Eve Torode | Establish a Baseline Characterisation of Marine Benthic Taxa and Trophic Structure in Guernsey: Evaluating the Ecological Impact of Local Fisheries

MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change

Image of Eve Torode | Establish a Baseline Characterisation of Marine Benthic Taxa and Trophic Structure in Guernsey: Evaluating the Ecological Impact of Local Fisheries

Research Project Overview

Eve, one of our Master in Marine Science and Climate Change students, spoke to us about her research project titled “Establish a Baseline Characterisation of Marine Benthic Taxa and Trophic Structure in Guernsey: Evaluating the Ecological Impact of Local Fisheries”

“My MSc Project provides the first comprehensive ecological assessment of marine biodiversity and trophic dynamics in the Bailiwick of Guernsey’s waters (Gulf of St Marlo). The study used mono-Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (mono-BRUVs) to investigate how varying fishing pressures is influencing benthic communities. By comparing sites with low, moderate, and high fishing intensity, I have established a baseline characterisation of community composition, and trophic structure essential for sustainable fisheries management and conservation in the Channel Islands.”

What type of research has it involved and what skills have you learned?

This observational study in the field of marine ecology integrates offshore fieldwork, advanced video analysis, and quantitative data processing. The project facilitated the development of key skills, including:

  • Designing and conducting in situ marine biodiversity surveys using GIS and mono-BRUVs technology, including assembling the units from scratch.
  • Performing systematic video analysis for species identification, estimating relative abundance, and measuring size.
  • Applying ecological indices such as species richness, diversity, evenness, and dominance.
  • Conducting statistical analyses, both univariate and multivariate, to assess group differences and relationships, utilizing R, Excel, ImageJ, and iNext for data processing, visualisation, and evaluation.
  • Critically reviewing scientific literature in line with systematic review standards (PRISMA).
  • Problem-solving field challenges, including adapting BRUVs deployment protocols and managing variable environmental conditions.

Communicating scientific findings effectively through the creation of public-facing ArcGIS Story Maps.

Were there any partners/stakeholders on your project?

The project was conducted with the support of the Nature Commission Guernsey, which awarded the research funding through the Strategy for Nature Fund. Close contributions from Guernsey Sea Fisheries and the Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services provided initial local knowledge. Additionally, local fishermen and biologists actively participated in the field work and species identification process.

Why should the public know about this topic?

Marine ecosystems form the foundation of food security, biodiversity, and local livelihoods, particularly in island communities like Guernsey. However, overfishing and environmental change threatens these fragile systems, potentially leading to environmental degradation and economic loss. Public awareness about the ecological impacts of fishing and the importance of marine conservation, has the potential to promote local policy changes to support sustainable practices that safeguard marine life and ensure the long-term viability of fisheries, cultural heritage, and wider environmental health.

What is the wider impact of your research?

This research establishes a scientifically robust baseline dataset critical for guiding future adaptive fisheries management in Guernsey. Its insights into how fishing pressure influences benthic species diversity and trophic dynamics provides evidence to support the creation of marine protected areas or policy changes (e.g. seasonal closures). The project highlights the value of non-destructive monitoring techniques and contributes towards BRUVs validation as a tool for trophic assessments, specifically in-relation to fisheries. Ultimately, it aids in balancing ecological sustainability with the socioeconomic needs of local fishing communities, alongside emerging global challenges such as warming sea temperatures and resource depletion in small scale territories.

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Comments from Head of School:

“We’re all especially proud of Eve and her research. She typifies everything you want in a student, someone who is ‘hungry’ to succeed, willing to learn, inquisitive, and problem solves.

She worked with local stakeholders such as fishermen, and the Nature Commission to understand the community composition in several sites in Guernsey.

In order for sustainable fisheries and management, a ‘whole community approach’ must be employed whereby fishermen’s voices are heard and listened. Working in a collaborative approach allows for sustainable quotas where scientists feedback to policy makers on the ‘state of the environment’. By employing BRUVs – Baited Remote Underwater Cameras in Guernsey’s waters, it allows for non-destructive methods for recording species presence and numbers (trophic assessment) in a particular site and, thereby, allowing for empirical advice to be ‘brought to the table’.

We thank all the local stakeholders for inputting into Eve’s research, which will be of benefit to Guernsey and its community”

Dr Awantha Dissanayake,
Head of School (Marine & Environmental Sciences)

Read more about Eve’s research here:
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