacting the horse mussel bed off the Llŷn Peninsula?,
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
The condition of the horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus) bed off the Llŷn Peninsula has
been declining for several years but the reasons for this are unclear. This project would
examine the presence and impacts of pathogens in horse mussels and possible
interactions with climate change (including higher water temperatures, pH etc). The project
would include lab studies to determine the impact of known shellfish pathogens on horse
mussels (currently limited research) and the influence of temperature on infection, and
wider sampling at the Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau Special Area of Conservation (SAC) reef to
determine if there are differences between healthy and degraded reef as well as beyond
the Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau SAC bed to understand wider patterns in pathogen presence and /
or impact . This project would also investigate whether damaged horse mussels (e.g. from
potting/trawling impacts) are more susceptible to pathogen impacts and whether it affects
survival. This would need to link with other proposed projects if successful.
Suggested level of research: PhD
For more, and updated information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Keywords (discipline, other): **HIGH PRIORITY** Impact of pathogens on the horse mussel bed off the Ll?n Peninsula,”Pathogens, Horse mussels, Ll?n Peninsula, Marine conservation, Bed health”,
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: Yes External Partner: Yes Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: Email Address: Phone: NA
________________________________________________________________________________
**HIGH PRIORITY** How might sea temperature be impacting the horse mussel bed off the Llŷn Peninsula?,
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
For more, and updated information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Keywords (discipline, other): **HIGH PRIORITY** Impact of sea temperature on the horse mussel bed off the Ll?n Peninsula,”Sea temperature, Horse mussels, Ll?n Peninsula, Climate change, Habitat health”,
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: Yes External Partner: Yes Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: Email Address: Phone: NA
________________________________________________________________________________
**HIGH PRIORITY** How might sediments have impacted the maerl in Milford Haven?,
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
The maerl bed in Milford Haven has been declining for several years now (decreasing
percentage of live maerl etc) but the reasons for this decline are unclear. Maerl is very
sensitive to sedimentation; we need to understand the sources and movements of
sediments and how they interact with each other and deposition in marine habitats in the
Haven This project would examine terrestrial vs marine sources of sediments in Milford
Haven. It would investigate possible links between agricultural activity along the Cleddau
rivers and possible run-off of sediments into the Haven, and how this potentially impacts
estuarine habitats such as maerl. We also need to understand more about how activities in
the Haven causing sediment movements (e.g. dredging) are affecting the estuary in terms
of where the sediment is ending up.
Suggested level of research: PhD
For more, and updated information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Keywords (discipline, other): **HIGH PRIORITY** Impact of sediments on maerl in Milford Haven,”Sediment impact, Maerl, Milford Haven, Marine pollution, Habitat degradation”,
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: Yes External Partner: Yes Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: Email Address: Phone: NA
________________________________________________________________________________
**HIGH PRIORITY** Identifying fish habitat hotspots in Wales,
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
This project would apply and further develop methods used in Campanella & van der Kooij
(2021) to collate a wide range of fisheries data and surveys and produce maps of fish
habitat hotspots, with a focus on a subset of species (e.g. gadoids) and inshore waters.
Suggested level of research: PhD
For more, and updated information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Keywords (discipline, other): **HIGH PRIORITY** Identifying fish habitat hotspots in Wales,”Fish habitats, Habitat hotspots, Welsh waters, Marine ecology”,
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: Yes External Partner: Yes Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: Email Address: Phone: NA
________________________________________________________________________________
**HIGH PRIORITY** Measuring the impact of tidal stream energy devices on tidal currents.,
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
This PhD would focus on obtaining measurements of tidal velocity deficit behind devices
deployed at the Morlais tidal stream energy project, therefore it would require agreement
with both Morlais and developers. It is suggested that ADCP transects and drone-based
surface current measurements be used. The aim of the project would be to understand the
real world impact of energy extraction on tidal flows and to assess how well model
predictions of wakes behind tidal turbines match reality. Therefore, either existing model
predictions would be required, or model wake predictions would need to be generated.
Suggested level of research: PhD
For more, and updated information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Keywords (discipline, other): **HIGH PRIORITY** Measuring impact of tidal stream energy devices on tidal currents,”Tidal stream energy, Tidal currents, Impact assessment, Renewable energy”,
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: Yes External Partner: Yes Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: Email Address: Phone: NA
________________________________________________________________________________
**HIGH PRIORITY** Measuring wave attenuation by wave energy converters.,
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
This PhD would aim to measure attenuation of waves by wave energy converters (WECs), if
devices are deployed in the META test sites. It is proposed that an array of calibrated pressure
transducers could be used to measure wave energy around the WEC and try to measure the
impact of the WEC on the incident wave field. Other tools could also be considered, such as
(stereo) optical remote sensing to better understand spatial variation. It is suggested that
developing and testing approaches to measure the real world impact of energy extraction by WECs
on the wave field would be non-trivial and could be an important part of the PhD. This PhD
depends upon devices being deployed, the likelihood of this is unknown and so would need
discussion with interested developers.
Suggested level of research: PhD
For more, and updated information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Keywords (discipline, other): **HIGH PRIORITY** Measuring wave attenuation by wave energy converters,”Wave energy converters, Wave attenuation, Impact assessment, Renewable energy”,
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: Yes External Partner: Yes Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: Email Address: Phone: NA
________________________________________________________________________________
**HIGH PRIORITY** Understanding the connectivity of subtidal sandbanks in Pembrokeshire with the wider sedimentary system.,
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
One of the major concerns with sand wave levelling is the impact on residual sediment
transport. If this is conducted across a sand bank, this could alter the form and stability of
the bank. Certainty about this is limited by the lack of understanding of regional scale
sediment transport around SW Pembrokeshire and the role that the offshore sandbanks
have in the wider sediment budget; both directly, as a store and source of sediment, and
indirectly, due to wave dissipation and modulation. It is envisaged that this PhD would
primarily be a numerical modelling study.
Suggested level of research: PhD
For more, and updated information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Keywords (discipline, other): **HIGH PRIORITY** Understanding connectivity of subtidal sandbanks in Pembrokeshire,”Subtidal sandbanks, Connectivity, Pembrokeshire, Marine habitats”,
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/marine-biodiversity-collaborative-research-priorities/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: Yes External Partner: Yes Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: Email Address: Phone: NA
________________________________________________________________________________