Research Interests

Gemma works on intertidal systems around the UK, including seagrass ecosystems in south Cumbria and intertidal reefs around Morecambe Bay. Gemma has additional interests in non-native marine species and collaborates with researchers at the .

The majority of her research is in coral reef systems in the western Indian Ocean, where she aims to:

• assess the health of coral reefs including coral coverage and diversity;
• assess the health of reef-associated species, including biodiverity, biomass and trophic levels;
• identify and assess the extent of coral diseases;
• consider the plausability of reef restoration practices;
• contribute knowledge to setting biodiversity targets and developing management measures for Marine Protected Areas.

Current Teaching

Gemma is module convenor for LECX7142 Aquatic Ecology, LECX6341 Marine Ecology Field Course and LECX6245 Coral Reef Ecology and contributes to teaching in LECX6143 Animal Behaviour and LECX5245 Ecology Field Skills.

Gemma supervises research projects for LECX3000 and LECX6000.

External Roles

Gemma works as an External Examiner for the Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science programme at the University of Suffolk.

She collaborates with Love the Oceans, a non-profit marine conservation organisation supporting work in Jangamo Bay, Mozambique. The goal is to support the community in establishing a Marine Protected Area for the Inhambane Province in Mozambique, achieving higher biodiversity whilst protecting endangered species.