Marine biodiversity

Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Our Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology was created in 1999, with a research development grant from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), to link traditional forms of study with the molecular genetic analysis of marine organisms.

It is now a key member of a £17.4million research pool, the Marine Alliance for Science & Technology in Scotland (MASTS), also funded by the SFC. This brings together scientists in ten Scottish institutions to carry out world-class research, training and knowledge exchange.

Heriot-Watt University's work in this field is pioneering as there are only a very small number of experts in the world.

Biogenic Reefs Research

Professor Hamish Mair, coordinator of the Centre, is leading a team studying the ecosystems of particular regions, including Loch Creran in Scotland, noted for biogenic reefs made of worms which produce a calcium structure. The reef is unique in the UK, and his team discovered that it was suffering serious damage from trawling. The reef has now been designated a protected area by Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure it suffers no further damage.

Protecting the Las Perlas Archipelago

Professor Mair has also recently completed his fourth research grant under DEFRA's Darwin Initiative which aims to promote the sustainable use of resources around the world. He continues to study the marine habitats of Las Perlas Archipelago in Panama, and his research has already led to the designation of a conservation area, combatting the threats to biodiversity from overfishing, pollution and tourism.

Cold Water Corals Research

Marine biologist, Dr Murray Roberts, is studying the biology and ecology of deep-sea or cold-water corals, some of which are in British waters. He aims to produce the information needed for their long-term management and conservation. These reefs attract fish but can be easily damaged by trawlers, with fleets sailing further offshore because of the reduction in fish stocks in coastal waters.

Marine Ecotoxicology Research

The Heriot-Watt ecotoxicology group lead by Dr Mark Hartl is developing biomarkers of pollutant exposure in marine and estuarine organisms. Recent research activities include the behaviour and impact of engineered nanomaterials in the marine environment, the bioavailability and biomarkers of engineered nanomaterials and oil-field chemicals in marine organisms.