Dr Christopher Lowe

Research Highlights

1. Callaway, R., Shinn, A., Grenfell, S., Bron, J., Burnell, G., Cook, E., Crumlish, M., Culloty, S., Davidson, K., Ellis, R., Flynn, K., Fox, C., Green, D., Hays, G., Hughes, A., Johnston, E., Lowe, C., Lupatsch, I., Malham, S...., & Shields, R. (2012). Review of climate change impacts on marine aquaculture in the UK and Ireland. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 22(3), 389-421.

   https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2247, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa13078

   http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.2247/abstract
2. Lowe, C., Gilbert, A., & Mee, L. (2014). Human–environment interaction in the Baltic Sea. Marine Policy, 43, 46-54.

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2013.03.006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31991
3. Gari, S., Newton, A., Icely, J., & Lowe, C. (2014). Testing the application of the Systems Approach Framework (SAF) for the management of eutrophication in the Ria Formosa. Marine Policy, 43, 40-45.

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2013.03.017, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31992
4. Reis, J. & Lowe, C. (2012). Capacity development of European coastal and marine management – gaps and bridges. Ocean & Coastal Management, 55, 13-19.

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2011.09.010, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31994
5. Lowe, C. (n.d.) Determination of planktonic primary production parameters in the Atlantic Ocean using in situ inherent optical properties

   SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31995

All Research

• BIO245 Boat Based Marine Biology

  In this boat-based, hands on module students will spend several sessions at sea using the University's Research Vessel, the Mary Anning. Although subject to weather conditions, students should expect to spend six, four hour sessions at sea. The Mary Anning is an 18m purpose built catamaran that was designed from the keel up as a survey and teaching vessel and as such is an ideal resource to give students hands on experience of working at sea with a variety of pieces of equipment. Students will assist with deployment of equipment, learn how to handle and identify organisms encountered, and return them to the sea so as to minimise harm to these organisms. Students will be introduced to sampling techniques used in marine biological research and commercial surveys. They will be given theoretical information on different sampling gears and gear selection followed by practical use of these gears on the Mary Anning. Assessment is 100% coursework based around survey operations and reporting common in both academic and commercial settings.

• BIO260 Marine Biology Field Course

  This residential field course comprises practical work employing shore-based techniques to sample littoral and benthic marine habitats. Students will learn techniques for the identification of marine organisms and gain experience in the analysis and presentation of ecological data.

• BIO262 Oceanography

  To understand the life that lives in our oceans, we need to understand those oceans and the processes which take place in them. This module will introduce students to the world's oceans, covering the physical, chemical and biological makeup of the open seas. Topics will consider the formation of the ocean basins, how water moves around these basins and the variations in the ocean's environment which dictate what life can live where. We will also consider long term changes in our environment and the impact that humans are having on this. Through four practical exercises, students will gain hands on experience with oceanographic instrumentation in the laboratory and at sea.

• BIO346 Professional Skills in Marine Biology

  This module will introduce students to the professional techniques utilised to monitor and study marine life in a variety of marine and coastal habitats and in relation to conservation management and biodiversity monitoring in the United Kingdom. The course places a strong emphasis on marine ecological census techniques. Students will learn key skills relevant to the marine ecology sector including protected and economically-important species (especially marine mammals, fish, shellfish, coastal birds) and Phase 1 habitat surveys. Students will also learn about the biotic and abiotic factors that define different UK habitats and relevant regulations that protect them. The module provides an introduction to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and a range of impacts on the marine environment including energy generation and coastal development. Participants in this module will work in groups to discuss case study surveys and EIAs, including a presentation reporting findings from rapid ecological surveys for a case study EIA. The class will be responsible for collecting key survey data for a Preliminary Environmental Appraisal Report (PEAR) for a proposed commercial development in Carmarthen Bay. During a field course, small groups will work as marine environmental consultancy companies responding to an Invitation to Tender with survey design, planning, cost estimation, data collection and analysis. A focus of the module is on developing key transferable skills that enhance employability such as survey design and planning, problem solving, data analysis, report writing, evaluation, communication and teamwork. This will be a residential field course.